Adaptive Oscillator Signal Stabilization for RF Frequency Dividers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Frequency dividers in radio transceivers are prone to errors due to signal level variations, which can lead to distorted oscillator signals, especially in devices with wide frequency ranges, and conventional solutions like high signal levels increase power consumption, a critical issue in battery-dependent devices.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive compensation circuit stabilizes oscillator signals by adjusting the quality factor of a resonator based on the frequency of the oscillator signal, ensuring a stable input to frequency dividers, thereby reducing power consumption and improving performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a high fixed signal level is provided to the frequency divider to compensate for signal variation, then the frequency division accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency division accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the signal level adaptive rather than fixed. The compensation circuit dynamically adjusts the signal level based on the actual signal variation conditions, allowing the system to provide high signal levels only when necessary for frequency division accuracy, and reduce power consumption when signal variation is minimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of signal level from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The compensation circuit modifies the signal level parameter adaptively to match the actual signal variation, achieving frequency division accuracy while minimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a high fixed signal level is provided to the frequency divider, then the frequency division performance is improved in some cases, but the performance becomes highly variable across wide frequency ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency division performanceVSAvoidfrequency range coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the signal level dynamic and adaptive to different frequency ranges. The compensation circuit adjusts the signal level based on the operating frequency, ensuring consistent frequency division performance across wide frequency ranges rather than relying on a fixed high signal level that may be excessive for some frequencies and insufficient for others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the signal level parameter based on the operating frequency. The compensation circuit modifies the signal level to match the specific frequency range requirements, achieving reliable frequency division performance while maintaining adaptability across wide frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the oscillator signal level is allowed to vary with temperature and frequency, then the power consumption is reduced, but the frequency divider produces distorted output signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoscillator signal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a compensation circuit as an intermediary between the oscillator and the frequency divider. This compensation circuit receives the varying oscillator signal and adjusts it to provide a stable signal level to the frequency divider, preventing signal distortion while allowing the oscillator to operate at lower power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional approach of using a high fixed signal level from the oscillator with an electronic compensation mechanism. The compensation circuit electronically adjusts the signal level to compensate for temperature and frequency variations, achieving reliable frequency division without requiring high oscillator power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively stabilizes oscillator signals, reducing errors in frequency dividers and minimizing power consumption, especially in devices operating over wide frequency ranges, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of radio transceiver operations.

Implementation Method 1

stabilizing variations of the oscillator by adjusting the quality factor of a resonator included in an adaptive compensation circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2140549B1Oscillator signal stabilization
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2140549B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2140549B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2140549B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An oscillator signal stabilization method is provided for a radio transceiver, for example. In the present stabilization method, amplitude variation of a radio frequency oscillator signal generated by a frequency-adjustable oscillator signal generator is stabilized in an adaptive compensation circuit having adjustable compensation parameters. The stabilized oscillator signal is fed from the compensation circuit to one or more frequency dividers for frequency division. The compensation circuit is configured to stabilize signal variations caused by component non-idealities and, thereby, prevent undesired frequency division errors in the frequency dividers.