RF Circuit Arrangement Synchronizing Switching Harmonics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching frequency components and their harmonics in DC/DC converters cause interference in the useful frequency range of mobile terminal circuits, leading to inefficiencies and crosstalk.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement that uses a voltage regulating unit coupled with a divider to derive the switching frequency from a useful frequency, ensuring harmonics are synchronized with the useful signal, reducing interference by placing interference signals in a frequency range that meets system requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a switching converter is used to convert main supply voltage into different operating voltages, then energy efficiency is improved, but interference signals occur in the useful frequency range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidinterference signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the switching frequency parameter by deriving it from the useful frequency through a divider circuit. The switching frequency is set to be a subharmonic of the useful frequency (e.g., useful frequency divided by an integer factor), which moves the interference signals away from the useful frequency range and reduces their harmful effects while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of switching conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If switching frequency components are present in the useful frequency range, then the switching converter operates efficiently, but crosstalk and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching converter operationVSAvoidcrosstalk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful switching frequency components into beneficial synchronized harmonics. By setting the switching frequency as a subharmonic of the useful frequency, the harmonics of the switching signal align with the useful signal frequency, causing the interference to be synchronized rather than random. This reduces crosstalk and allows the switching converter to operate efficiently without generating harmful crosstalk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the switching frequency is independent of the useful frequency, then the voltage regulating unit operates autonomously, but interference cannot be synchronized with the useful signal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidunsynchronized interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the voltage regulating unit's switching frequency dependent on the useful frequency through the divider circuit. The same frequency signal that defines the useful frequency is also used (through division) to generate the switching frequency, creating a universal frequency reference that ensures harmonics are synchronized with the useful signal while maintaining autonomous operation of the voltage regulating unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9496907B2Circuit arrangement for processing a radio-frequency signal

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 APPLE INC

AI summary

Described herein is a circuit arrangement for processing a radio-frequency signal.