Single-Electron Tank Circuit Synchronization for Low Phase Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resonant tank circuits, such as LC oscillator circuits, suffer from high phase noise due to thermal and flicker noise generated by active circuits, particularly in CMOS processes, which affects the performance of communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single-electron device that injects or extracts electrons into or from the resonant tank circuit at specific phase-based electrical characteristics, synchronized by zero crossing detectors, to minimize noise introduction and maintain oscillation amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an active circuit is used to replenish energy in the resonant tank circuit, then the oscillation amplitude is maintained, but thermal noise and flicker noise are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful active circuit elements (MOS transistors) that generate noise and replaces them with a passive resonant tank circuit. Energy is replenished through single-electron injection devices that transfer electrons between the tank circuit and a storage node, eliminating the noisy active amplification while maintaining oscillation through controlled electron transfer at specific phase points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a single-electron injection device as an intermediary mechanism between the resonant tank circuit and the electron storage node. This intermediary transfers energy in discrete electron quantities at precisely controlled phases, replacing the continuous noisy energy addition from active circuits with a quantized, phase-synchronized electron transfer process
2Stability of the object's composition
If MOS transistors are used in feedback configuration to replenish energy, then oscillation is maintained, but flicker noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes MOS transistors from the feedback configuration and replaces them with a passive resonant tank circuit coupled to an electron storage node. Energy replenishment is achieved through single-electron injection devices that operate without the flicker noise inherent in MOS transistor feedback, maintaining oscillation through phase-synchronized electron transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electronic feedback mechanism (MOS transistors) with a physical electron transfer mechanism. By using single-electron injection devices that physically transfer electrons between nodes at specific phases, the system replaces the noisy electronic feedback with a cleaner, phase-controlled electron transport process
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrons are injected at arbitrary phases, then energy is replenished, but phase noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by using zero-crossing detectors to identify specific phase points before electron injection occurs. Electrons are injected only at predetermined phase points (zero crossings) of the oscillation waveform, ensuring that energy replenishment happens at optimal moments that minimize phase disruption and maintain synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by synchronizing electron injection with the natural oscillation period of the resonant tank circuit. Electrons are injected at regular intervals corresponding to zero-crossing events, creating a periodic energy replenishment pattern that maintains oscillation rhythm and minimizes phase noise through consistent timing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces phase noise by controlling electron injection and extraction at peak oscillation moments, minimizing noise impact and maintaining low current consumption, thereby enhancing the performance of resonant tank circuits and communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
a single-electron device configured to inject or extract a single electron into the resonant tank circuit
Implementation Method 2
a synchronizer coupled to the single-electron device and configured to cause the single-electron device to either inject or extract the single electron into the resonant tank circuit at a phase based, respectively, on an extreme (i.e., maximum or minimum) electrical characteristic output of the resonant tank circuit
Implementation Method 3
the effective resistance within the resonator will generate thermal noise
Implementation Method 4
MOS transistors exhibit a higher flicker noise resulting from imperfections in the manufacturing process, in which electron traps are formed in the silicon to silicon-dioxide interface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reducing phase-noise in a resonant tank circuit. The system includes a single-electron device configured to inject a single electron into the oscillator circuit tank circuit. The system further includes a synchronizer coupled to the single-electron device and configured to cause the single-electron device to inject the single electron into the resonant tank circuit at a phase based on an extreme (maximum or minimum) electrical characteristic output of the resonant tank circuit.