Shared Switched Capacitor Array for Multi-Band Tuning Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing tuning circuits for multiple frequency bands is challenging due to the need for wide tunable ranges, which often requires multiple circuits, leading to increased silicon area and cost, especially when using switched capacitor arrays (SCAs) in integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A programmable switched capacitor array is shared between two tuning circuits, allowing for digital control of capacitance to adjust tuning frequencies across different bands by selectively coupling the variable capacitance device to different nodes based on mode control, reducing the need for multiple SCAs and minimizing silicon area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tuning circuits are used to support wide frequency bands, then the tunable range is improved, but the silicon area occupied by switched capacitor arrays increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared switched capacitor array that can be dynamically allocated to different tuning circuits based on operational mode. A single SCA serves multiple tuning circuits (first and second tuning circuits) by being selectively coupled to different nodes through mode control signals, enabling one component to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated SCAs for each tuning circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple switched capacitor arrays into a single shared resource. Instead of having separate SCAs for each tuning circuit, the invention merges them into one common SCA that is time-multiplexed or mode-multiplexed across different tuning circuits, reducing the total silicon area while maintaining the capability to support wide frequency bands
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tuning circuits are used to achieve wide frequency coverage, then the frequency band support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shared SCA is designed to function across multiple tuning circuits with a unified control mechanism. The mode control register and control signals enable a single SCA to adaptively serve different tuning circuits based on the required frequency band, reducing device complexity by eliminating redundant dedicated SCAs while maintaining comprehensive frequency band support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic mode control that allows the SCA configuration to change based on operational requirements. The mode control register can dynamically reconfigure which tuning circuit connects to the SCA, enabling adaptive frequency band support without requiring static dedicated hardware for each band, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sharing a switched capacitor array (SCA) by two tuning circuits are disclosed. In a multiple-band radio receiver, there is a need to use multiple tuning circuits for signals in different bands. The tuning circuit typically comprised an adjustable capacitance device and other tuning components, where the adjustable capacitance device is often implemented in SCA. The present invention discloses a system and method comprising n sections of capacitor elements where each capacitor element comprises a capacitor and switches to selectively connect the capacitor to one of the tuning circuit. Consequently, the SCA can be shared by the two tuning circuits. The control bits for the switched may be provided from a programmable control register.