Abstract: A multilayer circuit board having a central conductor and core layers between a first set of alternating layers and a second set of alternating layers. The central conductor includes a first compound via through the first set of alternating layers, and a second compound via through the second set of alternating layers. A gap extends from a first side of the multilayer circuit board to a second side of the multilayer circuit board. A first array of ground protrusions surrounds the gap and is arranged in a first pattern on the first side of the multilayer circuit board. A second array of ground protrusions surrounds the gap and is arranged in a second pattern on the second side of the multilayer circuit board. A ground path connects the first array of ground protrusions to the second array of ground protrusions.

Abstract: A multilayer circuit board having a central conductor and core layers between a first set of alternating layers and a second set of alternating layers. The central conductor includes a first compound via through the first set of alternating layers, and a second compound via through the second set of alternating layers. A gap extends from a first side of the multilayer circuit board to a second side of the multilayer circuit board. A first array of ground protrusions surrounds the gap and is arranged in a first pattern on the first side of the multilayer circuit board. A second array of ground protrusions surrounds the gap and is arranged in a second pattern on the second side of the multilayer circuit board. A ground path connects the first array of ground protrusions to the second array of ground protrusions.

Abstract: A programmable low noise frequency modulated signal source including a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) having a frequency locked loop (FLL) constituting a first feedback path and a phase lock loop (PLL) constituting a second feedback path is provided. The PLL includes a VCO, a programmable fractional-N frequency division network and a phase detector for comparing the phase of the VCO output signal with the phase of a reference signal and for producing an error signal to controllably adjust the output frequency of the VCO. The FLL includes a delay line frequency discriminator, a loop amplifier and filter to provide a feedback signal to a frequency control terminal of the VCO. The frequency discriminator includes a first signal path having a frequency sensitive time delay network to provide a phase shift as a function of the VCO output signal frequency and a second signal path which includes a voltage controlled phase shifting network.