Delay-Chain Wobulated Signal Generator for Locking Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital wobulated signal generators face challenges in regulating their frequency to prevent locking phenomena and maintain a consistent output, especially when the average frequency deviates from a targeted central frequency.
Innovation Solution
A digital wobulated signal generator comprising a chain of delay elements and control circuitry that enables and disables specific delay elements based on monitored average frequency, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the delay elements to maintain a consistent output frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of delay elements is fixed, then the circuit structure is simple, but the frequency cannot be dynamically adjusted to prevent locking phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of delay elements by enabling or disabling specific elements in the delay chain based on the current operating state. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the number of active delay elements to modify the oscillation period and prevent locking phenomena, transforming a static circuit into a dynamically adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit monitors the oscillation signal and uses this feedback to determine when to adjust the number of active delay elements. By detecting the current frequency and period characteristics, the control circuit applies feedback control to maintain operation within the desired frequency range and prevent locking.
2Reliability
If the average frequency deviates from the targeted central frequency, then frequency variation can occur, but locking phenomena may ensue without proper regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the oscillation signal characteristics and compares them against desired operating parameters. When deviation is detected, the feedback mechanism triggers adjustments to the delay element configuration, automatically correcting frequency drift and preventing locking phenomena without requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically detecting frequency deviations and adjusting its own operating parameters through the control circuit. The generator monitors its own output and makes necessary adjustments to maintain stable operation, eliminating the need for external frequency regulation mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If delay elements are selectively enabled and disabled, then frequency regulation is achieved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delay chain is segmented into multiple individual delay elements that can be independently controlled. By dividing the delay function into discrete segments, the circuit can precisely adjust the total delay by enabling or disabling specific segments, achieving fine-grained frequency control through combinatorial configuration of delay elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different delay elements in the chain can have different characteristics or be controlled differently, allowing local optimization of the delay profile. The control circuit can selectively activate specific delay elements based on the required frequency adjustment, applying different delay characteristics in different parts of the chain to achieve precise frequency regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wobulated signal generator includes a chain of delay elements and control circuitry. The chain of delay elements includes first delay elements, second delay elements, and third delay elements. The control circuitry, in operation, enables a number of the first delay elements, disables a number of the third delay elements, and enables a selected number of the second delay elements, defining a period of time between two consecutive rising edges of a digital wobulated signal at an output of the wobulated signal generator. The control circuitry monitors an average frequency of the digitally wobulated signal, and selectively modifies the number of enabled first delay elements and the number of disabled third delay elements based on the monitored average frequency of the digitally wobulated signal.