Tunable Injection-Locked Dividers for Wider PLL Locking Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency dividers, particularly in high-frequency PLLs for wireless communication, face challenges in achieving good phase noise performance and low power consumption due to limited locking range and high power consumption of static dividers, which makes them unsuitable for mass production.
Innovation Solution
The use of tunable injection-locked dividers with adjustable capacitance and inductance to enhance locking range, allowing calibration to a target frequency, thereby improving phase noise performance and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If static dividers are used in high-frequency PLLs, then frequency division can be achieved, but power consumption increases and locking range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic dividers that can switch between different division ratios based on operating conditions, allowing the PLL to maintain lock across a wider frequency range while optimizing power consumption for each mode. The divider ratio is dynamically adjustable to match the injection frequency, preventing loss of lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the division ratio parameter dynamically to adapt to varying injection frequencies. By adjusting the divider ratio to be approximately equal to the injection frequency divided by the VCO frequency, the system maintains optimal locking conditions across different operating frequencies while minimizing power consumption.
2Reliability
If static dividers are used in high-frequency PLLs, then frequency division can be achieved, but phase noise performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic dividers that adapt their operation to the injection frequency, maintaining optimal phase noise performance across different operating conditions. The dynamic adjustment allows the divider to operate in the most efficient mode for each frequency, reducing phase noise while managing power consumption.
3Power
If IL dividers are used to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but locking range becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the divider ratio in IL dividers, allowing them to adapt to different injection frequencies. This dynamic capability expands the locking range while maintaining the low power consumption benefits of injection-locked operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically changes the division ratio parameter to match the injection frequency requirements. By adjusting the divider ratio to approximately equal to the injection frequency divided by the VCO frequency, the system maintains a wide locking range while operating at low power consumption levels.
4Productivity
If multiple IL dividers are used to achieve high frequency division ratios, then frequency synthesis capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single IL divider with dynamically adjustable division ratio instead of multiple fixed-ratio dividers. This dynamic approach achieves the same frequency synthesis capability with reduced device complexity, as one adaptable component replaces multiple fixed components.
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
Tunable injection-locked dividers provide enhanced locking range, better phase noise performance, and lower power consumption, making them suitable for high-frequency PLLs and enabling operation at lower power supply voltages.
Implementation Method 1
Each IL divider may be calibrated (e.g., by tuning at least one adjustable capacitor) to obtain an oscillation frequency that is within a predetermined tolerance of the target frequency of the IL divider
Implementation Method 2
The at least one IL divider may receive the oscillator signal at the first frequency and provide an output signal at a second frequency, which may be related to the first frequency by an overall divider ratio of the at least one IL divider
Data Source
AI summary
Tunable injection locked (IL) dividers having enhanced locking range, good phase noise performance, and low power consumption are disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus (e.g., a wireless device) includes an oscillator and at least one IL divider. The oscillator provides an oscillator signal at a first frequency. The at least one IL divider receives the oscillator signal and provides an output signal at a second frequency, which is related to the first frequency by an overall divider ratio for the IL divider(s). Each IL divider may be calibrated based on a target frequency of that IL divider. Each IL divider may be calibrated (e.g., by tuning at least one adjustable capacitor) to obtain an oscillation frequency within a predetermined tolerance of the target frequency of that IL divider. The oscillator may be calibrated based on a target oscillation frequency of the oscillator.