Multi-Band PLL Synthesizer with Shared VCOs and Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PLL frequency synthesizers require multiple components for different frequency bands, increasing system complexity and cost, as they struggle to meet diverse telecommunication specifications efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band electronic apparatus is designed with shared components, utilizing switch-controlled voltage controlled oscillators and frequency dividers to generate signals across non-overlapping frequency bands, allowing for selective activation and power management to reduce unnecessary power consumption and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PLL frequency synthesizers are used to support various telecommunication standards, then compliance with multiple specifications is achieved, but system complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-band PLL frequency synthesizer where a single system can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 800MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz, 2600MHz) by using a wideband VCO and programmable frequency dividers. This universal design allows one synthesizer to replace multiple band-specific synthesizers, reducing system complexity while maintaining compliance with various telecommunication standards including GSM, WCDMA, and LTE
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency synthesis function into multiple independent controllable modules: a wideband VCO that can be tuned across multiple bands, programmable frequency dividers (N1, N2, N3) that can be independently configured, and a phase detector that works across different frequency ranges. This segmentation allows flexible combination of modules to support different telecommunication standards without requiring complete separate synthesizer systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PLL frequency synthesizers are used to support various telecommunication standards, then compliance with multiple specifications is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-band PLL frequency synthesizer where a single system can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 800MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz, 2600MHz) by using a wideband VCO and programmable frequency dividers. This universal design allows one synthesizer to replace multiple band-specific synthesizers, reducing system complexity while maintaining compliance with various telecommunication standards including GSM, WCDMA, and LTE
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple frequency synthesis functions into a single integrated circuit that combines a wideband VCO, multiple programmable frequency dividers, and a phase detector. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate synthesizer systems into one unified device, the patent reduces component count, PCB real estate, and manufacturing complexity while supporting multiple telecommunication bands
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage controlled oscillators operate across wide frequency ranges, then multi-band coverage is achieved, but signal interference and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic frequency division ratios (N1, N2, N3) that are programmably adjusted based on the target frequency band. When operating in different bands, the system dynamically changes the division ratios to optimize the VCO output frequency and minimize spurious signals. For example, when switching from 800MHz to 2600MHz operation, the frequency dividers are reconfigured to maintain optimal phase detection and reduce harmonic interference across the wide frequency range
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 approach reduces system complexity and cost by enabling efficient sharing of PLL components across multiple frequency bands, meeting various telecommunication standards while minimizing power usage and signal interference.
Implementation Method 1
a first voltage controlled oscillator outputs a first output signal in a first band according a control voltage
Implementation Method 2
a second frequency divider divides a second output signal to output a second frequency divided signal
Implementation Method 3
a phase detector determines a phase difference between a first frequency divided signal and a reference signal
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band electronic apparatus and method thereof is provided. The method comprises outputting a first output signal in the first band by a first voltage controlled oscillator according to a switch control signal and a control voltage, outputting a second output signal in the second band by a second voltage controlled oscillator according to the switch control signal and the control voltage, the second band being not completely overlapped by the first band, performing frequency division selectively on the first output signal or the second frequency divided signal according to the switch control signal, and outputting a first frequency divided signal, determining a phase difference between the first frequency divided signal and a reference signal to output a phase difference signal, outputting the control voltage according to the phase difference signal, and selectively driving the first or the second voltage controlled oscillators by the control voltage according to the switch control signal.