Charge Pump Regulator Isolation for Symmetric PLL Current Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art charge pumps in phase-lock-loop (PLL) systems suffer from asymmetric current supply due to different transistors used, leading to disturbances in the regulator, which disrupts symmetry and causes undesirable regulation during UP and DOWN current events.
Innovation Solution
A charge pump circuit with a switching mechanism that isolates the regulator during UP or DOWN signal inputs, preventing regulator activity during asymmetric current events by using P-channel and N-channel transistors with inverters and a switching mechanism to control current paths, ensuring the regulator is blocked from influencing the current source during sourcing or sinking modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a regulator is used to regulate output nodes in a charge pump, then voltage stability is improved, but asymmetric current events cause disturbances that disrupt regulator symmetry and cause undesirable regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The disturbing element (regulator) is temporarily extracted from the circuit by placing it in a high-impedance state during asymmetric current events. This removes the regulator from the active circuit path, preventing it from being disturbed by asymmetric currents while maintaining voltage stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator's impedance state is dynamically changed based on operational conditions. During asymmetric current events (UP or DOWN signals), the regulator is switched to a high-impedance state to isolate it from disturbances. During normal balanced operation, it returns to its active regulation state, creating a dynamic system that adapts to different operational phases.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the regulator remains active during asymmetric current events, then continuous voltage regulation is maintained, but the regulator is disrupted by asymmetric currents causing undesirable regulation behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active regulation states during balanced operation and high-impedance isolation states during asymmetric current events. This periodic switching ensures the regulator remains reliable by preventing disturbance accumulation while maintaining overall continuous voltage control through coordinated operation with the charge pump phases.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment described is a charge pump arrangement that includes a regulator to regulate signals associated with two output nodes. A switching mechanism may be coupled to the regulator. The switching mechanism is to interrupt the regulator.