Infinite RF Delay-Locked Loop for Low-Noise Microwave Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional delay-locked loops (DLLs) have limited delay range, making them difficult to set up and susceptible to loss of lock, especially when dealing with microwave frequencies, and often require additional components like pulse-to-sawtooth converters, which can introduce phase noise and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of infinite RF DLL devices and methods that include a source-agnostic design with a phase detector, an infinite phase shift actuator, and an actuator controller, utilizing an in-phase/quadrature mixer or RF bridge for phase alignment, allowing operation in the microwave domain with low noise and continuous operation without abrupt switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional DLLs are used with limited delay range, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to loss of lock and difficulty in setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional limited delay range parameter into an infinite delay range by using a phase detector that generates in-phase and quadrature error signals, combined with I/Q mixers that can produce continuous phase shifts from 0 to 360 degrees. This parameter transformation allows the DLL to maintain lock stability across the entire phase range without requiring multiple delay elements or complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal DLL architecture that can work with any RF signal source regardless of its specific characteristics. The phase detector and I/Q mixer combination provides a universal mechanism for generating infinite phase shifts that adapts to different oscillator types and frequency ranges, eliminating the need for source-specific tuning or additional components.
2Speed
If DLLs operate at microwave frequencies with conventional architecture, then frequency range is extended, but noise performance deteriorates due to additive phase noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electronic delay line mechanisms with a phase-based control system using I/Q mixers. This substitution eliminates the need for physical delay elements that generate phase noise at microwave frequencies, while maintaining the ability to control phase alignment through electrical signal processing in the I/Q domain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loops and pulse-to-sawtooth converters are added to achieve infinite delay, then delay range is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple delay loops and pulse-to-sawtooth converters into a single unified I/Q mixer structure. The in-phase and quadrature mixers work together to generate continuous phase shifts, eliminating the need for separate delay lines and conversion circuits while achieving the same infinite delay effect through coordinated signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of infinite phase shifting from the complex multi-loop architecture and implements it directly through the phase detector and I/Q mixer combination. This extraction removes unnecessary intermediate components like pulse-to-sawtooth converters while preserving the core functionality of generating unlimited phase adjustments.
4Loss of time
If abrupt switching is used in conventional DLLs, then response time is improved, but noise performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic phase adjustment mechanism where the I/Q mixers continuously adjust the phase shift based on real-time error signals from the phase detector. This dynamic control replaces abrupt switching with smooth, continuous phase transitions that respond quickly to phase errors while avoiding the noise generation associated with sudden switching events.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an apparatus and a method for a low noise infinite radio frequency (RF) delayed-locked loop (DLL). The apparatus comprises a phase detector having a first input configured to receive a first RF signal, a second input, and an output; an infinite phase shifter having a first input configured to receive a second RF signal, an input bus, and an output connected to the second input of the phase detector; and a controller having a first input connected to the output of the phase detector and an output bus connected to the input bus of the infinite phase detector, wherein the output of the infinite phase shifter comprises a low noise signal in phase alignment with the first RF signal.