
Originally Posted by
Joe Rocci
Chris,
For now, I only need to compare the first and last bits each time I update the SR. In the future, I might wat to look at intermediate bits. I can pick a PIC (say that a dozen times!!) with as much memory as I need, even an 18F part if that's what it takes, so no prob there. I think the primary limitation on how much other processing I can do will ultimately be determined by how much throughput is left (time). There are a few other tasks having to do with data acquisition (input)and disposal of the results (output), but they're minor as of now. Of course, the more horsepower that is left after the important job is done, the more 'feature creep' I can build in.
FYI, the application is a 'stabilizer' for a voltage controlled oscillator, similar to a PLL. It works by sampling the instantaneous oscillator state with a precise time base, and comparing the present state with the state "n" samples ago. The result of the sampling and comparison process is used to pump the oscillator fine-tuning voltage up or down until the oscillator locks onto the nearest 'comb' point. The spacing of comb points is determined by the sampling rate and the number of samples stored in the SR. It has the advantages of fine tuning resolution combined with fast acquisition and tracking speed, parameters that are usually mutually exclusive in a PLL synthesizer.
Thanks
Jjoe
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