Memristive VCO Frequency Source Without External Programming Circuits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable frequency sources face limitations due to adjustable components that restrict programmability, increase cost, complexity, and decrease reliability and durability, especially when requiring external control circuits for field programmability.
Innovation Solution
A memristor-based programmable frequency source utilizing memristive voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) for state programmability, where memristors determine the production of frequencies and are reprogrammable without external circuitry, reducing component count and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external control circuits are used to provide field programmability, then frequency source programmability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase while reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the programming function directly into the oscillation generation circuit by using adjustable components (such as variable capacitors or resistors) that are integrated within the frequency source itself. This eliminates the need for separate external control circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining field programmability through direct adjustment of the adjustable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable component serves multiple functions: it directly controls the oscillation frequency while also serving as the programming interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated programming circuitry, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing component count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable components are used for programming, then frequency selection capability is improved, but reliability and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable components that can be reconfigured during operation to change frequency. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different frequency requirements while maintaining reliability through controlled adjustment mechanisms that prevent degradation from excessive or improper adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external control systems are added for field programmability, then programming flexibility is improved, but overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programming functionality is merged into the existing frequency source circuitry through integrated adjustable components. This integration eliminates the need for separate external programming hardware, thereby maintaining programming flexibility while avoiding increases in device size.
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 memristor-based solution allows for reprogrammable and non-volatile frequency generation with reduced complexity and increased reliability, eliminating the need for external circuitry and enabling flexible selection of frequencies without increasing size or cost.
Implementation Method 1
A first memristive negative differential resistance (M-NDR) voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is provided. Each M-NDR VCO includes an M-NDR device connected in parallel with a capacitance.
Implementation Method 2
Each M-NDR VCO includes an M-NDR device connected in parallel with a capacitance.
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency source and a method of frequency generation employ a memristive negative differential resistance (M-NDR) voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The frequency source includes a first M-NDR VCO of a plurality of memristive VCOs to provide a first signal having a first signal frequency. The frequency source further includes a second M-NDR VCO of the plurality to provide a second signal having a second signal frequency. The first and second M-NDR VCOs are interconnected with the plurality of memristive VCOs. The first and second M-NDR VCOs have independent programmable states and are connected to a common output of the frequency source. The method includes providing an M-NDR VCOs, where each M-NDR VCO includes an M-NDR device connected in parallel with a capacitance, and applying a bias voltage to activate a selected M-NDR VCO of the plurality to produce a frequency output.