Multi-Core VCO Tuning to Cut Phase Noise in Reduced-Core Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-core VCOs suffer from phase noise degradation due to magnetic coupling between on and off VCO cores, which affects the performance of wireless communication devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-core VCO configuration where one or more VCO cores are turned off and tuned by setting the capacitor code of the off VCO core to a frequency far away from the on VCO core's frequency, either at a maximum or minimum value based on its operating range, to reduce phase noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple VCO cores are operated simultaneously to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but phase noise degradation occurs due to magnetic coupling between cores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful magnetic coupling effect by turning off selected VCO cores during reduced-core operation. By selectively disabling cores that would create detrimental magnetic coupling while keeping only necessary cores active, the system eliminates the phase noise problem while maintaining power efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different operational states to different VCO cores based on their individual contributions to phase noise. Instead of uniformly operating all cores or turning them all off, the system selectively activates or deactivates specific cores based on their magnetic coupling characteristics and phase noise impact, optimizing the local quality of each core's operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If VCO cores are turned off to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the system loses frequency tuning flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency tuning range into multiple sub-ranges, each corresponding to a specific reduced-core configuration. By dividing the overall frequency spectrum into segments that can be served by different combinations of active cores, the system maintains full frequency coverage while operating in lower-power modes when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic core activation and deactivation based on the required frequency range. The system continuously monitors the desired output frequency and dynamically adjusts which VCO cores are active, transitioning between different reduced-core modes to optimize power consumption while ensuring the required frequency tuning range is always available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all VCO cores are kept on to maintain frequency coverage, then frequency tuning flexibility is maintained, but phase noise increases due to magnetic coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of having multiple cores into a benefit by using selective core deactivation. Instead of viewing reduced-core operation as a limitation, the system leverages it to eliminate phase noise from inactive cores while maintaining frequency coverage through the active cores, turning what could be a disadvantage into a quality improvement.
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
Reduces phase noise in the on VCO core by minimizing the impact of off VCO cores, thereby improving the signal quality and reducing power consumption in wireless communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
a second VCO core selectively coupled to the one or more outputs of the multi-core VCO, the first VCO core being capable of being configured based on an oscillating frequency of the second VCO core
Implementation Method 2
configuring a first voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) core of a multi-core VCO based on an oscillating frequency of a second VCO core
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards methods and apparatus for oscillating signal generation. An example method generally includes: configuring a first voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) core of a multi-core VCO based on an oscillating frequency of a second VCO core of the multi-core VCO; and generating, via the second VCO core, an oscillating signal with the oscillating frequency, wherein the first VCO core is off while the oscillating signal is generated via the second VCO core.