Triple-Push VCO Phase Shifting for Multi-Band Harmonic Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage-controlled oscillators are limited in their ability to operate across multiple frequency bands due to frequency determination tolerance of about 10%, making them unsuitable for ultrahigh frequency applications like terahertz domains, where circuit design faces challenges with transistor elements.
Innovation Solution
A triple-push voltage-controlled oscillator is designed with multiple oscillation circuits connected in a triple-push structure, including phase shifters that can selectively change the phase of output signals to enable operation in basic, second harmonic, and third harmonic modes, allowing a single oscillator to function across various bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional voltage-controlled oscillator is used with frequency determination tolerance of about 10%, then the oscillator can operate within a limited frequency range, but it cannot handle various frequency bands requiring multiple oscillators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a triple-push type voltage-controlled oscillator that can operate in three different frequency bands (basic band, first harmonic band, and second harmonic band) by selectively connecting different capacitors to the transistor circuit. This single oscillator design replaces what would traditionally require three separate oscillators, achieving multi-functionality through capacitor switching that enables the same hardware to serve multiple frequency band requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses voltage-controlled switches to dynamically connect different capacitors (first capacitor for basic band, second capacitor for first harmonic band, third capacitor for second harmonic band) to the transistor circuit based on the desired operating frequency band. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the oscillator to adapt its frequency characteristics in real-time without physical hardware changes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Length of moving object
If the frequency band approaches the terahertz domain, then shorter wavelengths provide advantages in circuit size reduction, but circuit design faces difficulties due to transistor element limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the oscillator circuit by switching between different capacitors with different capacitance values. This parameter change enables the oscillator to operate at different frequency bands including terahertz frequencies, where shorter wavelengths allow for smaller circuit dimensions while maintaining reliable transistor operation through appropriate capacitance selection
3Adaptability or versatility
If one oscillator is designed for a specific frequency band, then it can operate reliably within that band, but it cannot operate in other frequency bands requiring additional oscillators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs voltage-controlled switches that can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on the desired operating band. By applying appropriate control voltages, the system dynamically reconfigures the circuit to select the appropriate capacitor (first, second, or third capacitor), enabling seamless switching between basic band, first harmonic band, and second harmonic band operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage-controlled switches as intermediary elements between the control system and the capacitor bank. These switches act as mediators that selectively connect the appropriate capacitor to the transistor circuit based on control signals, simplifying the operational control while enabling multi-band functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage-controlled oscillator having a triple-push structure is disclosed. The voltage-controlled oscillator having a triple-push structure may include: a voltage-controlled oscillation part including a multiple number of oscillation circuits configured to output an output signal based on a control voltage, where the multiple oscillation circuits are connected in a triple-push structure; a multiple number of phase shifters connected respectively to the output ends of the oscillation circuits and configured to change a phase of the output signals outputted from the output ends of the oscillation circuits; and an output part configured to output a final output signal by adding the output signals that are outputted with changed phases from the multiple phase shifters.