Configurable reset circuit for a phase-locked loop

Abstract

A method of eliminating a runaway condition in a PLL includes the steps of: determining whether the PLL is locked to an input reference signal; when the PLL is not locked to the input reference signal, determining whether a frequency of an output signal generated by the PLL exceeds a prescribed maximum frequency; and when the frequency of the output signal generated by the PLL exceeds the prescribed maximum frequency, resetting the PLL to thereby eliminate the runaway condition.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention relates generally to the electrical and electronic arts, and more particularly relates to phased-locked loop (PLL) circuits.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]A PLL is a well-known frequency-selective feedback control system which is adapted to generate a signal that can synchronize with a reference input signal and closely track the frequency changes which may be associated with the input signal. PLLs are utilized in numerous applications, including, for example, communication, telemetry and data-recovery systems.[0003]The range of frequencies over which the PLL can maintain synchronization with an input signal is typically defined as the tracking range, or lock range, of the system. This is different from the range of frequencies over which the PLL can first synchronize with the incoming signal, the latter range of frequencies being typically known as the capture range, or acquisition range, of the PLL. The capture range is charact...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides circuits, methods, and techniques for detecting and eliminating runaway in a PLL, even over variations in PVT conditions. This is achieved by a detector that receives an output signal of the PLL and generates a signal indicative of a difference between a prescribed maximum frequency and a frequency of the output signal. A controller then determines whether the PLL is locked to an input reference signal and, if not, checks if the frequency of the output signal exceeds the prescribed maximum frequency. If there is a runaway condition, the controller resets the PLL to eliminate it. This invention helps to improve the stability and reliability of electronic systems that use a PLL."

Problems solved by technology

Generally, the larger the tracking range of the PLL, the worse is the performance of the PLL.

However, a narrow tracking range does not allow the PLL to maintain synchronization with the incoming signal over fluctuations in the frequency of the incoming signal, in addition to variations in operating conditions and / or manufacturing characteristics to which the PLL may be subjected, such as, for example, process, voltage supply and / or temperature (PVT).

A problem exists in the use of PLL circuits for certain applications, such as, for example, frequency multiplication, wherein the PLL output overshoots the targeted operating frequency and comes out of lock.

Unfortunately, over a range of PVT variations to which the PLL may be subjected, when this threshold for detecting a runaway condition is set too high, there is a significant risk that the occurrence of a runaway condition will never be detected.

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