Variable Integrated Inductor for Multi-Band VCO Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) in multi-band radio transceivers have a limited tuning range due to fixed inductors, which restricts their ability to cover multiple frequency bands and requires increased silicon area and current consumption when attempting to extend tuning range through additional components.
Innovation Solution
A variable integrated inductor with a multi-loop primary inductor electromagnetically coupled to secondary inductors, allowing inductance switching between series and parallel configurations to extend the tuning range, used in conjunction with capacitive switching in VCOs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed inductor is used in the LC resonator circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the tuning range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed inductor into a variable inductor that can dynamically switch between multiple inductance values. The inductor structure includes switchable branches that allow the inductance to be adjusted according to different frequency band requirements, enabling the VCO to cover multiple frequency bands while maintaining a relatively simple basic circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the inductance value parameter of the inductor through structural configuration changes. By switching different branches of the inductor structure, the inductance parameter can be changed between multiple discrete values, thereby extending the tuning range of the LC resonator circuit without significantly increasing circuit complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual VCOs are used to extend frequency range, then the tuning range is improved, but the silicon area increases more than twice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single VCO that can perform multiple frequency band functions through the variable inductor. The inductor structure with switchable branches allows one VCO to cover the frequency range that would otherwise require two separate VCOs, thereby achieving multi-functionality while reducing the silicon area occupied by the VCO circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate VCOs into a single integrated VCO structure. By combining multiple inductance values within one inductor component and using a shared capacitor, the patent achieves the frequency coverage of dual VCOs while consolidating the circuit into one unit, significantly reducing the required silicon area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If divider is added to decrease tuning range requirements, then the VCO tuning range can be reduced, but current consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple inductance values within the VCO's inductor structure itself, so that the full frequency range is available directly from the VCO without requiring post-processing division. This eliminates the need for external divider circuits that would consume additional current, as the frequency tuning is accomplished directly through the variable inductor's switched configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If divider is added to extend frequency coverage, then the frequency bands can be covered, but the chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single VCO universal by equipping it with a variable inductor that can operate across multiple frequency bands. The switchable inductance values allow the same VCO circuit to generate different frequency outputs directly, eliminating the need for additional divider circuits and their associated chip area, thereby achieving multi-band coverage in a compact form.
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
The solution provides an extended tuning range for VCOs, reducing silicon area requirements and current consumption while maintaining performance, enabling coverage of more frequency bands without significant increases in chip area or power usage.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-loop primary inductor which is electromagnetically coupled to a pair of secondary inductors
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable integrated inductor is described herein which has an inductance value that can be switched between two or more values. In the preferred embodiment, the variable integrated inductor includes a multi-loop primary inductor which is electromagnetically coupled to a pair of secondary inductors. The secondary inductors are connected to one another to form a closed circuit within which the secondary inductors have a changeable topology that can be switched between a series connection and a parallel connection in order to change an inductance value which is output by the multi-loop primary inductor. In one application, the variable integrated inductor is used in a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) which is of the type that can be used in a multi-band RF radio transceiver (e.g., wireless communication device). In other applications, the variable integrated inductor can be used in a tuned amplifier load, an impedance matching network, a digitally controlled oscillator or any other type of frequency selective LC- network.