Multi-TDC Frequency Determination for High-Resolution Clock Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency determination methods face challenges such as low accuracy, limited resolution, range, and increased complexity, particularly in frequency-locked loop (FLL) and phase-locked loop (PLL) scenarios, often requiring separate frequency detecting circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A frequency determination device comprising multiple time-to-digital converters (TDCs), a reference signal provider, and switching circuitry, which successively provides delayed clock signals and determines frequency relationships based on consecutively same-valued symbols in output signals, eliminating the need for separate frequency detecting circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional frequency determination methods are used, then the implementation is simpler, but the accuracy and resolution are lower than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency determination device is divided into multiple constituent TDCs, each handling a specific frequency range or aspect of the measurement. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for high precision while the overall system achieves extended measurement capabilities, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity by distributing the measurement function across specialized sub-units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends frequency determination from a single-dimensional approach to a multi-dimensional measurement system by combining multiple TDCs that measure different aspects (phase, frequency, time intervals) simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables higher accuracy through multiple measurement vectors while managing complexity through structured integration of these dimensional measurements.
2Measurement precision
If traditional frequency determination methods are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the maximum resolution and range are lower than desired
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple TDC units are merged into a single integrated frequency determination device, where each TDC contributes its resolution capabilities to the overall system. The merging of these parallel measurement paths achieves higher resolution and extended range by combining their individual measurement capabilities, while the unified device structure manages the complexity through standardized integration architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate frequency detecting circuitry is added, then the frequency acquisition capability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The TDC-based frequency determination device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a time-to-digital converter and as a frequency determination instrument. This universal design eliminates the need for separate frequency detecting circuitry by integrating frequency acquisition capabilities into the existing TDC architecture, thereby improving adaptability while avoiding additional complexity from redundant circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency determination function is achieved using the TDC's own operational principles and existing components, without requiring external or separate frequency detection circuitry. The system performs frequency measurement by utilizing its inherent time measurement capabilities and signal processing functions, making it self-sufficient and avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding dedicated frequency detection hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency determination device for determining a frequency relationship between a reference signal and a clock signal. Each constituent TDC is configured to provide a digitally represented constituent output signal in response to receiving a constituent reference signal and a constituent clock signal, and the frequency determination device is configured to successively provide respectively delayed versions of the constituent clock signal of a first constituent TDC as respective constituent clock signals to the other constituent TDC:s. The reference signal provider is configured to provide the respective constituent reference. The switching circuitry is configured to provide the reference signal as the constituent clock signal to the first constituent TDC. The determination circuitry is configured to determine a number of consecutively same-valued symbols in a concatenation of the digitally represented constituent output signals of the constituent TDC:s, and to determine the frequency relationship.