A transmitter for a wireless handset having a modified translation loop architecture. The transmitter includes a VCO that generates a modulated transmit signal having a frequency f_Tx, and a modulated signal source that generates a modulated LO signal with a frequency f_LO. A mixer mixes the transmit signal with the LO signal to produce an IF signal having a frequency f_IF. A first divider divides the LO signal frequency f_LO by an integer M to generate a first comparison signal having a frequency f_CF. A second divider divides the IF signal frequency f_IF, after it is multiplied by an integer K, by an integer N to generate a second comparison signal having a frequency f_CF. The transmit and LO signal frequencies have the relationship ##EQU1##

A phase detector coupled to the first and second comparison signals compares the phases of the signals and outputs a control voltage to the VCO proportional to any phase differences between the signals.