Shared-Pad Oscillator Circuit for Resonator and VCO Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillator circuits in wireless communication devices often require multiple configurations to generate oscillating signals, which can lead to hardware complexity and increased costs due to the need for different pins and pads for simple resonators and voltage-controlled oscillator modules, and lack a unified startup sequence across configurations.
Innovation Solution
An oscillator circuit design that includes a switching circuit to enable or disable a gain element based on the type of oscillator used, allowing the same pads to interface with both simple resonators and voltage-controlled oscillator modules, and a digital-to-analog converter to control the oscillator frequency, enabling a unified startup sequence and reducing hardware requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different configurations of oscillator circuits are implemented to generate clock signals, then the oscillator can be customized for specific frequency requirements, but the hardware complexity increases due to the need for different pins and pads for simple resonators and voltage-controlled oscillator modules
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator circuit is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both simple resonator configurations and voltage-controlled oscillator module configurations using the same pins and pads. The circuit includes configurable components that can operate in multiple modes depending on the selected oscillator type, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware interfaces for each configuration type.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator circuit employs dynamic configuration capabilities where components such as switches and control logic can reconfigure the circuit topology based on the selected oscillator type. This allows the same physical hardware to adapt its behavior and connectivity dynamically, supporting both resonator and VCO modes without requiring static dedicated connections for each type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different configurations of oscillator circuits are implemented, then specific frequency generation requirements can be met, but production costs increase due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal oscillator circuit interface that supports multiple oscillator types through the same pins and pads, the invention reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity. Manufacturers can produce a single standardized oscillator circuit design that serves multiple applications, eliminating the need to maintain separate production lines or inventory for different oscillator configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate pins and pads are used for simple resonators and voltage-controlled oscillator modules, then each configuration can be optimized independently, but chip space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the interface requirements for both simple resonator and voltage-controlled oscillator module configurations into a single shared set of pins and pads. By combining previously separate hardware interfaces into a unified structure with configurable connectivity, the design reduces the total area occupied by oscillator-related I/O structures on the chip while maintaining the ability to support both configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an oscillator circuit comprises, a first pad associated with a first terminal of an oscillator and a second pad associated with a second terminal of the oscillator. The oscillator is configured to generate an oscillating signal and communicate the oscillating signal from the second terminal to a clock distributor coupled to the second pad. The oscillator circuit further comprises an oscillator gain element comprising an output node coupled to the first pad and an input node coupled to the second pad. The oscillator circuit also comprises a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled to the first pad. The oscillator circuit additionally comprises a switching circuit coupled to the gain element. The switching circuit is configured to enable the gain element when the oscillator comprises a resonator and disable the gain element when the oscillator comprises a voltage controlled oscillating module.