Injection-Locked Oscillator Distribution for Transceiver Lock Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in integrating injection-locked oscillators into transceiver arrays, particularly in determining whether injection-locked oscillators are in a locked or unlocked state, which is crucial for maintaining accurate frequency operation and reducing unwanted emissions in multi-antenna RF communication systems, especially at higher frequencies like those used in 5G technology.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a master clock generator, an injection-locked oscillator distribution circuit, and an injection-locked detector to determine the operating state of injection-locked oscillators. The system generates a master clock signal, which is received by the oscillator to produce a reference clock signal and an output signal indicative of its operating frequency, allowing the detector to determine if the oscillator is locked or unlocked, thereby ensuring proper injection-locking and minimizing out-of-band emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If injection-locked oscillators are integrated into transceiver arrays, then frequency operation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for lock state detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the injection-locked detector continuously monitors the lock state of each oscillator and provides control signals to the injection-locked oscillator distribution circuit. This closed-loop feedback system automatically maintains accurate frequency operation without requiring complex manual intervention or additional control hardware, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If injection-locked oscillators are used in multi-antenna systems, then out-of-band emissions are reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring lock state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary injection-locked detector that simplifies the detection of lock state by comparing the output signal of each injection-locked oscillator with its corresponding injection signal. This intermediary device converts the complex lock state determination into a straightforward comparison operation, reducing the difficulty of detection while maintaining the emission reduction benefits of injection-locked oscillators in multi-antenna systems.
3Reliability
If multiple injection-locked oscillators are integrated into transceiver arrays, then communication performance at high frequencies is improved, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transceiver array into independent injection-locked oscillator units, each with its own detector and control mechanism. This modular segmentation allows each oscillator to be independently managed and optimized, improving overall communication reliability through diversity while preventing system complexity from becoming unmanageable by localizing control functions to individual segments rather than requiring centralized complex control.
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 efficient detection of injection-locked states, ensuring stable frequency operation and reducing complexity in transceiver paths, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of multi-antenna communication systems, particularly at frequencies above 6 GHz.
Implementation Method 1
an injection-locked oscillator configured to receive the master clock signal, the injection-locked oscillator configured to generate a reference clock signal based on the master clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for integrating injection-locked oscillators into transceiver arrays are disclosed. In one aspect, there is provided an injection-locked oscillator (ILO) distribution system including a master clock generator configured to generate a master clock signal. The ILO distribution system also includes an ILO distribution circuit including an ILO and configured to receive the master clock signal. The ILO is configured to generate a reference clock signal based on the master clock signal. The ILO distribution circuit is further configured to generate an output signal indicative of an operating frequency of the ILO. The ILO distribution system further includes an injection-locked detector (ILD) configured to receive the master clock signal and the output signal. The ILD is further configured to determine whether the ILO is in a locked state or in an unlocked state based on the master clock signal and the output signal.