Triangle Wave Generator With Spread Spectrum and Linear Slopes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spread spectrum methods for clock signals introduce nonlinear distortion when applied to triangle wave signals, causing undesirable changes in the slope's linearity, which is not suitable for applications requiring undistorted triangle waveforms.

Innovation Solution

A triangle wave generator circuit comprising a switch control circuit, current generator, and spread spectrum control circuit that alternately controls switches to maintain linearity while achieving spread spectrum functionality, supporting both master and slave modes with an external clock synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If spread spectrum methods are applied to triangle wave signals, then frequency distribution over spectrum is improved, but waveform linearity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespread spectrum capabilityVSAvoidwaveform linearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The triangle wave generation is segmented into discrete charge and discharge phases controlled by switches. The spread spectrum frequency variation is applied only to the duration of these phases rather than continuously distorting the waveform, thereby maintaining linearity while achieving frequency distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic switching control where switches alternately connect current sources to the integrator capacitor for charge and discharge cycles. This periodic action creates the triangle wave while allowing frequency modulation through variable timing without introducing continuous distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If continuous frequency disturbance is applied to achieve spread spectrum, then frequency distribution is improved, but waveform distortion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency distributionVSAvoidwaveform distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the duration of charge and discharge phases to achieve frequency variation. By making the timing dynamic rather than continuously disturbing the frequency, the system achieves spread spectrum capability while maintaining clean triangular waveforms without distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If slave mode synchronization with external clock is added, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch control circuit is designed to operate in multiple modes: master mode where it generates its own clock, and slave mode where it synchronizes to an external clock. This multi-functionality allows the same circuit structure to provide both independent operation and synchronized operation, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7642820B2Triangle wave generator and spread spectrum control circuit thereof
Publication Date: 2010.01.05 ELITE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US7642820B2 patent drawing
  • US7642820B2 patent drawing
  • US7642820B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A triangle wave generator with function of spreading frequency spectrum is provided. The triangle wave generator includes a switch control circuit, a current generator, an integrator, and a spread spectrum control circuit. The switch control circuit provides an internal clock and a switch control signal. The current generator is coupled to the switch control circuit and provides charge current according to the switch control signal. The integrator is coupled to the current generator and provides a triangle wave signal. The spread spectrum control circuit is coupled to the switch control circuit and the current generator for providing a current control signal according to the internal clock.