Switched LC Oscillator Pre-Charging for Fast Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) communication systems, oscillator circuits face challenges in energy efficiency and startup time, with ring oscillators being less energy-efficient and LC oscillators requiring many cycles to reach steady-state amplitude and frequency, affecting power consumption and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an LC oscillator circuit with a switching mechanism that allows for near-instantaneous startup by pre-charging the capacitive circuit and enabling oscillation through a switching circuit, reducing power consumption and phase noise compared to ring oscillators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LC oscillators are used for energy efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but startup time increases due to random phase and slow steady-state convergence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitive circuit before enabling oscillation. The switching circuit charges the capacitor to a specific voltage level in advance, so when oscillation is enabled, the LC oscillator starts from a predetermined initial condition rather than random phase, achieving fast startup while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the initial voltage parameter of the capacitive circuit to achieve instantaneous startup. By controlling the charge voltage across the capacitor through the switching circuit, the oscillator transitions from random phase startup to deterministic fast startup, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and startup time
2Loss of time
If ring oscillators are used for instantaneous startup, then startup time is reduced, but power consumption increases compared to LC oscillators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action to pre-charge the capacitive circuit before enabling oscillation. This approach allows the LC oscillator to achieve instantaneous startup similar to ring oscillators, but while maintaining the lower power consumption characteristics of LC oscillators during steady-state operation
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuit acts as an intermediary that enables the LC oscillator to achieve fast startup without requiring the high power consumption of ring oscillators. The switching circuit controls the charge voltage and enables oscillation only when needed, bridging the gap between energy efficiency and fast startup requirements
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 enables LC oscillator circuits to achieve reduced power consumption and lower phase noise, allowing for faster startup and efficient operation in duty-cycled applications, such as IR-UWB communication systems, while maintaining lower sensitivity to supply variations.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive circuit and an inductive circuit connected in a circuit loop
Implementation Method 2
The inductive circuit includes one or more inductive elements and a switching circuit
Implementation Method 3
enables oscillation of energy between the capacitive circuit and the inductive circuit
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, an apparatus includes an LC circuit having a capacitive circuit and an inductive circuit connected in a circuit loop. The inductive circuit includes one or more inductive elements and a switching circuit. In a first mode, the switching circuit provides a direct-current charge voltage across the LC circuit and prevents oscillation of energy between the capacitive circuit and the inductive circuit by opening a switch in the circuit loop of the LC circuit. In a second mode, the switching circuit enables oscillation of energy between the capacitive circuit and the inductive circuit by closing the switch in the circuit loop.