VCO and DC/DC Converter Frequency Locking to Prevent Crosstalk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio transmitter and receiver circuits face challenges in efficiently managing the interaction between voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) and switch-mode DC/DC converters, particularly in preventing crosstalk and ensuring the switching frequency of the DC/DC converter does not overlap with the oscillator's frequency spectrum, which affects the stability and efficiency of signal conversion.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a frequency converter that locks the switching frequency of the DC/DC converter to the oscillator's frequency, using a multiplication or addition method to ensure the switching frequency is outside the oscillator's bandwidth, and integrating VCOs and DC/DC converters on the same substrate to prevent crosstalk, while allowing the DC/DC converter to operate self-oscillate even when the oscillator is inactive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the DC/DC converter operates independently with its own switching frequency, then it can provide stable power conversion, but the switching frequency may overlap with the oscillator's frequency spectrum causing crosstalk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion stabilityVSAvoidcrosstalk between DC/DC converter and oscillator

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the oscillator's output signal is fed to a frequency converter that generates a control signal for the DC/DC converter. This feedback loop ensures the switching frequency is dynamically adjusted based on the oscillator's frequency, preventing overlap and crosstalk while maintaining stable power conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a frequency converter as an intermediary component between the oscillator and the DC/DC converter. This intermediary processes the oscillator's frequency information and generates an appropriate switching frequency control signal, mediating the interaction to prevent harmful frequency overlap while enabling integrated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the DC/DC converter switching frequency is locked to the oscillator frequency, then crosstalk is prevented, but the DC/DC converter cannot operate when the oscillator is inactive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrosstalk preventionVSAvoidDC/DC converter operation independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic frequency locking mechanism where the DC/DC converter's switching frequency is locked to the oscillator's frequency only when the oscillator is active. When the oscillator is inactive, the system dynamically switches to allow the DC/DC converter to operate at its own frequency, providing adaptability while preventing crosstalk during oscillator operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate designs are used for VCO and DC/DC converter, then frequency overlap can be managed, but the circuit size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency overlap managementVSAvoidcircuit integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the VCO and DC/DC converter into a single integrated circuit, combining previously separate designs. The frequency converter and control mechanisms are integrated within the same chip, reducing overall circuit size and complexity while maintaining effective frequency overlap management through the built-in feedback and control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution effectively prevents crosstalk between VCOs and DC/DC converters, ensuring stable and efficient signal conversion by maintaining the switching frequency outside the oscillator's frequency spectrum, even when the oscillator is not active, thereby enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of the transceiver circuits.

Implementation Method 1

The DC/DC converter may be a switch-mode DC/DC converter which performs the voltage conversion by applying a DC voltage across an inductor or capacitor for a period of time which causes current to flow and store energy magnetically or electrically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic energy storage: Inductor

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric energy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20080274703A1Circuit and method

Publication Date: 2008.11.06 APPLE INC

AI summary

Implementations related to circuits including an oscillator and a switch-mode DC/DC converter are presented herein.