Local Oscillation Distribution Using Sub-Harmonic Current Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting oscillation signals over long distances and frequency division without consuming excessive power, particularly in dual-band operations like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Innovation Solution
The circuit design includes an oscillation generation circuit, voltage to current and current to voltage stages, and transmission portions to convert and transmit oscillation signals in current form, utilizing an injection-locked frequency divider (ILFD) and LC oscillators to generate sub-harmonic frequencies, thereby reducing power consumption and enabling efficient signal distribution across multiple frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If CML frequency dividers are used to transmit oscillation signals over long distances, then signal transmission distance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using voltage-mode logic instead of current-mode logic for the frequency divider, and by operating the divider at a lower frequency (sub-harmonic) than the input oscillation signal. This parameter change reduces power consumption while maintaining signal transmission capability over long distances through the use of differential voltage signals that can be transmitted efficiently across the chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary voltage-to-current conversion stage and a current-to-voltage conversion stage that decouple the long-distance signal transmission from the frequency division operation. The voltage signals are transmitted over long distances through transmission lines, avoiding the high power consumption of CML frequency dividers while maintaining signal integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If CML frequency dividers are used for frequency division, then frequency division functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating mode from current-mode logic to voltage-mode logic in the frequency divider circuit. This parameter change fundamentally reduces power consumption since voltage-mode circuits draw less static power and can operate at lower frequencies, while still achieving the required frequency division functionality through the use of injection-locked frequency division and sub-harmonic generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the conventional CML frequency division mechanism with an alternative approach using voltage-mode injection-locked frequency dividers and LC oscillators. This substitution replaces the high-power current-mode switching mechanism with a lower-power voltage-mode resonant oscillation mechanism that achieves the same frequency division function with reduced power consumption.
3Length of stationary object
If voltage to current conversion stages are added to transmit signals over long distances, then signal transmission distance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage-to-current conversion, long-distance transmission, and current-to-voltage conversion functions into an integrated voltage-mode frequency divider architecture. By combining these functions into a unified circuit block rather than separate discrete components, the overall device complexity is managed while achieving long-distance signal transmission capability across the integrated circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage-mode frequency divider circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it divides the input frequency, converts voltage to current for transmission, transmits the signal over long distances through the circuit, and converts current back to voltage at the output. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby managing 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
This solution allows for effective signal transmission over longer distances while reducing power consumption by avoiding current mode logic (CML) frequency dividers, enhancing wireless communication performance and flexibility across multiple frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
The first voltage to current stage is configured to receive the first oscillation signal, and convert the first oscillation signal into a current form
Implementation Method 2
The first current to voltage stage is configured to receive the first oscillation signal in the current form and generate a second oscillation signal having a sub-harmonic frequency of the first frequency
Implementation Method 3
the first current to voltage stage includes an LC oscillator to oscillate at the sub-harmonic frequency of the first frequency to convert the second oscillation signal into a voltage form
Implementation Method 4
The first transmission portion is configured to transmit the first oscillation signal in the current form over a distance longer than a distance threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes an oscillation generation circuit, a distribution circuit, and a transceiver circuit. The oscillation generation circuit is configured to generate a first oscillation signal having a first frequency. The distribution circuit includes a voltage to current stage, a transmission portion and a current to voltage stage. The voltage to current stage is configured to receive the first oscillation signal, and convert the first oscillation signal into a current form. The transmission portion is configured to transmit the first oscillation signal in the current form. The current to voltage stage is configured to receive the first oscillation signal in the current form and generate a second oscillation signal having a sub-harmonic frequency of the first frequency, such as half of the first frequency. The transceiver circuit is configured to operate in a frequency band responsive to the second oscillation signal.