Multiphase Oscillator Calibration for PLL Phase Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional phase-locked loop circuits in wireless communication systems are sensitive to component mismatch between coupled oscillators, leading to phase errors, noise degradation, and potential malfunction due to frequency mismatch.
Innovation Solution
A calibration module is introduced to detect and compensate for frequency mismatches between oscillators in a multi-phase oscillator, using a digital loop filter and offset calibration signals to adjust each oscillator's frequency control, ensuring consistent operation despite manufacturing variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional phase-locked loop circuits use coupled oscillators to generate multi-phase signals, then frequency synthesis capability is improved, but component mismatch between oscillators causes phase errors and noise degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the frequency characteristics of each oscillator before normal operation and storing calibration data. This pre-calibration process allows the system to compensate for component mismatches during operation, thereby improving phase accuracy while maintaining frequency synthesis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters of each oscillator individually based on measured frequency characteristics. By adjusting frequency control signals according to calibration data, the system compensates for component variations and achieves consistent phase relationships among coupled oscillators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional phase-locked loop circuits use coupled oscillators, then multi-phase signal generation is enabled, but severe phase errors occur due to frequency mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the phase relationships among coupled oscillators and adjusting control signals based on measured deviations. This closed-loop calibration process ensures reliable phase locking by compensating for frequency mismatches in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration measurements to determine the frequency characteristics of each oscillator before operation. This advance preparation enables the system to pre-compensate for mismatches, ensuring reliable phase locking from the start of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If component mismatch between oscillators is present, then manufacturing variations are unavoidable, but complete malfunction occurs due to inability to lock oscillators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures and stores calibration data for each oscillator during manufacturing or initial operation. This preliminary characterization allows the system to accommodate manufacturing variations through digital compensation, preventing malfunction even when component mismatches exceed traditional tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control parameters for each oscillator based on stored calibration data. By changing frequency control signals according to measured characteristics, the system compensates for manufacturing variations and maintains reliable operation across all oscillators.
Data Source
AI summary
A phase-locked loop circuit comprises a multi-phase oscillator having a plurality of coupled oscillators. A calibration module detects mismatches between frequency characteristics of the different oscillators in the phase-locked loop circuit during a calibration process. The calibration module then calibrates the various oscillators to compensate for the detected mismatch. Once calibrated, the phase-locked loop circuit can operate with little or no performance degradation despite the mismatch in frequency characteristics between the different oscillators.