Frequency-Agile Phase Modulator With Glitch-Free Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase modulator architectures are limited in their ability to operate over multiple frequency bands due to glitches, which increase size, weight, complexity, power consumption, and cost, while also degrading modulation accuracy and spectral noise floor.
Innovation Solution
A Frequency-Agile Phase Modulator with Glitch-Free Multiplexer implemented in CMOS Process Technologies, utilizing a reconfigurable delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit and a frequency-agile multiplexer circuit to enable a single transmitter to operate across a wide frequency range without glitches, by adjusting the effective delay line length and using a glitch-free clock signal to manage phase select data transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase modulators are used to cover multiple frequency bands, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal phase modulator that can operate across multiple frequency bands (2.2-10.4 GHz) by using a reconfigurable delay-locked loop and frequency-agile multiplexer. This single multi-functional modulator replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate modulators for different frequency bands, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining broad frequency coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the delay line length and multiplexer settings based on the desired frequency band. The system dynamically adjusts its internal parameters (delay line length, multiplexer configuration) to optimize performance for the currently selected frequency band, enabling a single modulator to adaptively cover multiple bands without the fixed architecture limitations of traditional designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digitally-intensive phase modulator circuits are used to cover multiple frequency bands, then frequency agility is improved, but glitch generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carefully designed multiplexer circuit that acts as an intermediary between the digital control signals and the analog RF signal path. This multiplexer is specifically engineered to minimize glitch generation during frequency transitions by using controlled switching mechanisms that prevent abrupt signal changes, thereby mediating between the need for digital frequency agility and the requirement for clean analog output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of the delay line and multiplexer settings before actual frequency transitions occur. By pre-configuring the appropriate delay line length and multiplexer states in advance of the frequency change, the system prepares the signal path to minimize transitions and glitches during the actual frequency switching event.
3Measurement precision
If current architectures are used to prevent glitches, then modulation accuracy is improved, but maximum phase transition is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase transition capabilities where the maximum phase transition angle can be adjusted based on the selected frequency band and operational requirements. The reconfigurable delay line and multiplexer work together to enable larger phase transitions at certain frequencies while maintaining modulation accuracy through controlled switching mechanisms, thus dynamically adapting the phase transition range rather than being limited to a fixed maximum.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmitters are used to cover multiple frequency bands, then frequency coverage is improved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transmitter architecture where a single phase modulator can operate across multiple frequency bands (2.2-10.4 GHz), replacing the need for multiple separate transmitters. This multi-functional approach significantly reduces the overall system weight while maintaining the capability to cover multiple frequency bands required for radar, communication, and telemetry applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency-agile phase modulator with glitch-free multiplexer in CMOS process technologies for applications including wireless communications, radar, automotive radar, etc. Examples herein offer a novel phase modulator architecture that, when combined with either a wideband power amplifier or multiple narrowband amplifiers, allows for a single transmitter to transmit radar, communication, telemetry, or other similar waveforms across multiple frequency bands. The embodiments herein allow one transmitter to cover a very large operating frequency range, resulting in a decrease in size, weight, power consumption, and cost for future “small” platform systems. In an embodiment, the phase modulator circuit includes a reconfigurable delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit that is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) input signal (RFin) and a configuration signal. The phase modulator circuit also includes a frequency-agile, glitch-free multiplexer circuit configured to receive an oversampled baseband clock signal (clkOBB) and a phase select data input signal.