VCO ESD Protection via Voltage Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit clock regulation is challenged by electrostatic discharge (ESD) noise, which induces jitter in phase-locked-loop (PLL) output clocks due to sensitivity to supply-noise, particularly in applications requiring stable clock frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit with capacitance tuning and an electrostatic protection circuit that mitigates the effects of ESD by regulating the power supply to maintain a stable oscillation frequency, using a voltage regulator to counteract imbalances in capacitance caused by ESD protection structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ESD protection structures are added to protect the VCO circuit, then reliability is improved, but parasitic capacitance increases causing frequency stability to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated regulation capacitor (Cr) is introduced as an intermediary element between the power supply and the VCO circuit. This capacitor specifically counteracts the parasitic capacitance effects from ESD protection structures by providing a stable reference voltage, thereby maintaining frequency stability while allowing ESD protection to remain in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the power supply parameters by regulating the voltage supplied to the VCO circuit through a dedicated capacitor. By controlling the voltage parameter and compensating for capacitance variations, the system maintains stable oscillation frequency despite the presence of ESD protection structures that introduce parasitic capacitance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a voltage regulator is added to mitigate charge imbalance effects on tuning capacitance, then frequency stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent paths: a regulated path for the VCO circuit using a dedicated capacitor (Cr) and a reference voltage source, and an unregulated path for other circuit blocks. This segmentation allows the VCO to receive stable voltage without requiring complex regulation circuitry for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
A reference voltage source and dedicated regulation capacitor are introduced as intermediary elements between the power supply and VCO circuit. These intermediaries specifically address the charge imbalance issue affecting tuning capacitance without requiring complex active regulation circuitry throughout the entire system.
3Reliability
If power is connected to VCO circuit through ESD protection circuit, then reliability is improved, but oscillation frequency stability deteriorates due to electrostatic energy effects
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated regulation capacitor (Cr) serves as an intermediary between the power supply and VCO circuit, specifically counteracting the electrostatic energy effects from ESD protection structures. This capacitor provides a stable voltage reference that isolates the VCO from frequency destabilizing effects while allowing ESD protection to remain functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter supplied to the VCO circuit by introducing dedicated voltage regulation through capacitor Cr. This parameter change compensates for electrostatic energy effects that would otherwise cause frequency drift, allowing the system to maintain stable oscillation while protected by ESD structures.
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 reduces frequency variations in VCO circuits, ensuring stable clock signals and improved performance in sensitive applications like narrow band radio frequency systems and ultra-wideband systems, even with coin cell battery power.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic protection circuit arranged to connect power to the VCO circuit while reducing variation in the oscillation frequency of the VCO
Implementation Method 2
capacitance circuitry collectively configured to tune the oscillation frequency of the electronic oscillator
Implementation Method 3
an electronic oscillator circuit that uses a piezoelectric resonator as its frequency-determining element
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to electrostatic discharge protection of an integrated circuit clock. According to a specific example, circuitry includes a direct-current power supply, a voltage-controlled oscillation (VCO) circuit, an electrostatic protection circuit, and a voltage regulator. The VCO circuit has an oscillation frequency and includes an amplification circuit and capacitance circuitry. The electrostatic protection circuit is arranged to connect power to the VCO circuit while reducing variation in the oscillation frequency of the VCO circuit resulting from electrostatic energy. The voltage regulator is connected between the direct-current power supply and a power supply connection at which the direct-current power is connected to the VCO, and is configured to mitigate an imbalance of electric charges from adversely altering a tuning capacitance of the VCO established by the capacitance circuitry.