Digital Frequency Regulator for Arbitrary Frequency Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase-locked loops in integrated circuit chips require numerous analog circuits, leading to high area and power consumption, and are limited in generating arbitrary frequencies, which hinders miniaturization and adaptability in the Internet of Things era.
Innovation Solution
A frequency regulator comprising a signal processing circuit that generates a frequency control word from an input frequency and a frequency regulating coefficient, allowing for arbitrary frequency synthesis using a pure digital circuit with a time-average-frequency direct period synthesizer, reducing area and power consumption while enabling high-precision and high-stability output signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a phase-locked loop is used for frequency synthesis, then frequency generation capability is provided, but area and power consumption increase due to numerous analog circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional analog phase-locked loop system with a purely digital frequency regulator system. The digital signal processing circuit processes frequency control words and generates output frequencies through digital logic operations, eliminating the need for analog components such as voltage-controlled oscillators, phase detectors, and loop filters. This substitution of analog with digital architecture directly reduces chip area while maintaining frequency synthesis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from analog voltage/frequency domains to digital word/domain representations. Frequency is represented as a frequency control word (FCW) rather than an analog voltage, and frequency synthesis is achieved through digital arithmetic operations on these words. This parameter transformation enables area-efficient implementation while preserving the essential frequency generation function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a phase-locked loop is used for frequency synthesis, then frequency generation is achieved, but power consumption increases due to numerous analog circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-hungry analog circuits with low-power digital logic. The digital frequency regulator uses combinatorial logic and simple sequential elements that consume significantly less power than analog components like voltage-controlled oscillators and phase detectors. This substitution directly addresses the power consumption issue while maintaining frequency synthesis functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the power-consuming analog circuitry from the frequency synthesis system, retaining only the essential frequency generation function through digital means. By taking out the analog components (phase detector, loop filter, VCO) and replacing them with digital logic, the system achieves the same functionality with reduced power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a phase-locked loop is used, then frequency generation is provided, but frequency flexibility is limited and cannot generate arbitrary frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic frequency control mechanism where the frequency control word can be freely programmed to generate any desired output frequency. The digital architecture allows real-time reconfiguration of the frequency synthesis parameters without hardware changes, providing maximum frequency flexibility. The system can adapt to different frequency requirements by simply changing the input frequency control word.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital frequency regulator is designed as a universal frequency synthesis system that can generate any frequency within its operating range. The same digital circuitry handles all frequency synthesis tasks through software-programmable parameters, making it universally applicable to different frequency requirements without requiring dedicated hardware for each frequency, thus managing complexity efficiently.
4Adaptability or versatility
If analog circuits are used in phase-locked loops, then frequency synthesis is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes analog circuit implementation with digital circuit implementation, which is generally more cost-effective for manufacturing. Digital logic can be more easily fabricated using standard CMOS processes, requires fewer precision components, and benefits from better scalability and integration. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the frequency synthesis function.
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency regulator and a frequency regulating method thereof, and an electronic device are disclosed. The frequency regulator includes: a signal processing circuit configured to generate a frequency control word according to a frequency regulating coefficient and an input frequency; and a frequency regulating circuit configured to receive the frequency control word and to generate and output an output signal having a target frequency according to the frequency control word. The frequency regulating coefficient is an arbitrary positive real number and is expressed as M.m, M is an integer portion of the frequency regulating coefficient and is a natural number, and m is a decimal portion of the frequency regulating coefficient.