LO and Reference Clock Distribution via Shared PCB Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems with phased array antennas face routing congestion and increased design costs due to the need for numerous signal lines between phase-locked loop (PLL) circuits and beamforming circuits, especially as the number of beamforming circuits increases.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves sharing routing lines between local oscillator (LO) signals and reference clock signals using diplexing circuitry, where the LO signals are sent in differential mode and the reference clock signals in common mode on the same PCB lines, reducing the number of signal paths and simplifying routing patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate signal lines are used for LO signals and reference clock signals to each beamforming circuit, then signal isolation and reliability are improved, but routing congestion and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LO signals and reference clock signals onto the same routing lines by utilizing different mode configurations. The LO signal is transmitted in differential mode while the reference clock signal is transmitted in common mode, allowing both signals to share the same physical infrastructure without interfering with each other, thus reducing routing complexity while maintaining signal isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of signal transmission by using different modes (differential mode vs. common mode) on the same routing lines. This dimensional change allows multiple signals to coexist on the same physical medium, effectively reducing the number of required routing lines and simplifying the overall routing structure
2Device complexity
If the number of signal lines is reduced by sharing routing lines, then routing congestion and design costs are reduced, but signal isolation between LO and reference clock signals may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmission characteristics (differential mode for LO signal, common mode for reference clock signal) to different signals on the same routing lines. This local differentiation in signal quality and transmission mode ensures that each signal maintains its isolation properties even when sharing the same physical infrastructure, preventing signal interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mode differentiation as an intermediary mechanism to enable signal sharing on the same routing lines. By converting LO signals to differential mode and reference clock signals to common mode, the system creates an intermediate transmission state that allows coexistence while maintaining isolation, effectively mediating between the need for signal sharing and signal isolation
3Reliability
If dedicated PLL circuits are provided for each beamforming circuit, then signal distribution reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the routing lines universal by enabling them to carry both LO signals and reference clock signals simultaneously through mode differentiation. This multi-functionality allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for dedicated circuits while maintaining signal distribution reliability
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 routing congestion and design costs by allowing adequate frequency separation and filtering between LO and reference clock signals, enabling efficient signal distribution to multiple beamforming circuits while maintaining adequate isolation.
Implementation Method 1
adequate frequency separation and filtering between LO and reference clock signals
Implementation Method 2
adequate frequency separation and filtering between LO and reference clock signals
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies directed to the distribution of local oscillator (LO) signals and reference clock signals to beamforming circuits of a panel with an array of antenna elements are described. A communication system includes antenna elements, beamforming circuits, driver circuitry, and diplexing circuitry with signal paths between the diplexing circuitry and the beamforming circuits. The driver circuitry outputs a first signal having a first frequency and a second signal having a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The diplexing circuitry generates a combined signal comprising the first and second signals and sends the combined signal to each beamforming circuit.