DTC Pulse Edge Generation for Harmonic-Suppressing LO Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF transceivers face limitations in generating pulses with fine edge resolution and adjustable pulse width over a wide range of frequencies, making them unsuitable for local oscillator signals due to the limited accuracy and flexibility of delay-locked loops.
Innovation Solution
The use of digital-to-time converters (DTCs) and edge generation circuitry to generate pulse signals with precise width and location, combined with edge combination circuitry for flexible pulse generation, allowing for the creation of harmonic-suppressing local oscillator signals by inserting gaps in the duty cycle, thereby improving pulse width modulation and reducing unwanted harmonics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If delay-locked loops (DLLs) are used to generate pulses with controlled pulse width and location, then pulse width and location control is achieved, but accuracy and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analog delay-locked loop system with a digital-to-time converter (DTC) that uses digital control signals to generate precise time delays. The DTC converts digital pulse signals into precisely timed edge signals, eliminating the accuracy and flexibility limitations of traditional DLLs while enabling sub-picosecond resolution pulse generation across a wide frequency range.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional pulse generation methods are used, then simple circuit implementation is achieved, but fine edge resolution and adjustable pulse width over wide frequency range cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves fine edge resolution and adjustable pulse width by changing the digital control parameters fed to the DTC. By varying the digital pulse width and position parameters, the system can generate pulses with precise control over width and location without requiring complex analog circuitry, thus achieving high manufacturing precision through digital parameter adjustment rather than complex device design.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If gaps are inserted in local oscillator signal to suppress unwanted harmonics, then harmonic suppression is achieved, but pulse generation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes unwanted harmonic components from the local oscillator signal by inserting precisely controlled gaps in the pulse train. The DTC generates pulse edges with such precise timing control that gaps can be inserted at specific positions to eliminate harmonics while maintaining the desired fundamental frequency, thus reducing harmful factors without significantly increasing circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Pulse generation circuitry includes edge generation circuitry and edge combination circuitry. The edge generation circuitry includes a first digital-to-time converter (DTC) configured to input a first phase signal that includes a first phase edge and a second phase signal that includes a second phase edge. The edge generation circuitry is configured to generate a first pulse edge signal comprising a first pulse edge at a selected location between the first phase edge and the second phase edge. The edge combination circuitry is configured to combine the first pulse edge signal and a second pulse edge signal including a second pulse edge to generate a pulse signal.