Clock Oscillator Inductive Source Swing for Low-Voltage Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillators face challenges in generating oscillator signals effectively due to zero voltage at the source of transistors, leading to difficulties in small signal modes and increased phase noise, especially when directly coupled to reference ground.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first inductive device with mutual inductance between the first inductor and the voltage circuit, which provides a voltage swing at the source of the transistor, and a frequency adjustment circuit to adjust capacitance, facilitating a higher gate-to-source voltage and alleviating phase noise by maintaining a square-like waveform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the source of the transistor is directly coupled to reference ground, then the circuit structure is simple, but the voltage at the source is zero which causes difficulty in generating oscillator signals and increases phase noise
Solution Approach 1:
An inductive device is introduced as an intermediary component between the transistor source and reference ground. This inductor provides a voltage swing at the source node without requiring direct ground coupling, enabling oscillator signal generation while maintaining circuit simplicity. The inductive impedance allows AC signal passage while blocking DC, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and signal generation capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the transistor operates in sub-threshold region or under low supply voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to generate oscillator signals effectively deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the transistor by introducing an inductive device that creates voltage swing at the source. This voltage swing effectively increases the gate-to-source voltage amplitude, allowing the transistor to operate effectively in sub-threshold region or under low supply voltage conditions while still generating oscillator signals. The inductive impedance transformation enables low-power operation without sacrificing oscillation capability.
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
Enhances the generation of oscillator signals by maintaining a higher gate-to-source voltage and reducing phase noise, allowing the oscillator to operate efficiently even in sub-threshold regions and under low supply voltages.
Implementation Method 1
In some embodiments, an oscillator includes an oscillator circuit and a voltage circuit. The voltage circuit is configured to, in a small signal mode, provide a voltage swing at a source of a first transistor, a gate-to-source voltage of the first transistor being associated with whether the oscillator is able to generate an oscillator signal
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a first inductive device with mutual inductance between the first inductor and the voltage circuit, which provides a voltage swing at the source of the transistor, and a frequency adjustment circuit to adjust capacitance, facilitating a higher gate-to-source voltage and alleviating phase noise by maintaining a square-like waveform
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator includes an oscillator circuit and a voltage circuit. The oscillator circuit includes a first transistor. The voltage circuit is configured to, in a small signal mode, provide a voltage swing at a source of the first transistor, a gate-to-source voltage of the first transistor being associated with whether the oscillator is able to generate an oscillator signal.