Features:
- Programmable
- High Precision
- Low Jitter
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Digitally Controlled Delay Line is a microwave component that can control the time delay amount through digital signals. Its implementation principle is to adjust the internal switching network or change the signal path length, thereby precisely controlling the signal propagation delay. Compared to traditional mechanical delay lines and fixed delay cables, digitally controlled delay lines offer significant advantages.
1. High precision: The digitally controlled delay line can achieve fine delay steps through digital control, typically reaching a resolution of 1 ps or even 0.5ps.
2. Broadband: Digital delay lines typically operate from DC to several tens of GHz (e.g., 40GHz) and maintain good delay flatness over a wide frequency range.
3. Large dynamic range: The digital step delay line can achieve an adjustable range from 0ps to several nanoseconds (e.g., 10ns or above), covering a wide variety of applications.
4. Programmable control: The digitally controlled delay line can be programmed through standard digital interfaces such as SPI, I2C, or parallel control, offering high flexibility for system integration.
Taking the test application as an example, the digital delay line can be used for: Simulating signal propagation delays – to measure the timing margin and pulse response of a Device Under Test (DUT). Calibrating the test system – to align phase and timing, ensuring measurement accuracy and consistency. In addition, in phased array radar and 5G communication systems, digital delay lines are used for: Beamforming and beam steering – to control the direction of the antenna array beam.
Qualwave supplies broadband and high dynamic range digitally controlled delay lines with frequencies up to 18 GHz. The delay step can be as low as 1.25ps, and the total delay range can reach 25ns or even more. Our digitally controlled delay lines feature good quality and high reliability.

Part Number |
Frequency(GHz, min.) |
Frequency(GHz, max.) |
Delay Range(ps) |
Step(ps) |
Accuracy(+/-) |
Insertion Loss(dB, max.) |
VSWR(max.) |
Switching Time(nS, max.) |
Power(dBm, max.) |
Lead Time(weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QDDL-100-18000-78.75-1.25 | 0.1 | 18 | 1.25~78.75 | 1.25 | 4 | 10typ. | 1.8typ. | 25 | 24typ. | 3~6 |