An exact formula for the half-plane pull-in range of a PLL

A second-order phase-lock loop (PLL) that is based on a triangular-characteristic phase detector and imperfect-integrator loop filter is found in many applications where simplicity and economics are major considerations. For many of these applications, digital-logic-compatible reference and VCO signals are used, an exclusive-OR gate implements the phase detector, and the loop filter is constructed from passive components. When designing these loops, the half-plane pull-in range Ω₂ is of interest. Until now, this important loop parameter could only be calculated by using a computer-based technique that numerically integrated the nonlinear differential equation that describes the PLL model. This requirement/limitation is removed here by the development of an exact closed-form formula for Ω₂, the main contribution of this paper. More generally, the value of Ω₂ is dependent on the PLL phase detector characteristic that is used, be it triangular, sinusoidal, or something else. With regard to the value of Ω₂ produced, a comparison is given of two PLLs, both described by the same linear model so that the comparison is meaningful. The first PLL is based on a triangular-characteristic phase detector; the second loop is based on a sinusoidal phase detector.