Programmable Divider Feedback Control for Multi-Divisor PLLs

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing programmable frequency dividers lack the ability to selectively provide feedback control for multi-divisor frequency division operations, limiting their versatility and functionality in phase-lock-loop circuits.

Innovation Solution

A programmable divider apparatus comprising a first divider for frequency division by at least three consecutive integers, a second divider for division by 2 and 3, and a feedback control unit that selectively controls the output of the second divider to be fed back to the first divider, allowing for frequency division operations by various divisors including 4, 5, ..., and 12, through control signals and logic signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a programmable frequency divider is designed with fixed divisor functionality, then the circuit structure remains simple, but the versatility and adaptability of the divider are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedivisor flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic divisor selection by making the feedback path configurable through control signals. The feedback control unit can selectively connect or disconnect the feedback path based on control inputs, allowing the divider to adapt its division ratio dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility through controlled dynamic reconfiguration rather than fixed static design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal frequency divider that can perform multiple division operations (division by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and other integers) using a single integrated circuit structure. The feedback control unit and selectable feedback path enable one divider circuit to fulfill multiple divisor functions, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If feedback control is added to enable multi-divisor operations, then the versatility of the divider improves, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-divisor capabilityVSAvoidfeedback control structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the feedback control functionality into a dedicated feedback control unit that operates independently from the core division logic. This unit receives control signals and selectively activates feedback paths, separating the control function from the execution function. This segmentation allows multi-divisor capability to be added without complicating the fundamental division operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback control unit acts as an intermediary between the control signals and the feedback path. It receives control inputs, processes them according to predetermined logic, and selectively connects or disconnects the feedback path accordingly. This intermediary structure enables versatile multi-divisor operations while keeping the control mechanism organized and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the divider is designed for specific fixed divisors, then the circuit implementation is straightforward, but the productivity and efficiency for various frequency synthesis applications are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency synthesis efficiencyVSAvoidprogrammable structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic divisor selection by making the feedback path configurable through control signals. The feedback control unit can selectively connect or disconnect the feedback path based on control inputs, allowing the divider to adapt its division ratio dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility through controlled dynamic reconfiguration rather than fixed static design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal frequency divider that can perform multiple division operations (division by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and other integers) using a single integrated circuit structure. The feedback control unit and selectable feedback path enable one divider circuit to fulfill multiple divisor functions, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7912172B2Programmable divider apparatus and method for the same

Publication Date: 2011.03.22 RICHWAVE TECH CORP

AI summary

A programmable divider apparatus comprises a first divider, a second divider, a feedback control unit, and a plurality of control signals. The first divider provides a frequency division operation of division by at least three integers, the second divider is cascaded to the first divider to provide a frequency division operation of division by two integers. The feedback control unit is coupled to between the first divider and the second divider to provide a feedback control signal to selectively supply an output of the second divider to an input of the first divider. The apparatus control signals and the feedback control signal are used to execute the first divider or the second divider.