Multi-Mode VCO Switching for Phase Noise and Power Trade-Offs

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless devices face challenges in supporting multiple radio technologies due to the need for multiple oscillators with different characteristics, such as good phase noise and low power consumption, which increases circuit area, complexity, and cost.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid/multi-mode voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with a first and second transconductance circuit, configurable to couple or isolate the input of the second transconductance circuit from the first, allowing adjustment of transconductance to meet different frequency requirements, thereby supporting multiple radio technologies with reduced circuit complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple oscillators with different characteristics are used to support different radio technologies, then phase noise performance and power consumption requirements are met, but circuit area, circuit complexity, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple radio technologiesVSAvoidcircuit area and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single VCO that can operate in multiple modes (first mode and second mode) to generate oscillator signals with different characteristics. The VCO includes a first transconductance circuit and a second transconductance circuit that can be selectively coupled or isolated based on the required radio technology, allowing one oscillator to fulfill the roles of multiple oscillators with different phase noise and power consumption characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses switching mechanisms to dynamically reconfigure the VCO between different modes. The switching circuitry couples or isolates the input of the second transconductance circuit from the first transconductance circuit based on the selected mode, enabling the oscillator to adapt its characteristics in real-time to meet different radio technology requirements without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple oscillators with different characteristics are used to support different radio technologies, then phase noise performance and power consumption requirements are met, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple radio technologiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single VCO that can operate in multiple modes (first mode and second mode) to generate oscillator signals with different characteristics. The VCO includes a first transconductance circuit and a second transconductance circuit that can be selectively coupled or isolated based on the required radio technology, allowing one oscillator to fulfill the roles of multiple oscillators with different phase noise and power consumption characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple oscillator functions into a single integrated VCO structure. By merging the first and second transconductance circuits into one device with shared components and selective coupling mechanisms, the patent reduces the total component count and manufacturing complexity compared to using separate oscillators for each radio technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single multi-mode oscillator is used to support multiple radio technologies, then circuit area and complexity are reduced, but the oscillator must be configurable into different modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit area and complexityVSAvoidconfigurability requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses switching mechanisms to dynamically reconfigure the VCO between different modes. The switching circuitry couples or isolates the input of the second transconductance circuit from the first transconductance circuit based on the selected mode, enabling the oscillator to adapt its characteristics in real-time to meet different radio technology requirements without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces switching circuitry as an intermediary mechanism that controls the coupling between the first and second transconductance circuits. This intermediary switching structure enables mode selection and reconfiguration without requiring direct manual intervention or complex control logic, simplifying the operation of the multi-mode VCO

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8988158B2Hybrid voltage controlled oscillator

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus provides a VCO signal. The apparatus is a VCO. The apparatus includes a first transconductance circuit. The apparatus further includes a second transconductance circuit coupled with the first transconductance circuit. The second transconductance circuit has a first configuration/mode (e.g., CMOS configuration/mode) and a second configuration/mode (e.g., NMOS configuration/mode or PMOS configuration/mode). The second transconductance circuit is configured to couple an input of the second transconductance circuit to the first transconductance circuit in the first configuration/mode. The second transconductance circuit is configured to isolate the input of the second transconductance circuit from the first transconductance circuit in the second configuration/mode. The second transconductance circuit may include a first transistor and a second transistor, and the input may be a gate of each of the first transistor and the second transistor.