Injection-Locked Oscillator Circuit for Wider Locking Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional injection-locked oscillators have a limited locking range and complex circuitry, leading to increased jitter and phase noise due to insufficient injection current during short pulse widths.
Innovation Solution
An injection-locked oscillator design without a pulse generating circuit, utilizing a charging element and switching circuit to provide an injection current between oscillation nodes based on a reference signal, expanding the locking range and simplifying the circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pulse generating circuit is used in the conventional injection-locked oscillator, then the oscillator can provide frequency multiplication, but the circuit becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate pulse generating circuit from the conventional injection-locked oscillator design. Instead, the injection circuit directly generates and injects current pulses during specific phases of the oscillation cycle, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining frequency multiplication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The injection circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the frequency reference input stage and the pulse generation mechanism. By controlling the timing and duration of injection current, the circuit achieves both phase locking and frequency multiplication without requiring dedicated pulse generation hardware
2Measurement precision
If pulse injection is performed during a short pulse width, then the injection timing is precise, but the injection current amount becomes insufficient and locking range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the injection circuit, adjusting both the timing and duration of injection current based on the oscillation phase. The injection duration is extended beyond short pulses while maintaining precise timing control, allowing the system to adapt injection parameters dynamically to achieve both precision and wide locking range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the injection current parameters by controlling the duration and timing of injection relative to the oscillation cycle. By injecting current over an extended portion of the oscillation period while maintaining precise phase alignment, the system increases the effective injection amount without sacrificing timing precision, thereby expanding the locking range
3Device complexity
If the locking range is narrow, then the circuit operation is simple, but the jitter tracking bandwidth is reduced and jitter or phase noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the injection circuit monitors the oscillation state and adjusts injection timing and duration accordingly. This feedback control enables the system to maintain wide locking range and low jitter performance while keeping the overall circuit structure relatively simple, as the intelligence is concentrated in the control logic of the injection circuit
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 solution achieves a wider locking range and reduced jitter by controlling the injection current through a charging element and switching circuit, enhancing the oscillator's performance and circuit simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
an injection circuit configured to provide an injection current between the first oscillation node and the second oscillation node according to a reference signal, wherein the injection circuit includes a charging element configured to be charged or discharged in response to the reference signal and to provide the injection current between the first oscillation node and the second oscillation node
Data Source
AI summary
An injection-locked oscillator includes an oscillator and an injection circuit. The oscillator includes a first oscillation node through which a first oscillation signal is output and a second oscillation node through which a second oscillation signal is output, the second oscillation signal having a phase opposite to that of the first oscillation signal. The injection circuit provides an injection current between the first oscillation node and the second oscillation node according to a reference signal. The injection circuit includes a charging element configured to be charged or discharged in response to a reference signal and to provide the injection current between the first oscillation node and the second oscillation node.