Configurable Oscillator Core Switching Between NMOS and CMOS Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillators for wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving a wide tuning range while optimizing phase noise and oscillator amplitude, with previous solutions either requiring large area, excessive power consumption, or difficulty in on-chip implementation, and increasing current consumption at lower frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A configurable wide tuning range oscillator is achieved by using a resonator with p-type and n-type transistors, where the configuration switches between NMOS and CMOS modes to optimize frequency range and phase noise, with the NMOS mode providing lower phase noise and higher frequency at the expense of current, and the CMOS mode reducing current consumption while extending the lower end of the frequency tuning range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillators are provided to cover different frequency ranges, then frequency coverage is improved, but area consumption increases due to multiple inductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple oscillator cores (first and second oscillator cores) into a single shared LC tank circuit. This merging approach allows different oscillator cores to share the same inductor and capacitor, significantly reducing the total area required compared to having separate oscillators for each frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The single LC tank circuit serves multiple functions by supporting different oscillator cores that can operate across different frequency ranges. The same inductor and capacitor are used universally for both the first and second oscillator cores, enabling wide frequency coverage without proportionally increasing area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single oscillator with multiple divisions and mixing is used, then frequency array generation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency generation function into multiple independent oscillator cores that can be selectively activated. Instead of using a single oscillator with complex division and mixing stages that consume power continuously, the system divides functionality across multiple cores and only activates the necessary ones for the desired frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different oscillator cores based on the required frequency range. The first oscillator core is used for a first frequency range while the second oscillator core is used for a second frequency range, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the actual operating requirements rather than running all components continuously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active cores are switched in and out of one LC tank, then wide tuning range is improved, but current consumption increases at lower frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different oscillator cores with optimized characteristics to different frequency ranges. The first oscillator core is optimized for the first frequency range while the second oscillator core is optimized for the second frequency range, allowing each core to operate efficiently in its designated range rather than forcing a single core to operate across the entire range with suboptimal performance and higher current consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator includes a resonator, a first and a second p-type transistor, and a first and a second n-type transistor. The resonator has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first p-type transistor is switchably connected to the first terminal while the second p-type transistor is switchably connected to the second terminal. A first drain of the first n-type transistor and the second drain of the second n-type transistor are electrically connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively. The oscillator is capable of operating in an NMOS only mode and in a CMOS mode.