Variable-Load Injection-Locked Oscillator for Stable Low-Power Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Injection-locked oscillators face challenges in low electricity consumption and stability under large temperature and power supply variations, affecting their performance in environments like the Internet of Objects (IoT) where robustness is crucial.
Innovation Solution
An injection-locked oscillator design that modifies its natural frequency based on control signal amplitude and uses periodic impedance coupling to reduce electricity consumption, independent of injection signal amplitudes and environmental variations, by altering load impedance values at the synchronization frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional injection locking is used with continuous current injection, then the oscillator can maintain stable frequency locking, but electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using impulse current injection synchronized with the oscillator's natural frequency rather than continuous current injection. The injection circuit delivers current impulses at specific moments during the oscillator cycle, achieving frequency locking while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the injection circuit inactive during most of the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the load impedance variable rather than fixed. The injection circuit dynamically adjusts the load impedance seen by the oscillator based on the injection signal phase and amplitude, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions and maintain stable locking with reduced energy expenditure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the oscillator operates in environments with large temperature and power supply variations, then adaptability is improved, but frequency stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the injection signal phase and amplitude are used to control the injection circuit operation. The circuit monitors the oscillator state and adjusts the impulse injection timing and magnitude accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains frequency stability despite temperature and power supply variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the load impedance dynamically in response to environmental conditions. The injection circuit modifies electrical parameters such as impedance magnitude and phase based on detected oscillator behavior, allowing the system to compensate for temperature and power supply variations and maintain stable frequency locking.
Data Source
AI summary
Injection-locked oscillator comprising:a control input receiving a control signal, the value of the natural frequency of the oscillator being a function of the amplitude of the control signal;a synchronisation input receiving a periodic synchronisation signal, the oscillator outputting an output signal with a frequency equal to the frequency of the synchronisation signal, and such that a phase shift between the output signal and the synchronisation signal depends on a difference between the natural frequency of the oscillator and the frequency of the synchronisation signal;a first load impedance onto which a load signal is applied;a second load impedance;a first coupling component periodically coupling the second load impedance to the first load impedance, at the synchronisation frequency.