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Reference.org
Phase detector
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<p>A phase detector or phase comparator is a <a href="/facts/Frequency_mixer/RopD2DxD">frequency mixer</a>, <a href="/facts/Analog_multiplier/IGEmghdC">analog multiplier</a> or <a href="/facts/Digital_logic/RHLulvKI">logic</a> circuit that generates a signal which represents the difference in phase between two signal inputs. </p><p>The phase detector is an essential element of the <a href="/facts/Phase-locked_loop/sgmca8aQ">phase-locked loop</a> (PLL). Detecting phase difference is important in other applications, such as <a href="/facts/Electric_motor/ArD7BGDa">motor</a> control, <a href="/facts/Radar/jk9BTbFA">radar</a> and <a href="/facts/Telecommunication_system/5t3Ys2DI">telecommunication systems</a>, <a href="/facts/Servomechanism/lS3l6sY2">servo</a> mechanisms, and <a href="/facts/Demodulator/GFLGoxFl">demodulators</a>. </p>