Frequency Divider Voltage Adjustment for PVT-Robust Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequency dividers in wireless communication devices are susceptible to failures due to variations in process, voltage, and temperature (PVT), leading to synthesizer unlock issues, especially in millimeter wave communication systems, and increasing supply voltage to mitigate this can unnecessarily consume power.
Innovation Solution
A frequency divider functionality detection and adjustment system that includes an auxiliary voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), multiplexers, a counter, and a controller to measure and adjust the supply voltage based on the divide ratio, ensuring optimal operation while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supply voltage is increased to mitigate PVT variations, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the supply voltage to the frequency divider based on measured divide ratio deviations. The controller monitors the actual divide ratio NMEAS and compares it with the target divide ratio NDIV, then adjusts the supply voltage accordingly to compensate for PVT variations. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains reliability without continuously operating at high voltage, thus reducing power consumption compared to static high-voltage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the counter measures the actual divide ratio NMEAS by comparing frequencies of the VCO signal and divider output signal. This measured value is fed back to the controller, which then adjusts the supply voltage to correct any deviations from the target divide ratio NDIV. This closed-loop feedback ensures the frequency divider maintains accurate operation under PVT variations without requiring excessive supply voltage, thereby optimizing the trade-off between reliability and power consumption.
2Manufacturing precision
If supply voltage is increased to ensure accurate divide ratio, then manufacturing precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the supply voltage to the frequency divider based on measured divide ratio deviations. The controller monitors the actual divide ratio NMEAS and compares it with the target divide ratio NDIV, then adjusts the supply voltage accordingly to compensate for PVT variations. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains manufacturing precision without continuously operating at high voltage, thus reducing power consumption compared to static high-voltage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the counter measures the actual divide ratio NMEAS by comparing frequencies of the VCO signal and divider output signal. This measured value is fed back to the controller, which then adjusts the supply voltage to correct any deviations from the target divide ratio NDIV. This closed-loop feedback ensures the frequency divider maintains accurate operation under PVT variations without requiring excessive supply voltage, thereby optimizing the trade-off between manufacturing precision and power consumption.
3Reliability
If frequency divider is made more robust against PVT variations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing circuit components for multiple purposes. The counter, which is already part of the PLL frequency synthesis system for generating LO signals, is additionally used to measure the divide ratio by comparing frequencies. The controller that manages the PLL operation also handles the divide ratio measurement and supply voltage adjustment. This multi-functionality approach enhances reliability without significantly increasing device complexity, as existing resources are leveraged rather than adding dedicated measurement circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency divider functionality detection and adjustment circuit includes an auxiliary voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) coupled to a first multiplexer (MUX), a programmable divider coupled to the first MUX, a second MUX coupled to the programmable divider, a counter coupled to the second MUX, and a controller coupled to the counter, the controller configured to adjust a supply voltage provided to the programmable divider based on a measured divide ratio, NMEAS.