Switched 8-Shaped Inductor for Oscillator Frequency Range Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

The straightforward implementation of inductive switching in crosstalk-optimized 8-shaped inductors does not produce the desired effect, limiting the tuning range of oscillators and introducing crosstalk issues.

Innovation Solution

The use of an 8-shaped inductor with fully enclosed concentric auxiliary windings and asymmetrical secondary windings placement, where switches are configured to shorten or open the windings to modify effective inductance and preserve crosstalk properties, allowing for wider frequency range and reduced silicon area penalty.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inductive switching is implemented in 8-shaped inductors, then the tuning range of oscillators is increased, but crosstalk issues are introduced and the desired effect is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetuning rangeVSAvoidcrosstalk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 8-shaped inductor into multiple independent windings (first winding and second winding) that can be selectively switched. By dividing the inductor structure and controlling each winding independently through separate switches, the patent achieves extended tuning range while maintaining crosstalk optimization through asymmetric placement of these segmented windings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric placement of the first and second windings within the 8-shaped inductor structure. This asymmetric configuration is key to preserving crosstalk properties while enabling inductive switching functionality, as the unequal positioning of windings prevents the crosstalk issues that arise in symmetric implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If switches are added to extend frequency range, then the tuning capability is improved, but the silicon area consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency rangeVSAvoidsilicon area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the switching functionality directly into the inductor structure by integrating switches within the inductor's winding configuration. This combination eliminates the need for separate switching components, thereby extending the frequency range while minimizing additional silicon area consumption through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested configuration where auxiliary windings and switches are embedded within the main inductor structure. The first and second windings are nested within the 8-shaped inductor boundary, allowing frequency extension functionality to be contained within the existing inductor footprint without significant area penalty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If inductive switching is implemented, then the oscillator frequency range is extended, but quality factor degradation and phase noise penalty occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency rangeVSAvoidquality factor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different winding configurations to extend frequency range. By dynamically controlling the switches that connect or disconnect the first and second windings, the system adapts the inductor characteristics to different frequency requirements while minimizing quality factor degradation through optimized switching timing and configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach achieves a wider frequency range with minimal silicon area consumption and preserves the crosstalk properties of the 8-shaped inductor, with quality factor degradation and phase noise penalty only occurring above the normal DCO tuning range when switches are on.

Implementation Method 1

the auxiliary windings are configured to reduce the inductance of the main inductor when the switches are closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first auxiliary winding and a second auxiliary winding configured to reduce the inductance of the main inductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux opposition: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11552594B2Oscillator frequency range extension using switched inductor

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An inductive switch comprises an inductor that has a primary metallic winding having a boundary configured in shape of a figure eight, such as in two loops, and a plurality of secondary metallic windings arranged within the boundary of the primary metallic winding. The inductive switch includes a plurality of switches, each switch arranged in series with a respective one of the plurality of secondary metallic windings. An equal number of the secondary windings is arranged within each loop. A tunable inductor comprises at least one main metallic loop and at least one secondary metallic loop, wherein the at least one secondary metallic loop comprises a switch that is arranged to configure the at least one secondary metallic loop into at least one shorted metallic loop or at least one closed metallic loop. The at least one shorted loop is floating.