Clock Rate Adjustment for RF Channel Interference Avoidance
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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 components or difficult to implement due to variability in clock sources and environments, and they do not adapt to changing interference factors.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor radio frequency channel quality metrics to dynamically adjust the rate of clock signals used by clocked components, thereby reducing RFI by moving the frequency or harmonics of the clock-generated RF signal away from the RF channel frequencies, using a channel monitor and clock control system to incrementally adjust clock signal rates based on real-time interference conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If clock signal frequency is adjusted to avoid RFI collisions, then RFI interference is reduced, but the deterministic list of safe frequencies cannot adapt to varying factors affecting clock generated RFI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring RF channel quality metrics and automatically modifying clock signal frequencies in real-time. This dynamic approach replaces static deterministic lists with an adaptive system that responds to actual interference conditions, allowing the clock frequency to vary based on current RF environment and channel quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where RF channel quality metrics are monitored and fed back to the clock control system. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether frequency adjustment is needed and by how much, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes clock frequency to minimize RFI while adapting to varying conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If clock jitter is introduced to spread frequency spectrum, then RFI is reduced, but precise clock signals required by display components cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts clock frequency based on actual RF interference conditions rather than introducing random jitter. The frequency modification is deterministic and controlled, changing only when and by how much the RF channel quality metric indicates interference, thereby maintaining precision when needed while reducing RFI when present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the clock signal in a controlled manner based on monitored RF conditions. Rather than using jitter to spread the spectrum, the system shifts the central frequency to avoid collisions with RF channels, achieving RFI reduction while preserving the stability and precision required by clocked components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If VCO frequency is adjusted by changing voltage, then clock frequency can be modified, but manufacturing variations and aging make it difficult to meet precise frequency requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from RF channel quality monitoring to automatically adjust VCO voltage and compensate for frequency deviations. This closed-loop control counteracts manufacturing variations and aging effects by continuously measuring the actual frequency impact on RF channels and adjusting the VCO accordingly, maintaining frequency accuracy despite hardware variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the voltage parameter applied to the VCO based on monitored RF conditions and detected frequency deviations. This allows the system to adapt the clock frequency in real-time to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and aging, achieving both adjustability and precision through parameter modulation.
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.