PLL-Gated RF Transmission Circuit to Prevent Abnormal Frequencies

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication devices, software code errors or timing alignment issues can lead to failures in controlling transceivers, causing damage to RF components due to the generation of RF transmission signals outside a normal frequency range.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device employing a hardware control method using a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit and a decision circuit to generate an RF transmission signal, where the decision circuit activates or deactivates components in the RF transmission signal generation circuit based on phase comparison signals, ensuring the phase of the oscillator signal is locked before signal generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a communication processor controls a transceiver using software, then the device can perform wireless communication functions, but control errors or timing alignment issues may occur causing RF component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication functionVSAvoidcontrol accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based control with hardware-based control using a phase locked loop circuit and decision circuit. The hardware circuit directly controls the RF transmission signal generation circuit based on phase comparison signals, eliminating software code errors and timing alignment issues while maintaining wireless communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a decision circuit as an intermediary between the phase locked loop circuit and the RF transmission signal generation circuit. This decision circuit receives phase comparison signals and controls the activation of RF transmission signal generation components, ensuring reliable hardware-based control without software involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If software control is used for transceiver operation, then communication functionality is achieved, but timing alignment errors can cause RF transmission signals outside normal frequency range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication control capabilityVSAvoidfrequency accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software timing control with hardware-based phase comparison and control. The phase locked loop circuit and decision circuit ensure precise timing alignment through hardware synchronization mechanisms, preventing frequency deviations caused by software timing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If hardware control method is used for transceiver, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phase locked loop circuit performs multiple functions including phase comparison, frequency synthesis, and timing synchronization. The decision circuit universally controls the activation of RF transmission signal generation components based on phase lock status, reducing the need for separate control circuits for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 prevents the generation of abnormal frequency RF transmission signals, thereby reducing damage to RF components and ensuring stable wireless communication operations.

Implementation Method 1

comparing, by a first phase comparator in a PLL circuit of the transceiver, a phase of a clock frequency signal and a phase of a first oscillator signal that is an output signal of the PLL circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase comparison:

Implementation Method 2

a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit configured to generate a first oscillator signal based on a clock frequency signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase locked loop oscillation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250105850A1Wireless communication device and method for controlling activation of RF transmission signal generation circuit

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A wireless communication device and method for controlling activation of a radio frequency (RF) transmission signal generation circuit are disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a communication processor and a transceiver controlled by the communication processor to perform wireless communication, wherein the transceiver includes a phase locked loop (PLL) configured to generate a first oscillator signal based on a clock frequency signal, an RF transmission signal generation circuit configured to generate an RF transmission signal based on the first oscillator signal received from the PLL circuit and a baseband transmission signal received from the communication processor, and a first decision circuit configured to receive a first phase comparison signal indicating whether a phase of the first oscillator signal is locked from a first phase comparator in the PLL circuit and control activation of at least one component included in the RF transmission signal generation circuit based on the first phase comparison signal.