Multi-PLL Phase Alignment Without Inter-Synthesizer Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for phase-aligning multiple synthesizers, such as phase-locked loops, face challenges with initial accuracy and long-term drift due to errors, and traditional synchronization methods like using circuitry for power consumption and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A synthesizer system comprising multiple synthesizer circuits with a common reference signal, phase measurement circuits, and synchronization circuits that adjust operations based on measured phase differences without communication between synthesizers, using time-to-digital converters and delta sigma modulators to maintain phase alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional circuitry synchronization methods are used, then phase alignment can be achieved, but power consumption increases and noise is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical circuitry-based synchronization methods with a measurement and control approach using phase measurement circuits and digital signal processing. Instead of using physical delay lines and analog circuitry to synchronize synthesizers, the system measures phase differences and applies digital corrections, thereby reducing power consumption and noise while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional circuitry synchronization methods are used, then phase alignment can be achieved, but noise is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes analog circuitry with digital measurement and control mechanisms. Phase measurement circuits quantify phase differences digitally, and digital signal processing applies corrections without introducing the thermal noise and interference characteristic of analog delay lines and synchronization circuitry, thereby reducing overall system noise.
3Measurement precision
If synthesizers are started simultaneously based on synchronization signal, then initial phase alignment is achieved, but long-term drift occurs due to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by constantly measuring phase differences between synthesizer outputs and reference signals using phase measurement circuits. The measured phase differences are fed back to control synthesizer operation, enabling real-time correction of drift and errors, thereby maintaining long-term phase stability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous phase measurement and adjustment operations rather than relying on initial synchronization only. The phase measurement circuits continuously monitor phase differences, and the control system continuously adjusts synthesizer operation, ensuring ongoing phase alignment and preventing drift over time.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention synchronize multiple synthesizers, such as phase-locked loops (PLLs), in a manner that does not require communication or coordination between the synthesizers. Specifically, each synthesizer is part of a synthesizer circuit that includes a synthesizer (e.g., a PLL), a phase measurement circuit, and a synchronization circuit. A common reference signal (e.g., an alternating clock signal) is provided to the synthesizer circuits. In one exemplary embodiment, in each synthesizer circuit, the phase measurement circuit measures a phase difference between the reference signal and a corresponding output of the synthesizer, and the synchronization circuit adjusts the synthesizer operation based on the measured phase difference in such a way that all of the synthesizers operate in-phase with one another relative to the common reference signal, without having any communication or coordination between the two synthesizer circuits other than provision of the common reference signal.