Dual-Control Clock Synthesizer for Low-Jitter Frequency Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clock synthesizers face challenges in maintaining frequency stability due to imperfections and external conditions, leading to jitter, which conflicts with the need for higher operating speeds and reduced power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A clock synthesizer circuit with dual control, comprising a voltage control circuit and a frequency control circuit, that adjusts the oscillator's frequency and control voltage to maintain stability, using a phase locked loop and a comparator to ensure the frequency remains within the oscillator's supported range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the oscillator operates at higher frequencies to increase operating speed, then productivity is improved, but frequency stability deteriorates due to increased jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control voltage from the voltage control circuit is monitored by the frequency control circuit. When the control voltage deviates from the input voltage, the frequency control circuit generates a control signal to adjust the oscillator frequency, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains frequency stability even at higher operating speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the oscillator frequency parameter based on the control voltage level. By adjusting the frequency in response to voltage deviations, the system maintains stability across varying operating conditions while allowing high-speed operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If the oscillator uses low tuning sensitivity to reduce power consumption, then use of energy is improved, but frequency stability deteriorates due to reduced ability to counteract jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency control circuit acts as an intermediary between the voltage control circuit and the oscillator. It monitors the control voltage and generates appropriate control signals to adjust the oscillator frequency, enabling low-power operation while maintaining stability through intelligent frequency adjustments rather than relying solely on high tuning sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the oscillator frequency parameter based on feedback from the voltage control circuit. This allows the oscillator to operate with low tuning sensitivity and low power consumption while maintaining frequency stability through adaptive frequency adjustments
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control voltage deviates from the input voltage to adjust frequency, then frequency adjustment range is improved, but voltage stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency control circuit creates a feedback loop that monitors the control voltage and generates control signals to adjust the oscillator frequency. This feedback mechanism ensures that the control voltage remains close to the input voltage while still achieving the necessary frequency adjustments, maintaining both voltage stability and frequency adaptability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dual control mechanism effectively reduces jitter and maintains frequency stability even with oscillators of low tuning sensitivity, allowing for higher operating speeds while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage control circuit generates a control voltage to a second set of voltage controlled capacitors in the oscillator to adjust the frequency of the output signal
Implementation Method 2
The frequency control circuit generates a control signal to a first set of voltage controlled capacitors in the oscillator based on the control voltage and an input voltage to the frequency control circuit
Implementation Method 3
The oscillator produces an output signal with a frequency
Implementation Method 4
The oscillator includes a first set of voltage controlled capacitors and a second set of voltage controlled capacitors. A capacitance of the first set of voltage controlled capacitors varies based on the control voltage. A capacitance of the second set of voltage controlled capacitors varies based on the control signal
Implementation Method 5
The control signal causes the oscillator to adjust the frequency of the output signal such that the voltage control circuit adjusts the control voltage to be closer to the input voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes circuits (e.g., clock synthesizers) and methods for producing alternating signals. A clock synthesizer includes an oscillator, a voltage control circuit, and a frequency control circuit. The oscillator produces an output signal with a frequency. The voltage control circuit produces a control voltage for the oscillator based on the frequency of the output signal. The frequency control circuit produces a control signal for the oscillator based on (i) an input voltage to the frequency control circuit and (ii) the control voltage. The control signal causes the oscillator to adjust the frequency of the output signal such that the voltage control circuit adjusts the control voltage to be closer to the input voltage.