Multi-Loop Frequency Synthesis for Faster PLL Lock Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Frequency synthesis devices with feedback loops, such as PLLs and DLLs, face challenges in reducing the time required to establish their operating regime during start-up or channel changes, which is currently limited by the complexity and parameters of their phase comparators and charge pumps.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple phase comparison control circuits and feedback loops within the frequency synthesis device, allowing for the exploitation of additional signals to voltage control the frequency conversion unit, thereby reducing the time to establish the operating regime without significantly increasing complexity or surface area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a single phase comparison control circuit is used, then the device complexity is low, but the time to establish operating regime is long (500 μs)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to establish operating regimeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single phase comparison control circuit into multiple parallel control circuits (first control circuit with first phase comparator, second control circuit with second phase comparator). Each control circuit processes a different signal from the frequency conversion unit simultaneously, effectively segmenting the control function to reduce establishment time while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional control approach (one phase comparator processing one signal) to a multi-dimensional approach where multiple phase comparators process multiple signals simultaneously. This dimensional expansion in the control architecture enables parallel processing that reduces the time to establish operating regime without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple phase comparison control circuits are used, then the time to establish operating regime is reduced (250 μs), but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactivity during channel changeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control by enabling the frequency conversion unit to be controlled by multiple control voltages from different control circuits at different times. The system can dynamically switch between control circuits or combine their outputs, allowing rapid adaptation during channel changes while maintaining a structured architecture that limits complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multiple feedback loops where each control circuit receives feedback from the frequency conversion unit and adjusts its control voltage accordingly. This feedback mechanism in each parallel control circuit enables rapid convergence to the correct operating frequency, improving reactivity during channel changes while the feedback structure itself provides a systematic way to manage the added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8884705B2Frequency synthesis device with feedback loop
Publication Date: 2014.11.11 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • US8884705B2 patent drawing
  • US8884705B2 patent drawing
  • US8884705B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A frequency synthesis device with a feedback loop includes: a phase-comparison control circuit; a frequency conversion unit voltage controlled by the control circuit; a feedback loop for supplying at least one signal issuing from the frequency conversion unit to the control circuit; at least one other control circuit for voltage control of the frequency conversion unit; and at least one other feedback loop for supplying at least one other signal issuing from the frequency conversion unit to the other control circuit.