Injection-Locked OOK Modulator for Fast Startup and Low Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OOK modulation devices in millimeter-wave communication systems face limitations in achieving high data rates and low power consumption, particularly for nomadic applications, due to slow oscillator startup times and inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
The use of an injection-locked oscillator (ILO) with a power supply switch and a periodic injection signal, combined with a cross-coupled pair of field effect transistors and an unbalancing transistor, enables faster startup and efficient power management, allowing for higher data rates without increasing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the oscillator is switched on and off to transmit data bits, then power consumption is reduced for nomadic applications, but the startup time of the oscillator increases, limiting the maximum communication rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-biasing the oscillator circuit before switching it on. The cross-coupled pair of transistors is configured with predetermined biasing conditions that prepare the oscillator for rapid startup. When the power supply is switched on, the oscillator immediately enters its oscillation state due to the pre-established bias conditions, eliminating the gradual warm-up period and enabling fast communication rate while maintaining low power consumption during idle periods.
2Speed
If the oscillator is left in continuous operation to achieve fast switching response, then communication rate is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a power supply switching mechanism that dynamically controls the oscillator's operation state based on communication requirements. The power supply is switched on during data transmission periods and off during idle periods. The oscillator is designed with dynamic biasing circuits that adjust operating parameters in real-time, enabling fast transitions between on and off states while maintaining low average power consumption.
3Speed
If unbalancing techniques are applied to reduce oscillator startup time, then communication rate is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a cross-coupled pair of transistors with intentionally asymmetric biasing conditions. The two transistors in the cross-coupled pair are configured with different bias currents or threshold voltages, creating an asymmetric operating point that destabilizes the equilibrium state and promotes rapid oscillation startup. This asymmetric design achieves fast startup without requiring complex external unbalancing circuits or additional control elements.
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 solution enables OOK modulation with improved data rates and reduced power consumption, facilitating more efficient radio frequency signal transmission in communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a periodic injection signal whose frequency and amplitude trigger locking of the injection-locked oscillator to the frequency of the injection signal or a multiple of the frequency of the injection signal
Data Source
AI summary
A device for OOK modulating an input signal, comprising at least:an injection-locked oscillator comprising a power supply input, an injection signal input and an output to which the OOK modulated signal is to be delivered;a first controlled switch comprising a control input to which the input signal is to be applied, and configured to couple or not a power supply source to the power supply input of the injection-locked oscillator in dependence on the value of the input signal;a periodic signal providing device configured to deliver, on an output which is electrically coupled to the injection signal input of the injection-locked oscillator, a periodic injection signal whose frequency and amplitude trigger locking of the injection-locked oscillator at the frequency of the injection signal or a multiple of this frequency.