Abstract: A method and apparatus for tuning a VCO circuit to provide desired modulations is described. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention uses a controlled voltage from a digital-to-analog converter to obtain VCO voltage/frequency characteristics. The VCO voltage/frequency characteristics are used to determine a VCO capacitance value as well as a charge pump current level for each frequency band of interest. For one embodiment, the VCO circuit includes a bank of switchable capacitors used to set the VCO capacitance value. The charge pump includes a number of switch-controlled current meters to set the charge pump current level. The VCO capacitors and charge pump current meters are controlled by an off-chip CPU.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tuning a VCO circuit to provide desired modulations is described. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention uses a controlled voltage from a digital-to-analog converter to obtain VCO voltage/frequency characteristics. The VCO voltage/frequency characteristics are used to determine a VCO capacitance value as well as a charge pump current level for each frequency band of interest. For one embodiment, the VCO circuit includes a bank of switchable capacitors used to set the VCO capacitance value. The charge pump includes a number of switch-controlled current meters to set the charge pump current level. The VCO capacitors and charge pump current meters are controlled by an off-chip CPU.

Abstract: A VCO circuit for a fractional-n PLL circuit is described for implementing a direct modulation scheme. An embodiment of the invention provides a bank of switchable capacitors used to stringently control the gain of the VCO (KVCO). The capacitors provide the stringent control necessary for direct modulation. The bank of switchable capacitors is used to coarsely tune the VCO circuit. A linear capacitor is placed in series with, the varactor to linearize the frequency/capacitance response of the varactor. The capacitor also serves to isolate a reference voltage that is used to bias the varactor diode to ensure the linear range of the varactor is within the voltage range of the VCO circuit power supply. The varactor is used for fine tuning of the VCO circuit. For one embodiment the input voltages to the VCO are across a resistance value sufficient to dampen noise picked up through an external loop filter.

Abstract: A ground shield for an integrated component device to prevent coupling between integrated capacitors and/or inductors and other integrated components. Components are formed upon a substrate. A conductive metal layer is formed or deposited thereon. The conductive metal layer is electrically connected to ground and an isolation layer is formed or deposited upon the conductive metal layer. An integrated capacitor, for example a MIM-type capacitor, is then formed upon the isolation layer. The grounded conductive metal layer absorbs electrical noise such that coupling between the capacitor and other components is prevented.

Abstract: A ground shield for an integrated component device to prevent coupling between integrated capacitors and/or inductors and other integrated components. Components are formed upon a substrate. A conductive metal layer is formed or deposited thereon. The conductive metal layer is electrically connected to ground and an isolation layer is formed or deposited upon the conductive metal layer. An integrated capacitor, for example a MIM-type capacitor, is then formed upon the isolation layer. The grounded conductive metal layer absorbs electrical noise such that coupling between the capacitor and other components is prevented.

Abstract: A memory module is provided using read only memory, nonvolatile reprogrammable memory, and random access memory. Initially, data is stored in the mask ROM. Updates to the data, including software or data updates or corrections, are stored in the nonvolatile reprogrammable memory. Locations of the data and the updated data are stored in the random access memory. To read the data, a controller first reads the random access memory to determine the location of the desired data and then reads the data from the location specified in the random access memory. The memory module can be used in consumer electronics, in which minor software updates are historically required, or where product enhancements can be easily implemented using revised software code or data.