Clock Signal Frequency Adjustment for RF Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing radio frequency interference (RFI) generated by clock signals in electronic devices are either ineffective for precise clock requirements or fail to adapt to varying environmental factors, leading to suboptimal RF channel reception characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically monitor RF channel quality metrics and adjust the rate of clock signals used by clocked components to minimize interference, allowing for real-time adjustments based on actual RF channel usage and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clock signal frequency is adjusted to avoid RFI collisions, then RF channel reception quality improves, but the deterministic safe frequency list does not adapt to varying environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring RF channel quality metrics and adapting the clock frequency in real-time based on current environmental conditions, replacing the static deterministic frequency list with a dynamic adaptation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors RF channel quality metrics and uses this feedback to determine when and how to adjust the clock frequency, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying environmental factors
2Object-generated harmful factors
If clock jitter is introduced to spread frequency spectrum, then clock-generated RFI is reduced, but precision requirements of clocked components such as display components are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the clock frequency parameter dynamically based on RF channel conditions rather than using fixed frequency spreading through jitter, allowing precision components to receive stable clock signals while still avoiding RFI through frequency selection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If RF shielding is provided to reduce RFI effects, then RFI impact on RF components is reduced, but the solution does not address interference at unshielded points such as antenna
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the RFI problem from the physical domain (shielding) and addresses it at the signal source (clock frequency), removing the harmful interference at its origin rather than attempting to block it physically
4Object-generated harmful factors
If PLL or VCO is required to produce clock signal at desired frequency from safe list, then frequency collision is avoided, but manufacturing variations and aging make it difficult to meet the exact frequency requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by monitoring RF channel quality and automatically tuning the clock frequency to optimal values, compensating for manufacturing variations and aging without requiring external calibration or precise initial frequency selection
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
This approach improves RF channel reception quality by reducing clock-generated RFI, enhancing signal reliability and reducing the need for costly RF shielding, while accommodating variations in clock source accuracy and environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
The frequency of the clock signal provided by a VCO may be adjusted by the voltage applied to the VCO
Implementation Method 2
The one or more clock signals may be generated by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) or a phase lock loop (PLL)
Implementation Method 3
The crystal oscillator provides a base clock signal of a fundamental frequency, which may be multiplied and/or divided to generate the required frequency of the clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and system are described for adjusting the frequency of one or more clock signals used by a device. The one or more clock signals are adjusted by a determined amount when a channel quality metric of an RF channel in use by the device indicates a degradation in the reception quality. A radio frequency channel quality metric (RF metric) of a radio frequency channel in use is monitored by a device; a clock signal used by a clocked component of the device is determined as a target clock signal to adjust when the RF metric violates a threshold; a clock adjustment is determined to apply to the target clock signal; a rate of the target clock signal is adjusted according to the clock adjustment; followed by a step of returning to monitor the RF metric of the radio frequency channel or an RF metric of another radio frequency channel in use by the device.