Variable Delay Chain Phase Shifting With Lower Noise and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shift generation devices, such as Delay-Locked-Loops (DLLs), suffer from limited delay range, high noise levels, and significant power loss due to fixed delay element chains, which restrict their operation to narrow frequency ranges and are not independent of signal form.
Innovation Solution
A device with a variable delay chain comprising multiple phase detectors and a selection mechanism that activates only necessary delay elements, allowing for adjustable delay times and phase shifts, and incorporating a switching device to generate the second output signal, enabling low-noise operation across a broad frequency range with reduced power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all delay elements in the delay chain are always in operation to provide continuous phase shift coverage, then the delay range is sufficient, but the inherent noise level increases and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching of delay elements based on the desired phase shift value. Instead of keeping all delay elements continuously active, the system selectively activates only the necessary number of delay elements to achieve the required phase shift. This dynamic operation reduces the number of active components, thereby lowering inherent noise and power consumption while maintaining the full delay range capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically evaluates the required phase shift and adjusts the number of active delay elements accordingly. By using a multiplexer to select between different numbers of active delay elements based on the phase shift requirement, the system implements a periodic decision-making process that optimizes the balance between delay range coverage and noise/power reduction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all delay elements are always in operation to ensure full delay range, then the delay range is sufficient, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching of delay elements based on the desired phase shift value. Instead of keeping all delay elements continuously active, the system selectively activates only the necessary number of delay elements to achieve the required phase shift. This dynamic operation reduces the number of active components, thereby lowering inherent noise and power consumption while maintaining the full delay range capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards (deactivates) unnecessary delay elements when they are not needed for the current phase shift requirement, and recovers (reactivates) them when needed. This on-demand activation strategy reduces power consumption by ensuring that only the minimum necessary components are active at any given time, while the full set of delay elements remains available when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If delay elements are designed for broadband operation, then frequency range is improved, but delay time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delay chain into multiple sections with different delay characteristics. By dividing the overall delay function into separate segments, the system can optimize each segment for specific frequency ranges or delay requirements. This segmentation allows the combination of broadband elements (for high-frequency operation) and narrowband elements with longer delay times (for low-frequency operation), achieving both broadband capability and sufficient delay time across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the delay chain are designed with different delay characteristics tailored to specific needs. The front delay elements are designed to be broadband with shorter delay times for high-frequency operation, while rear delay elements can be optimized for longer delay times at lower frequencies. This local optimization of delay element properties allows the system to achieve both broadband operation and adequate delay time depending on the operating frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) has a delay-chain (2) consisting of multiple serially arranged delay elements (2-1 - 2-4). Multiple of phase detectors are provided for detecting phase difference between two output signals (I, Q) at an outlet of the delay elements. A reference signal stays in a firm phase relationship to one of the output signals (I). A selection device stays in connection with outlets of the phase detectors, and selects the delay elements. A switching device connects the outlet of the delay elements, which are selected by the selection device to produce the other output signal.