Configurable LO Generator for Multi-Channel Frequency Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency generation circuits in wireless communication devices often require multiple frequency sources to generate multiple carrier signal frequencies, leading to increased power consumption, design complexity, and susceptibility to oscillator pulling, especially when handling a plurality of wireless communication frequency channels.
Innovation Solution
A configurable Local-Oscillator (LO) generator that receives an input frequency signal and applies a configurable conversion ratio based on input values A, B, and N, using a combination of frequency mixers and programmable dividers in a feedback/feed-forward loop to generate multiple output frequency signals from a common frequency source, allowing simultaneous communication over multiple wireless communication frequency channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency sources are used to generate multiple carrier signal frequencies, then the ability to communicate over multiple wireless communication frequency channels is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple frequency generation functions into a single frequency generation circuit. The circuit uses a single voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and phase-locked loop (PLL) to generate multiple carrier signal frequencies by dynamically reconfiguring the frequency synthesis paths, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate frequency sources and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency generation circuit is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple frequency synthesis operations. By using programmable dividers and reconfigurable mixing stages, the same circuit hardware can generate different carrier frequencies for various wireless communication channels, making the circuit universal rather than dedicated to a single frequency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency sources are used to generate multiple carrier signal frequencies, then the ability to communicate over multiple wireless communication frequency channels is improved, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency generation functions into a single integrated circuit block. The frequency synthesis unit includes shared components such as a common VCO, PLL, and reconfigurable mixing/ dividing stages, which are controlled by a single control unit that dynamically adjusts the circuit configuration based on the required carrier frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency generation circuit employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the circuit topology and parameter settings change based on the desired output frequency. Programmable dividers and switches allow the circuit to adapt its internal configuration, enabling a single static hardware design to perform multiple frequency generation functions without requiring multiple dedicated circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency sources are used to generate multiple carrier signal frequencies, then the ability to communicate over multiple wireless communication frequency channels is improved, but susceptibility to oscillator pulling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single high-quality voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) for all frequency generation tasks rather than multiple separate oscillators. This centralized approach allows for better control and isolation of the oscillator core, reducing its susceptibility to pulling effects. The single VCO is protected from external interference by using it as a common reference for all frequency synthesis operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a phase-locked loop (PLL) as an intermediary between the VCO and the output frequency generation stages. The PLL acts as a buffer that isolates the VCO from frequency pulling effects that might occur in the mixing and dividing stages, thereby protecting the oscillator's frequency stability while still enabling multiple carrier frequency generation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a single frequency source is used to generate multiple carrier signal frequencies, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to generate multiple frequencies simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency generation circuit is designed with dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that allow it to switch between different frequency synthesis paths rapidly. The control unit can dynamically adjust the programmable dividers and mixing stages to generate different carrier frequencies on demand, enabling the single circuit to effectively serve multiple frequency channels with high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency synthesis function is segmented into multiple independent but shareable stages: a common VCO stage, programmable dividing stages, and mixing stages. Each stage can be independently configured through control signals, allowing the single circuit to generate multiple frequencies by selectively activating different combinations of these segmented functional blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of configurable frequency signal generation. For example, a device may include at least one configurable local-oscillator (LO) generator to receive an input frequency signal and one or more configurable input values and to convert the input frequency signal into at least one output frequency signal according to a configurable conversion ratio, which is based on the configurable input values.