Frequency Sampling Phase Detection Without Power-Hungry Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase-locked loops, particularly in mobile devices, face high power consumption due to the presence of frequency dividers, which are substantial contributors to overall power usage, especially in dividers with larger factors.
Innovation Solution
A frequency sampling phase detector is introduced, comprising a phase detector coupled with sample and hold circuitry, which reduces the frequency of the input signal for proportional and linear phase detection, thereby reducing power consumption by eliminating or minimizing the need for frequency dividers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If frequency dividers are used in conventional phase-locked loops, then frequency control functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the frequency divider component from the conventional phase-locked loop circuit. By eliminating the frequency divider, the invention directly reduces the major source of power consumption while maintaining frequency control functionality through an alternative frequency sampling approach that compares phases at a single frequency point without requiring division of the input signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the phase detector perform multiple functions: it simultaneously determines phase difference and enables frequency control without requiring a separate frequency divider. The frequency sampling phase detector universally handles both phase comparison and frequency synthesis tasks, reducing overall circuit complexity and power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequency dividers with large factors are used, then frequency synthesis capability is improved, but power consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the phase detector to work at a single frequency sampling point rather than requiring multiple divided frequencies. By adjusting the phase detector to perform accurate phase comparison at the full input frequency, the system achieves frequency synthesis capability without needing large-factor frequency dividers, thereby reducing power consumption significantly.
3Measurement precision
If conventional phase detectors operate at high frequencies, then phase detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional high-frequency analog phase detection mechanism with a frequency sampling approach that uses digital or mixed-signal techniques. By substituting the continuous high-frequency analog comparison with sampled phase measurement, the system maintains phase detection accuracy while operating at lower power consumption levels suitable for mobile devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an apparatus for determining the phase difference between a reference frequency signal and an input signal. The frequency sampling phase detector of the present invention may include a phase detector coupled with sample and hold circuitry. The frequency sampling phase detector of the present invention may reduce the frequency of an input signal suitable for proportional and linear phase detection by the phase detector. Advantageously, the frequency sampling phase detector of the present invention may reduce power consumption over conventional phase detectors in combination with frequency dividers.