Injection-Locked LO Generator for Low-Noise Odd-Division Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LO generators face challenges in generating high-frequency LO signals with low phase noise efficiently, particularly in radar and wireless communication systems, often requiring complex structures and high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of an LO generator with a plurality of frequency sources and an Injection-Locked Frequency Divider (ILFD) to generate an LO signal with improved phase noise, reducing the need for additional components like transformers and buffers, thus minimizing circuit complexity and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional LO generation methods are used to generate high-frequency LO signals, then the LO signal can be generated, but the phase noise is high and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LO generation function into multiple independent frequency sources (first frequency source and second frequency source) operating at different frequencies. Each source generates signals with lower phase noise at its respective frequency, and these segmented sources are combined through mixing to produce the final high-frequency LO signal with ultra-low phase noise, avoiding the need for a single high-power high-frequency oscillator
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/approach of using a single high-frequency oscillator with an electronic signal processing approach. Instead of directly generating the high-frequency LO signal with one oscillator, the system uses multiple lower-frequency oscillators whose outputs are electronically combined through mixing and frequency multiplication, achieving lower phase noise and power consumption
2Measurement precision
If additional components like transformers and buffers are added to improve LO signal quality, then the phase noise can be reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple frequency sources and their output combining into a unified LO generation architecture. The first and second frequency sources are combined through a mixer to generate the final LO signal, eliminating the need for separate transformers and buffer stages that would be required if traditional single-source approaches were used. This merging reduces circuit complexity while achieving ultra-low phase noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional frequency synthesis system where the same circuit architecture can generate LO signals at multiple different frequencies by changing the input frequencies of the two frequency sources. The mixer and frequency multiplication circuitry serve universal purposes for generating LO signals across different frequency ranges, reducing the need for frequency-specific components and reducing overall device complexity
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 proposed solution effectively generates an LO signal with ultra-low phase noise, enhancing system performance in radar and wireless communication systems while maintaining reduced design complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an Injection-Locked Frequency Divider (ILFD) to generate an LO signal
Data Source
AI summary
For example, a Local Oscillator (LO) generator may include a plurality of frequency sources configured to provide a respective plurality of frequency source signals according to a first frequency; and an injection-locked frequency divider configured to provide an LO signal having a second frequency. In one example, the second frequency may be based on the first frequency divided by a factor n. For example, the factor n may be an odd integer greater than one. For example, the injection-locked frequency divider may include a plurality of injection paths to inject the plurality of frequency source signals into an injection-locked Ring Oscillator (RO).