Frequency-Control Circuit Using a Voltage-Controlled Delay Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency-control circuits in signal generation devices face challenges in achieving stable frequency output across wide voltage ranges, as they are either large and slow due to high RC compensation or difficult to design for constant frequency due to hysteretic voltage converters.
Innovation Solution
A frequency-control circuit comprising a pulse generator, frequency controller, charge pump, and voltage-controlled delay line, which generates a control signal to adjust the output signal frequency based on a comparison between a reference voltage and the output signal voltage, using flip-flops to detect frequency mismatches and adjust the control voltage to match the desired frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an operation amplifier circuit with large RC compensation is used to ensure stability, then the stability is improved, but the transient response becomes slow and the circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency control function from the traditional PWM controller and implements it separately using a voltage-controlled delay line. This allows the main PWM controller to operate without large RC compensation components, thereby improving transient response speed while maintaining stability through the separate frequency control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage-controlled delay line as an intermediary component between the PWM controller and the output stage. This delay line acts as a mediator that provides the necessary phase compensation and stability control without requiring large RC components, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and transient response speed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an operation amplifier circuit with large RC compensation is used to ensure stability, then the stability is improved, but the circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency control function from the traditional PWM controller and implements it separately using a voltage-controlled delay line. This allows the main PWM controller to operate without large RC compensation components, thereby improving transient response speed while maintaining stability through the separate frequency control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage-controlled delay line as an intermediary component between the PWM controller and the output stage. This delay line acts as a mediator that provides the necessary phase compensation and stability control without requiring large RC components, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and transient response speed.
3Area of moving object
If a hysteretic comparator is used to reduce circuit area, then the area is reduced, but the output frequency becomes variable and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a voltage-controlled delay line that can dynamically adjust its delay characteristic based on control voltage. This allows the circuit to maintain small area (like hysteretic converters) while achieving controllable and stable output frequency through dynamic adjustment of the delay parameter, resolving the contradiction between area reduction and frequency stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delay parameter of the delay line based on control voltage to achieve frequency control. By varying the delay parameter dynamically, the circuit maintains compact area while achieving stable and controllable output frequency, resolving the contradiction between area reduction and frequency stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional PWM control is used for wide voltage ranges, then voltage conversion is achieved, but the ripple frequency cannot be maintained across the entire voltage range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a voltage-controlled delay line that can dynamically adjust its delay characteristic based on control voltage. This allows the circuit to maintain small area (like hysteretic converters) while achieving controllable and stable output frequency through dynamic adjustment of the delay parameter, resolving the contradiction between area reduction and frequency stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delay parameter of the delay line based on control voltage to achieve frequency control. By varying the delay parameter dynamically, the circuit maintains compact area while achieving stable and controllable output frequency, resolving the contradiction between area reduction and frequency stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal generation device is provided to generate an output signal with constant frequency. The signal generation device includes a frequency-control circuit and a voltage-controlled delay line. The frequency-control circuit is arranged to charge/discharge a voltage-control node according to a comparison result signal. The voltage-controlled delay line is arranged to generate a control signal according to the comparison result signal and a control voltage of the voltage-control node to control the output signal. A frequency of the control signal is modulated by the voltage-controlled delay line according to the control voltage of the voltage-control node. The comparison result signal is generated according to a difference between a reference voltage and a voltage level of the output signal.