Injection-Locked Frequency Divider Tuning for Low-Latency PLL Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequency synthesizing apparatuses in ultra-high frequency bands face challenges with high initial latency and power consumption due to the time required for frequency matching and increased power demand in injection locked frequency dividers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a replica frequency divider with the same circuit configuration as the injection locked frequency divider, allowing for independent determination of control values for self-oscillation, and distributing the injection locking signal to delay cells for low output voltage-controlled oscillators to reduce power consumption and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an injection locked frequency divider is used to divide injection frequency in a phase locked loop, then wide frequency range operation is achieved, but initial latency increases due to time required for frequency matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the control value using a replica frequency divider before the main injection locked frequency divider begins its frequency search. The replica divider, having the same circuit configuration, performs the control value determination independently and in advance, so that when the main divider needs to lock to a frequency, the optimal control value is already available, eliminating the time-consuming frequency search process and reducing initial latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an injection locked frequency divider is used to achieve wide frequency range operation, then frequency versatility is improved, but power consumption increases due to output voltage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a replica frequency divider that is an exact copy of the main injection locked frequency divider in terms of circuit configuration. This replica serves as a testbed or model to determine the control value without affecting the main divider's operation. By copying the circuit structure, the system can find the optimal control parameters in advance, allowing the main divider to operate efficiently at the desired frequency with minimal power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If control value is determined by temperature and supply voltage for the injection locked frequency divider, then frequency accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the replica frequency divider automatically determine the control value based on the actual temperature and supply voltage conditions without requiring external intervention or complex control logic. The replica divider self-adjusts and finds the appropriate control value that compensates for environmental variations, and this determined value is then applied to the main divider. This approach achieves frequency accuracy compensation while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
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
This approach reduces initial latency and power consumption while enabling efficient frequency synthesis in ultra-high frequency bands, allowing for faster tuning and lower power operation.
Implementation Method 1
The injection locked frequency divider which divides an injection frequency can be designed using an injection locking phenomenon which occurs in a sub-harmonic.
Data Source
AI summary
A technology related to an electronic circuit, specifically, a phase locked loop or a frequency synthesizing apparatus, is disclosed. The frequency synthesizing apparatus includes an injection locked frequency divider and a replica frequency divider having the same circuit configuration as the injection locked frequency divider. A control value required for self-oscillating at a target frequency using the replica frequency divider is determined. When the injection locked frequency divider fails injection locking on a first attempt, the injection locking may be attempted using the determined control value. On the first attempt, the control value of the injection locked frequency divider may be determined and stored in advance according to a temperature and a supply voltage.