Voltage Controlled Capacitor Patents (Class 455/262)
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Patent number: 9954543Abstract: A Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) has a multi-curve voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with a curve-select input that adjusts the capacitance within the VCO and thus the VCO gain. A calibration unit generates a curve-select value to the VCO. Coarse calibration selects a Center Curve CC value using binary search of the curve-select bits. During fine calibration, the number of pulses of the VCO output are counted and stored for all curves in a target window around the center curve. The stored pulse counts are compared to an ideal pulse count for a specified frequency, and the curve-select value for the closest-matching pulse count is applied to the VCO. The target window is much smaller than all possible curves, so calibration is performed only on a few curves, reducing calibration time. A switch before the VCO opens the loop for faster open-loop calibration. Pulses are counted digitally without expensive analog comparators.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company, LimitedInventors: Tat Fu Chan, Shiyuan Zheng, Yunlong Li, Wang Chi Cheng
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Patent number: 9019018Abstract: An integrated circuit (10) has an internal RC-oscillator (20) for providing an internal clock signal (CLI) having an adjustable oscillator frequency. The integrated circuit (10) further comprises terminals (101, 102) for connecting an external LC tank (30) having a resonance frequency and a calibration circuit (40) which is configured to adjust the oscillator frequency based on the resonance frequency of the LC tank (30) connected during operation of the integrated circuit (10). An internal auxiliary oscillator (46) is connected to the terminals (101, 102) in a switchable fashion and is configured to generate an auxiliary clock signal (CLA) based on the resonance frequency. The calibration circuit (40) comprises a frequency comparator (47) which is configured to determine a trimming word (TRW) based on a frequency comparison of the internal clock signal (CLI) and the auxiliary clock signal (CLA). The LC tank (30) to be connected is an antenna for receiving a radio signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: ams AGInventor: Ruggero Leoncavallo
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Patent number: 8958743Abstract: Mobile nodes without connectivity to a wireless network form mobile ad hoc networks with mobile nodes with connectivity to the wireless network. The moving directions for the mobile nodes are determined. If the mobile nodes are traveling in substantially the same direction the ad hoc network is formed. The mobile nodes then exchange capabilities. If a mobile node without connectivity to a particular network determines that another mobile node in the ad hoc network is connected to the network, the mobile node without connectivity can tunnel data to the network through the other mobile node.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Juana E. Nakfour, Michael L. Charlier, Arnold Sheynman
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Patent number: 8855579Abstract: A method may include measuring a frequency difference between an actual frequency and an expected frequency associated with a frequency control calibration signal value for each of a plurality of frequency control calibration signal values during a calibration phase. The method may additionally include generating integral non-linearity compensation values based on the frequency differences measured The method may further include generating the applied frequency control signal based on a frequency control calibration signal value received by the digital-to-analog converter during the calibration phase. The method may also include generating a compensated frequency control signal value based on a frequency control signal value received by the integral non-linearity compensation module and an integral non-linearity compensation value associated with the frequency control signal value during an operation phase of the wireless communication element.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Intel IP CorporationInventors: David Harnishfeger, Kristopher Kaufman
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Patent number: 8792845Abstract: An oscillator is described, comprising at least one transistor having a first terminal connected to a power supply voltage. The oscillator comprises at least one inductive element connected to a second terminal of the transistor and to a bias voltage and at least one capacitive element coupled between a third terminal of the transistor and ground. The oscillator further comprises means to collect the output signal of the oscillator on the second terminal of the transistor. The oscillator is of the millimeter wave type, i.e., both the inductive element and the capacitive element are sized such that the oscillation frequency is between 30 and 300 gigahertz.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Giuseppina Sapone, Alessandro Italia, Egidio Ragonese, Giuseppe Palmisano
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Patent number: 8736326Abstract: A frequency synthesizer and a frequency synthesis method thereof are provided. The frequency synthesizer includes a phase-locked loop unit, a voltage-controlled oscillating unit, and a frequency mixing unit. The phase-locked loop unit receives a reference signal and a feedback injection signal and generates a first oscillating signal according to the reference signal and the feedback injection signal. The voltage-controlled oscillating unit receives the feedback injection signal and generates a second oscillating signal according to the feedback injection signal. The frequency mixing unit is coupled to the phase-locked loop unit and the voltage-controlled oscillating unit, receives the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal, and mixes the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal to generate the feedback injection signal and an output signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: National Sun Yat-sen UniversityInventors: Tzyy-Sheng Horng, Chung-Hung Chen, Fu-Kang Wang
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Patent number: 8687645Abstract: A wireless communications device may include a portable housing and a temperature-compensated clock circuit carried by the portable housing. The device may further include a wireless receiver carried by the portable housing for receiving timing signals, when available, from a wireless network, and a satellite positioning clock circuit carried by the portable housing. A clock correction circuit may be carried by the portable housing for correcting the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon timing signals from the wireless network when available, and storing historical correction values for corresponding temperatures. The clock correction circuit may also correct the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon the stored historical correction values when timing signals are unavailable from the wireless network, and correct the satellite positioning clock based upon the temperature-compensated clock circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventor: Michael Andrew Goldsmith
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Patent number: 8624979Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes a detection circuit, a filter circuit, an amplifying circuit, a regulation circuit, a delay and charging circuit, and a driving circuit. The detection circuit receives a video signal, and performs an operation to obtain an image signal from the video signal. The filter circuit obtains an average intensity of a luminance signal corresponding to the image signal. The delay and charging circuit charges an input capacitor when receiving a low level regulated signal from the amplifying circuit. The driving circuit activates an alarm when a charging voltage of the chargeable capacitor exceeds a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jia Li
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Patent number: 8483332Abstract: In an oscillating apparatus, a detection unit detects a frequency offset between an input signal and a reference signal. A code generation unit specifies a relationship among a code having a predetermined number of bits, the frequency offset, and a voltage to be applied to a voltage-controlled oscillator by a DAC, in accordance with a frequency offset detection state of the detection unit. The code generation unit also generates a frequency offset correction code having a predetermined number of bits in accordance with the specified relationship. The DAC applies the voltage to the voltage-controlled oscillator, in accordance with the relationship described above and the code generated by the code generation unit. The voltage controlled oscillator outputs an oscillator signal having an oscillation frequency corresponding to the voltage applied by the DAC.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Hiroki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8433255Abstract: In embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include determining an ambient temperature of an oscillator. The method may also include estimating an approximate frequency of operation of the oscillator. The method may additional include determining a process-based compensation to be applied to a resonator of the oscillator based on the approximate frequency. The method may further include setting a capacitance of a variable capacitor coupled to the resonator in order to compensate for temperature-dependent and process-dependent frequency variation of the oscillator based on the ambient temperature and the process-based compensation.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventor: David Harnishfeger
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Patent number: 8355688Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for frequency selection using microstrip transceivers for high-speed applications may include determining an operating frequency for operating one or both of a transmitter and a receiver. A frequency response and/or impedance of one or more transmission lines that may be utilized by the transmitter and/or the receiver may be controlled by adjusting one or more capacitances, communicatively coupled to the transmission lines based on the determined operating frequency. The capacitances may be coupled to the one or more transmission line at arbitrary physical spots, and may comprise capacitors and/or varactors. The capacitors and/or the varactors may be adjusted with a digital signal or an analog signal. The capacitances may comprise a matrix arrangement of capacitors and/or varactors. The one or more transmission lines may comprise a microstrip.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
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Patent number: 8340615Abstract: A voltage-controlled capacitor and methods for forming the same are described. A mechanical conductor membrane of the voltage-controlled capacitor is movable to and from a first position and a second position. An amount of capacitance can vary with the movement of the mechanical conductor membrane. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) voltage-controlled capacitor can be used in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, RF switches and RF attenuators.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Floyd
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Patent number: 8306484Abstract: A direct-conversion transmitter with resistance to local oscillator pulling effect comprises a local oscillation circuit, a quadrature modulator connected with the local oscillation circuit, a power amplifier connected with the quadrature modulator, a first variable analog delay device connected with the power amplifier, a variable analog attenuator connected with the first variable analog delay device, an inner self-injection loop, and a power combiner connected with the variable analog attenuator and the inner self-injection loop. The local oscillation circuit comprises a two point voltage-controlled oscillator and a phase locked loop connected with the two point voltage-controlled oscillator. The inner self-injection loop comprises a second variable analog delay device, a phase shifter connected with the second variable analog delay device and a variable gain amplifier connected with the phase shifter.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: National Sun Yat-Sen UniversityInventors: Tzyy-Sheng Horng, Chieh-Hsun Hsiao, Kang-Chun Peng
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Patent number: 8275336Abstract: An oscillator circuit having a source of an oscillating signal, a tank circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, and a discretely switchable capacitance module configured to control an amount of capacitance in the oscillator circuit. The discretely switchable capacitance module includes, in one embodiment, a capacitor coupled between a first node and a second node, a switch, having a control node, coupled between the second node and a third node; and a DC feed circuit, having a first end coupled to the second node and a second end configured to receive a first or second control signal. The control node of the switch is tied to a predetermined bias voltage. When the first control signal is applied, the capacitor is coupled between the first node and the third node via the switch such that the capacitor is coupled in parallel with the capacitor of the tank circuit, and when the second control signal is applied the capacitor is decoupled from the tank circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Richwave Technology Corp.Inventor: Chen Tse-Peng
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Patent number: 8233898Abstract: A wireless communications device may include a portable housing and a temperature-compensated clock circuit carried by the portable housing. The device may further include a wireless receiver carried by the portable housing for receiving timing signals, when available, from a wireless network, and a satellite positioning clock circuit carried by the portable housing. A clock correction circuit may be carried by the portable housing for correcting the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon timing signals from the wireless network when available, and storing historical correction values for corresponding temperatures. The clock correction circuit may also correct the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon the stored historical correction values when timing signals are unavailable from the wireless network, and correct the satellite positioning clock based upon the temperature-compensated clock circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventor: Michael Andrew Goldsmith
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Patent number: 8140041Abstract: One exemplary tunable capacitive device includes a first tunable capacitive element, a first coupling capacitive element, a first coupling resistive element, and a first specific capacitive element. The first tunable capacitive element has a first node coupled to a first input voltage, and a second node. The first coupling capacitive element has a first node coupled to the second node of the first tunable capacitive element, and a second node coupled to a first connection terminal of the tunable capacitive device. The first coupling resistive element has a first node coupled to the second node of the first tunable capacitive element, and a second node coupled to a second input voltage, where the first input voltage and the second input voltage include a control voltage and a reference voltage. The first specific capacitive element is coupled between the first node and the second node of the first tunable capacitive element.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Mediatek Inc.Inventor: Wen-Chang Lee
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Patent number: 8078128Abstract: A voltage-controlled capacitor and methods for forming the same are described. A mechanical conductor membrane of the voltage-controlled capacitor is movable to and from a first position and a second position. An amount of capacitance can vary with the movement of the mechanical conductor membrane. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) voltage-controlled capacitor can be used in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, RF switches and RF attenuators.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Floyd
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Patent number: 8031019Abstract: Techniques for providing voltage-controlled oscillator circuits having improved phase noise performance and lower power consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is coupled to a mixer or a frequency divider such as a divide-by-two circuit. The VCO includes a transistor pair with magnetically cross-coupled inductors, and variable capacitance coupled to the gates of the transistor pair. In an exemplary embodiment, a frequency divider is configured to divide the frequency of the differential current flowing through the transistor pair to generate the LO output. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a mixer is configured to mix the differential current flowing through the transistor pair with another signal. The VCO and mixer or frequency divider share common bias currents, thereby reducing power consumption. Various exemplary apparatuses and methods utilizing these techniques are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Vipul Chawla, Shen Wang
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Patent number: 7962115Abstract: A circuit with programmable signal bandwidth is provided. The circuit includes a first charge and discharge device, a first reset device, and a first variable capacitor device. The first reset device is coupled to the first charge and discharge device, and the first variable capacitor device is coupled to the first charge and discharge device. The first reset device is controlled by a discharge enable signal and used to provide a first discharge path. When the discharge enable signal turns off the first reset device, the first variable capacitor device generates a first total equivalent capacitor to the first charge and discharge device according to n reference signals, and n is an integer greater than 0.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Ming-Feng Huang, Ming-Hau Tseng
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Publication number: 20110127849Abstract: A tunable capacitor device may be provided in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. The tunable capacitor device may include a first capacitor; a second capacitor; a third capacitor, where the first, second, and third capacitors are connected in series, wherein the second capacitor is positioned between the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and at least one switch transistor, where the at least one switch transistor is connected in parallel with the second capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicants: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS COMPANY, GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATIONInventors: Youngchang Yoon, Hyungwook Kim, Minsik Ahn, Chang-Ho Lee, Joy Laskar
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Patent number: 7881686Abstract: A voltage-controlled capacitor and methods for forming the same are described. A mechanical conductor membrane of the voltage-controlled capacitor is movable to and from a first position and a second position. An amount of capacitance can vary with the movement of the mechanical conductor membrane. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) voltage-controlled capacitor can be used in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, RF switches and RF attenuators.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Floyd
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Patent number: 7805113Abstract: A method of communication between a first transceiver having a first local oscillator set at a first frequency and a second transceiver having a second local oscillator set at a second frequency disclosed. The method includes transmitting a first signal at a first frequency from the first transceiver to the second transceiver, transmitting a second signal at the second frequency from the second transceiver to the first transceiver, and receiving the second signal at the first transceiver. The method further includes maintaining the first local oscillator at the first frequency and the second local oscillator at the second frequency during the transmitting of the first signal, during the receiving of the first signal, during the transmitting of the second signal, and during the receiving of the second signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Mark R. Gehring, Russell R. Moen
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Patent number: 7657242Abstract: A voltage-controlled capacitor and methods for forming the same are described. A mechanical conductor membrane of the voltage-controlled capacitor is movable to and from a first position and a second position. An amount of capacitance can vary with the movement of the mechanical conductor membrane. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) voltage-controlled capacitor can be used in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, RF switches and RF attenuators.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Floyd
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Patent number: 7653371Abstract: A voltage-controlled capacitor and methods for forming the same are described. A mechanical conductor membrane of the voltage-controlled capacitor is movable to and from a first position and a second position. An amount of capacitance can vary with the movement of the mechanical conductor membrane. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) voltage-controlled capacitor can be used in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, RF switches and RF attenuators.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Floyd
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Patent number: 7646754Abstract: In a mobile ad hoc network, a method of routing data and a mobile unit for use according to the method are arranged to find the relay capacity of a node and the lifetime of the node, and thereby determine whether the node can relay the data. The method and unit can find the relay efficiency of nodes and this information is used to route data traffic efficiently through a number of nodes along a route.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: The University Court of the University of EdinburghInventors: Stephen McLaughlin, David Irvine Laurenson, Yuefeng Zhou
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Patent number: 7603096Abstract: An embodiment of a mixer with carrier leakage self-calibrating is disclosed. The mixer comprises a double balanced mixer, a gm stage comprising a first processing unit and a second processing unit, a current duplicating circuit, a capacitor, a controller and a current compensation unit. The current duplicating circuit selects the first processing unit or the second processing unit and duplicates a duplicated current of the selected processing unit to charge the capacitor. The capacitor has a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is grounded and the first terminal receives the duplicated current. The controller determines a charge time of the capacitor to generate a compensation signal, wherein the charge time is the time that the voltage of the capacitor is charged to equal to a reference voltage. The current compensation unit receives the compensation signal to generate a compensation current to the mixer.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Mediatek Inc.Inventors: Yuan-Hung Chung, Jie-Wei Lai
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Patent number: 7599677Abstract: A charge pump circuit that supplies current to an offset current of an output signal for an oscillating circuit is disclosed. The charge pump circuit includes a first switch and a second switch. The first switch is coupled to a gate of an output diode that provides a charge up current from the charge pump circuit. A second switch is coupled to an anode of the output diode and supplies the charge up current to the output diode. The first switch comprises a first state and the second switch comprises a second state that is opposite the first state. Thus, when the second switch is on, the first switch is off. The charge pump circuit also includes a capacitance to hold a bias voltage when the first switch is off.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Hung-Ming Chien
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Patent number: 7574186Abstract: A radio frequency circuit is generated as an integrated circuit that is arranged to provide transmission, receipt, and storage of data. The data is transmitted and received across a radio frequency band. An antenna is included within the integrated circuit, wherein the antenna is manufactured at the time the integrated circuit is manufactured. A power source is mounted adjacent to the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit and the power source are encapsulated within the same integrated circuit package.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: James B. Turner
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Patent number: 7353011Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals, such as wireless communication signals, includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer with a variable capacitance voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) that has a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance to compensate for capacitor and inductor tolerances and to adjust the output frequency to be near the desired frequency output. The continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance to focus the output frequency to match precisely the desired frequency output. During fine tuning adjustment, the PLL may be controlled by a plurality of analog control signals. The analog control signals may be derived by first generating a plurality of phase shifted signals from a divided version of the VCO output clock.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: David R. Welland, Caiyi Wang
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Patent number: 7162216Abstract: A wireless communication system, which is provided with a PLL circuit having a plurality of oscillators and is capable of processing two or more transmit and receive signal different in frequency band from one another according to the switching between the oscillators, has a reset means which resets a voltage applied to each of filter capacitors lying within the PLL circuit to a predetermined voltage when the switching between the oscillators is performed.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.Inventors: Masumi Kasahara, Koichi Yahagi
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Patent number: 7120412Abstract: A phase-locked loop circuit includes an array of selectable capacitors formed within the phase-locked loop circuit to enable the phase-locked loop circuit to provide a degree of coarse frequency control by adding or removing capacitors and a degree of fine frequency control by sinking or sourcing current from a charge pump into a loop filter. A finite state machine is provided within a voltage controlled oscillator calibration circuit that communicates with an external baseband processor to initiate a calibration process, and further to determine how many capacitors of an array of capacitors if formed within the phase-locked loop circuit should be coupled to provide the coarse frequency control.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Seema Butala Anand
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Patent number: 7092675Abstract: A radio-frequency (RF) apparatus capable of transmitting RF signals includes transmitter path circuitry. The transmitter path circuitry includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that generates an output signal. The frequency of the output signal of the VCO circuitry is adjustable in response to a first control signal and a second control signal. The transmitter path circuitry also includes a first feedback circuitry and a second feedback circuitry that are responsive to the output signal of the VCO circuitry. The first feedback circuitry provides the first control signal to the VCO circuitry. The first control signal coarsely adjusts the frequency of the output signal of the VCO circuitry to a desired frequency. The second feedback circuitry supplies the second control signal to the VCO circuitry. The second control signal fine tunes the frequency of the output signal of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuitry to the desired frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Silicon LaboratoriesInventors: Lysander Lim, Caiyi Wang, David R. Welland, Donald A. Kerth, Richard T. Behrens, Jeffrey W. Scott, G. Diwakar Vishakhadatta, G. Tyson Tuttle, Vishnu S. Srinivasan
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Patent number: 7079826Abstract: A first periodic voltage waveform (20) is downconverted into a second periodic voltage waveform (35, 36). A plurality of temporally distinct samples (SA1, SA2, . . . ) respectively indicative of areas under corresponding half-cycles of the first voltage waveform are obtained. The samples are combined to produce the second voltage waveform, and are also manipulated to implement a filtering operation such that the second voltage waveform represents a downconverted, filtered version of the first voltage waveform.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Khurram Muhammad, Dirk L. Leipold, Feng Chen, Kenneth J. Maggio
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Patent number: 7031683Abstract: A calibration circuitry includes an adjustable capacitor, a voltage generator, a reference voltage generator, and a controller. The reference voltage generator provides a reference voltage. The voltage generator provides a measurement voltage that depends on the capacitance of the adjustable capacitor. The capacitance of the adjustable capacitor varies in response to a control signal. The controller provides the control signal based on the relative values of the reference voltage and the measurement voltage.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: G. Diwakar Vishakhadatta, Donald A. Kerth, Russell Croman, Jeffrey W. Scott, Richard T. Behrens, G. Tyson Tuttle, Vishnu S. Srinivasan
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Patent number: 6968168Abstract: A variable frequency oscillator comprising: an oscillatory circuit for generating a periodic output dependent on the capacitance between a first node and a second node of the circuit, and having a capacitative element connected between the first node and the second node; the capacitative element comprising: a variable capacitance unit, the capacitance of which is variable for varying the frequency of the output and a plurality of finite capacitances each being selectively connectable in parallel with the variable capacitance unit between the first node and the second node to trim the frequency of the output.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Cambridge Silicon Radio Ltd.Inventors: James Digby Yarlet Collier, Ian Michael Sabberton
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Patent number: 6965761Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals, such as wireless communication signals, includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer with a variable capacitance voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) that has a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance to compensate for capacitor and inductor tolerances and to adjust the output frequency to be near the desired frequency output. The continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance to focus the output frequency to match precisely the desired frequency output. During fine tuning adjustment, the PLL may be controlled by a plurality of analog control signals. The analog control signals may be derived by first generating a plurality of phase shifted signals from a divided version of the VCO output clock.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: David R. Welland, Caiyi Wang
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Publication number: 20040092242Abstract: There is provided a voltage controlled oscillation (VCO) circuit which can adjust the oscillation frequency without trimming and a semiconductor integrated circuit for communication comprising the same VCO circuit, wherein as the VCO circuit forming the PLL circuit, an LC resonance type oscillation circuit is used in which a plurality of capacitance elements are connected in parallel via a selection means such as a switch and the oscillation frequency is varied by changing the circuit constant (LC) depending on the selecting condition of the selecting means, moreover a comparing circuit for comparing the control voltage supplied to the VCO circuit from the loop filter of PLL circuit with the reference voltage and a frequency adjustment circuit for generating the signal to control the selecting means based on the comparison result of the comparing circuit are also provided to determine the signal to control the selecting means through the sequential comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Takefumi Endo
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Patent number: 6714772Abstract: A wireless communication system, which is provided with a PLL circuit having a plurality of oscillators and is capable of processing two or more transmit and receive signal different in frequency band from one another according to the switching between the oscillators, has a reset means which resets a voltage applied to each of filter capacitors lying within the PLL circuit to a predetermined voltage when the switching between the oscillators is performed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.Inventors: Masumi Kasahara, Koichi Yahagi
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Patent number: 6658244Abstract: Offset voltage compensation in baseband in a radio receiver path is achieved by control and programming signals which are required in any case to set the desired states in the circuit module. For this purpose a sequencer is started which is integrated on the module and provides additional control signals that are defined in time, without any additional computation power being required from a separate baseband processor. The offset voltage compensation can be used in receiver and transceiver chips for portable mobile radios, for example for GSM or PCN/PCS.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Josef Schmal, Timo Gossmann, Georg Lipperer, Stefan Herzinger
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Publication number: 20030171106Abstract: In one embodiment, this disclosure describes a frequency synthesizer for use in a wireless communication device, or similar device that requires precision frequency synthesis but small amounts of noise. In particular, the frequency synthesizer may include a phase locked loop (PLL) and an integrated voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The frequency synthesizer may implement one or more amplitude calibration techniques prior to enabling the PLL. For example, an amplitude calibration unit may be used to selectively activate switched unit current sources within a tail current source of the VCO. In this manner, the amplitude the signal generated by the oscillator can be adjusted without requiring closed-loop amplitude monitoring or control.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Jeremy D. Dunworth, Brett C. Walker
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Patent number: 6574288Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals is disclosed that overcomes integration problem associated with prior implementations while meeting demanding phase noise and other impurity requirements. In one embodiment, a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer is disclosed having a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with a variable capacitance that includes a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance, and the continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance. In a further detail, discrete control circuitry is disclosed that provides a digital control signal to a discretely variable capacitance circuit to control its overall capacitance and that adjusts the digital control signal depending upon feedback from the output frequency.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: David R. Welland, Caiyi Wang
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Patent number: 6549764Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals is disclosed that overcomes integration problem associated with prior implementations while meeting demanding phase noise and other impurity requirements. In one embodiment, a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer is disclosed having a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with a variable capacitance that includes a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance, and the continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance. In a further detail, a plurality of connected capacitor circuits for the discretely variable capacitance are disclosed each having a first switch that selectively couples a capacitor between two nodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventor: David R. Welland
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Publication number: 20020065056Abstract: An electronic tuning system includes an electronic tuner for adjusting the predetermined control voltage of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to tune the local frequency signal to radio waves on an arbitrary channel in accordance with channel selection information. A booster circuit boosts a source voltage to generate a boosted voltage in order to ensure the predetermined control voltage. A non-volatile memory stores the channel selection information in response to a predetermined write voltage. The boosted voltage of the booster circuit is utilized as the predetermined write voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoh Takano, Fumihiro Sasaki
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Patent number: 6388536Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals is disclosed that overcomes integration problem associated with prior implementations while meeting demanding phase noise and other impurity requirements. In one embodiment, a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer is disclosed having a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with a variable capacitance that includes a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance, and the continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance. In a more general terms, a frequency synthesizer is disclosed having a first variable and a second capacitance circuits and frequency control circuitry to coarsely tune the output frequency by adjusting the first control signal and to finely tune the output frequency by adjusting the second control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventor: David R. Welland
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Patent number: 6369664Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator is provided which oscillates in a stable manner at a high frequency and obtains a large variable range of frequency. The oscillator includes a transistor, and distributed-constant line connected to the base of the transistor. The distributed-constant line has substantially 1/4 wavelength at the oscillation frequency of the oscillator, and has one open end. An inductance element is provided comprising a capacitor having a self-resonance frequency which is lower than the oscillation frequency. This inductance element is connected to the collector of the transistor. A varactor diode is connected to the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoru Muto, Osamu Oe
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Patent number: 6310927Abstract: A first order phase-locked loop includes a tuning circuit which allows phase lock to be quickly reached, and to be maintained during transient situations such as loss of the data signal. Such an improved circuit has a tuning circuit for the voltage controlled oscillator which utilizes two capacitors. Two signals are used to drive a first, larger, capacitor, and have the same duty cycle when the capacitor voltage is proper and the voltage controlled oscillator is operating at the correct frequency. A second, smaller, capacitor is used to quickly achieve phase lock with the incoming data signal. The use of two oppositional signals to drive the capacitors allows them to more quickly be charged or discharged to the proper voltage level to obtain both frequency and phase lock with the incoming data signal. Thus, the circuit is able to quickly acquire lock during power-up, or reacquire lock under circumstances where the operating condition of the circuit changes suddenly.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1994Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventor: James T. O'Connor
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Publication number: 20010016476Abstract: A wireless communication system, which is provided with a PLL circuit having a plurality of oscillators and is capable of processing two or more transmit and receive signal different in frequency band from one another according to the switching between the oscillators, has a reset means which resets a voltage applied to each of filter capacitors lying within the PLL circuit to a predetermined voltage when the switching between the oscillators is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventors: Masumi Kasahara, Koichi Yahagi
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Patent number: 6271731Abstract: A frequency synthesizer has a voltage controlled oscillator comprising a voltage controlled capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal. A positive control voltage is applied to the first terminal of the voltage controlled capacitor and a negative control voltage is applied to the second terminal of the voltage controlled capacitor, causing the varactor to operate in a reverse biased state. A circuit for generating a negative control voltage is provided in a phase-locked loop circuit. The circuit includes a negative DC generator for generating a negative DC voltage from an AC signal, and a programmable variable attenuator for selectably attenuating the negative control voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1997Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Ericsson Inc.Inventor: Christopher R. Koszarsky
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Patent number: 6249190Abstract: A differential oscillator based on a first Colpitts oscillator and a mirror image Colpitts oscillator that is coupled to the first Colpitts oscillator. This differential oscillator outputs differential voltage signals that are about 180 degrees out of phase. The differential oscillator may also be adapted to form a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) such that the differential voltage signals output by the VCO can be varied. A transceiver for telecommunication devices such as cellular phones may use differential oscillators to generate a carrier signal on which a voice or data signal is modulated and the same differential oscillators to assist isolation of the voice or data signal from received signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.Inventors: Dmitriy Rozenblit, William J. Domino, Mark Oskowsky
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Publication number: 20010002804Abstract: A frequency synthesizer has a voltage controlled oscillator comprising a voltage controlled capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal. A positive control voltage is applied to the first terminal of the voltage controlled capacitor and a negative control voltage is applied to the second terminal of the voltage controlled capacitor, causing the varactor to operate in a reverse biased state. A circuit for generating a negative control voltage is provided in a phase-locked loop circuit. The circuit includes a negative DC generator for generating a negative DC voltage from an AC signal, and a programmable variable attenuator for selectably attenuating the negative control voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 1997Publication date: June 7, 2001Inventor: CHRISTOPHER R. KOSZARSKY