RF Circuit Clock Switching to Mitigate Digital Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions to mitigate radio frequency interference from digital activity in integrated circuits are complex and adversely affect high digital communication bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically selects between an LO-derived clock signal and a source clock signal for digital circuitry based on radio activity, using a controller to switch between these signals to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If digital circuitry and RF circuitry are located within the same integrated circuit, then integration and miniaturization are improved, but digital activity interferes with RF communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches the clock signal source for digital circuitry between a source clock signal and an LO-derived clock signal based on RF activity state. When RF circuitry is active, the system uses the LO-derived clock signal to synchronize digital activity with RF operation, thereby reducing digital interference while maintaining integration benefits.
2Reliability
If current solutions are used to reduce radio interference, then RF communication reliability is improved, but digital communication bandwidth is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts clock signal selection based on RF activity detection. When RF communication is active, it switches to LO-derived clocking to ensure RF reliability. When RF is inactive, it switches to source clock signal to maximize digital communication bandwidth, thus resolving the trade-off between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clock frequency parameter of digital circuitry by selecting different clock sources. The LO-derived clock signal has a frequency derived from the LO clock signal, while the source clock signal operates at a different frequency optimized for digital communication, allowing the system to adapt parameters based on operational mode.
3Productivity
If digital circuitry operates at high clock frequencies, then digital communication bandwidth is improved, but interference with RF circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the clock frequency parameter by switching between two clock sources. When RF activity is detected, it transitions to the LO-derived clock signal which operates at a frequency that minimizes interference with RF circuitry, while still allowing digital communication to function. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between high bandwidth operation and interference reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an apparatus includes: radio frequency (RF) circuitry to transmit and receive RF signals, the RF circuitry to operate with a local oscillator (LO) clock signal; clock circuitry to receive the LO clock signal and generate an LO-derived clock signal therefrom; first digital circuitry to communicate data according to a first digital clock signal; and a controller coupled to the first digital circuitry to select one of the LO-derived clock signal or a source clock signal to provide to the first digital circuitry as the first digital clock signal.