PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11031943-B1
Application Number: US-202016811459-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Linear frequency ramp generator using multi-point injection

Abstract:
A frequency synthesizer circuit included in a sensor circuit of a computer system may include a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit that may generate an oscillator signal. A three-point injection technique may be used to modulate the frequency of the oscillator signal. The three-point injection includes a low-frequency component that drives a feedback divider, and two high-frequency components that drive the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit. The strengths of the three injection points are aligned using samples of a tune signal generated using results of a comparison of a referenced signal and a frequency divided version of the oscillator signal.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus, comprising:
 a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit configured to generate an oscillator signal; 
 a divider circuit configured to divide a frequency of the oscillator signal using a divider ratio to generate a feedback signal, wherein a value of the divider ratio varies according to a divider control signal; 
 a phase control circuit configured to generate a tune signal using the feedback signal and a reference signal; 
 a modulation control circuit configured to:
 generate a first plurality of bits indicative of a plurality of sub-ramps using a linear ramp signal; 
 in response to respective starts of the plurality of sub-ramps, decrement, by a constant value, a value encoded in a second plurality of bits to generate a coarse-tune signal; and 
 generate the divider control signal and a plurality of modulation control signals using the tune signal and the linear ramp signal; and 
 
 wherein the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit is further configured to modulate a frequency of the oscillator signal using the tune signal and the plurality of modulation control signals. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the modulation control circuit includes a digital-to-analog converter circuit configured to generate a fine-tune signal using the first plurality of bits. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the modulation control circuit is further configured to align the fine-tune signal and the coarse-tune signal using respective samples of the tune signal sampled at a first time point and a second time point. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the modulation control circuit is further configured to adjust a duration of a particular sub-ramp of the plurality of sub-ramps using a first sample of the tune signal and a second sample of the tune signal, wherein the first sample is sampled when the linear ramp signal is within a first threshold value of its maximum value, and wherein the second sample is sampled when the linear ramp signal is within a second threshold value of its minimum value. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the phase control circuit includes:
 a phase frequency comparator circuit configured to generate a plurality of switch control signals using results of a comparison of the frequency divided version of the oscillator signal and the reference signal; 
 a charge pump circuit configured to selectively source current to or sink current from a circuit node to generate the tune signal; and 
 a filter circuit configured to filter the tune signal. 
 
     
     
       6. A method, comprising:
 generating an oscillator signal by a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit; 
 dividing a frequency of the oscillator signal using a divider ratio to generate a feedback signal, wherein a value of the divider ratio varies according to a linear ramp signal; 
 generating a tune signal using results of comparing the feedback signal and a reference signal; 
 generating a plurality of modulation control signals using the linear ramp signal and the tune signal, wherein the plurality of modulation control signals includes a fine-tune signal that includes a plurality of sub-ramps based on the linear ramp signal; and 
 modulating the frequency of the oscillator signal using the tune signal and the plurality of modulation control signals. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of modulation control signals includes a coarse-tune signal that includes a plurality of bits encoding a number, and further comprising, in response to detecting a start of a given sub-ramp of the plurality of sub-ramps, decrementing the number by a constant value. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , further comprising, aligning the coarse-tune signal and the fine-tune signal using a plurality of samples of the tune signal. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7 , further comprising, adjusting a duration of a given sub-ramp of the plurality of sub-ramps using a plurality of samples of the tune signal. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 7 , further comprising, adjusting a drive strength associated with the coarse-tune signal using the reference signal and a plurality of samples of the tune signal. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 7 , wherein modulating the frequency of the oscillator signal includes:
 adjusting a first value of a first varactor coupled to an output node of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit using the tune signal; 
 adjusting a second value of a second varactor coupled to the output node of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit using the fine-tune signal; and 
 adjusting a number of capacitors coupled to the output node of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit using the coarse-tune signal. 
 
     
     
       12. An apparatus, comprising:
 a frequency synthesizer circuit configured to:
 generate an oscillator signal; 
 generate a feedback signal using the oscillator signal and a time-varying divider ratio; 
 generate a tune signal using the feedback signal and a reference signal; 
 generate the time-varying divider ratio using the tune signal and a linear ramp signal; 
 generate a fine-tune signal using the linear ramp signal, wherein the fine-tune signal includes a plurality of sub-ramps; 
 generate a coarse-tune signal using the plurality of sub-ramps; and 
 modulate a frequency of the oscillator signal using the tune signal and the fine-tune signal and the coarse-tune signal; and 
 
 a transmitter circuit configured to generate a transmit signal using the oscillator signal; 
 a receiver circuit configured to receive an echo signal that is a reflected version of the transmit signal; and 
 a control circuit configured to determine, using the echo signal, a distance to an object that reflected the transmit signal to create the echo signal. 
 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the coarse-tune signal includes a plurality of bits encoding a number, and wherein to generate the coarse-tune signal, the frequency synthesizer circuit is further configured, in response to detecting a start of a given sub-ramp of the plurality of sub-ramps, to decrement the number by a constant value. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the frequency synthesizer circuit is further configured to sample the tune signal at a plurality of time points to generate a plurality of samples. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the frequency synthesizer circuit is further configured to align the coarse-tune signal and the fine-tune signal using the plurality of samples. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the frequency synthesizer circuit is further configured to adjust a duration of a given sub-ramp of the plurality of sub-ramps using the plurality of samples. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the frequency synthesizer circuit includes a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit, and wherein to modulate the frequency of the oscillator signal, the frequency synthesizer circuit is further configured to:
 adjust a first value of a first varactor coupled to an output node of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit using the tune signal; 
 adjust a second value of a second varactor coupled to the output node of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit using the fine-tune signal; and 
 adjust a number of capacitors coupled to the output node of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit using the coarse-tune signal.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates to sensor circuits in computer systems and more particularly to frequency synthesizer circuits used in sensor circuits. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Modern computer systems may perform certain tasks or operations in response to changes in the environments, in which the computer systems are located. For example, changes in ambient light may result in a computer system adjusted brightness of a display. Additionally, changes in temperature may result in a computer system adjusting a level processing being performed in order to maintain the computer system within designated thermal limits. In some cases, rapid changes in acceleration may result in the computer system taking certain actions to prevent damage to movable parts within the computer system. 
     To react to changes in environment, a computer system may include multiple sensor circuits designed to detect various effects or situations. For example, such sensor circuit may include temperature sensors, acceleration sensors, ambient light sensors, and the like. The outputs of such sensor circuits may be polled by a processor or controller included in the computer system to determine what actions to perform. 
     Sensor circuits, such as those described above, may include any suitable combination of logic circuits, analog circuits, radio frequency circuits, and the like. In some cases, sensor circuits may employ active sensing by transmitting signals and monitoring any returning signals. To create signals for transmission, sensor circuits may employ one or more frequency synthesizer circuits to create modulated radio frequency signals for transmission. 
     SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Various embodiments of a frequency synthesizer circuit are disclosed. Broadly speaking, a frequency synthesizer circuit may include a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit that may be configured to generate an oscillator signal, and a divider circuit that may be configured to divide a frequency of the oscillator signal using a divider ratio to generate a feedback signal. A value of the divider ratio may vary according to a divider control signal. The frequency synthesizer circuit may also include a phase control circuit that may be configured to generate a tune signal using the feedback signal and a reference signal, and a modulation control circuit that may be configured to generate the divider control signal and a plurality of modulation control signals using the tune signal and a linear ramp signal. The voltage-controlled oscillator circuit may be further configured to modulate the frequency of the oscillator signal using the tune signal and the plurality of modulation control signals. In another embodiments, the plurality of modulation control signals includes a fine-tune signal, that may include a plurality of sub-ramps based, at least in part, on the linear ramp signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a synthesizer circuit. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a phase frequency detector circuit. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a filter circuit. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a modulation control circuit. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a block diagram of a sensor circuit that includes a synthesizer circuit. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates example waveforms of a coarse tune signal, a fine tune signal and divider control signal. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method for operating synthesizer circuit. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a computer system that includes a sensor circuit. 
     
    
    
     While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form illustrated, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including, but not limited to. 
     Various units, circuits, or other components may be described as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is a broad recitation of structure generally meaning “having circuitry that” performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be configured to perform the task even when the unit/circuit/component is not currently on. In general, the circuitry that forms the structure corresponding to “configured to” may include hardware circuits. Similarly, various units/circuits/components may be described as performing a task or tasks, for convenience in the description. Such descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase “configured to.” Reciting a unit/circuit/component that is configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph (f) interpretation for that unit/circuit/component. More generally, the recitation of any element is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph (f) interpretation for that element unless the language “means for” or “step for” is specifically recited. 
     As used herein, the term “based on” is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose the possibility that additional factors may affect the determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on specified factors or based on the specified factors as well as other, unspecified factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” This phrase specifies that B is a factor that is used to determine A or that affects the determination of A. This phrase does not foreclose that the determination of A may also be based on some other factor, such as C. This phrase is also intended to cover an embodiment in which A is determined based solely on B. The phrase “based on” is thus synonymous with the phrase “based at least in part on.” 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Many computer systems come equipped with various sensors that allow such computer systems to detect various effects and situations. For example, some mobile computer systems include sensors for detecting acceleration and deceleration, ambient temperature, humidity, and the like. In some cases, computer systems include sensors to determine a distance to a particular object. For example, sensors may be employed by a mobile computer system to determine a distance to a desktop computer system, router, etc. 
     Sensors used to determine a distance or range to an object may often employ radio frequency (RF) signals. Such signals may be transmitted and, in response, echo signals, i.e., versions of the transmitted signals reflected off of the object, may be received and analyzed to determine the distance or range to the object. Depth sensing and mapping sensor may employ a continuous wave approach that relies on a transmitted signal whose frequency varies linearly with time. Using such a transmitted signal results in a single static target appearing as a frequency tone. If there is variation in the linear time-frequency relationship in the transmitted signal, there may be shadowing as well as loss of an ability of the sensor to discriminate between different targets. 
     Different techniques may be employed to generate the desired linear time-frequency relationship. In one approach, a chirp signal is generated at a baseband frequency using a Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer (CORDIC), a phase accumulator and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit. The chirp signal may then be up-converted to RF for transmission. While this technique is flexible, it is complex and may result in high power consumption. 
     Alternatively, a constant-envelope transmitter that uses a modulated carrier frequency generated by a frequency synthesizer circuit may be used. Such frequency synthesizer circuits may employ voltage-controlled oscillator circuits whose frequency is modulated with a linear ramp signal to generate the desired carrier frequency. One technique for performing the modulation is to modulate a divide ratio used by the frequency synthesizer circuit. The inventors have realized, however, that given the frequency excursions required for depth sensing and mapping, modulating the divide ratio results in a need for a large frequency-to-voltage conversion gain (Kvco) for the voltage-controller oscillator circuit. Such values for Kvco may increase phase noise in the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit, as well as increase a sensitivity of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit to variations in a power supply voltage level. The embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described below provide techniques for operating a frequency synthesizer circuit that uses a three-point modulation injection technique to generate a signal whose frequency varies linearly with time, while reducing a Kvco for a voltage-controlled oscillator. Such an approach may thereby improve the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit&#39;s phase noise and supply sensitivity. 
     A block diagram of a frequency synthesizer circuit is depicted in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, frequency synthesizer circuit  100  includes phase control circuit  101 , voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102 , divider circuit  103 , and modulation control circuit  104 . 
     Voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102  is configured to generate oscillator signal  107 . To limit the Kvco of voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102 , additional control ports, coupled to modulation control signals  108 , are used to adjust the frequency of oscillator signal  107 . Voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102  is further configured to modulate a frequency of oscillator signal  17  using tune signal  106  and modulation control signals  108 . As described below in more detail, voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102  may include any suitable combination of inductors, capacitors, varactors, and gain devices. 
     Divider circuit  103  is configured to divide the frequency of oscillator signal  107  using divider ratio  111  to generate feedback signal  110 . In various embodiments, a value of divider ratio  111  varies according to divider control signal  109 . Divider circuit  103  may, in some embodiments, include multiple flip-flop circuits arranged to change a logical state of feedback signal  110  after a particular number of transitions of oscillator signal  107  have occurred, where the particular number of transitions is based, at least in part, on divider ratio  111 . 
     Phase control circuit  101  is configured to generate tune signal  106  using feedback signal  110  and reference signal  105 . In various embodiments, tune signal  106  is an analog signal whose value is based, at least in part, on a difference in phase and/or frequency of feedback signal  110  and reference signal  105 . As described below in more detail, phase control circuit  101  may include a phase frequency comparator circuit, a charge pump circuit, and filter circuit. 
     Modulation control circuit  104  is configured to generate divider control signal  109 , and modulation control signals  108  using tune signal  106  and linear ramp signal  112 . In some embodiments, divider control signal  109  may correspond to a low-frequency portion of the frequency modulation, while modulation control signals  108  may correspond to a high-frequency portion of the frequency modulation. In addition to the generation of divider control signal  109  and modulation control signals  108 , modulation control circuit  104  may be further configured to align the aforementioned signals in order to control the strengths of the effect each modulation injection point has on voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102 . As described below in more detail, to perform such alignment operations, modulation control circuit may be further configured to sample tune signal  106  at various times to generate multiple samples, and perform alignment operations on divider control signal  109  and modulation control signals  108  using the multiple samples. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram of an embodiment of voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102  is depicted. As illustrated, voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102  includes inductors  102 A and  102 B, capacitor array  202 , varactors  203 A,  203 B,  204 A, and  204 B, and devices  205 A- 205 B. 
     Inductor  201 A is coupled between power supply node  208  and node  210 , while inductor  201 B is coupled between power supply node  208  and node  211 . In various embodiments, the values of inductors  201 A and  201 B may be selected based on a desired frequency range of voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102 . Inductors  201 A and  201 B may, in some embodiments, be fabricated on a common silicon substrate with the other components in includes in voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102 . In other cases, inductors  201 A and  201 B may be located on a different integrated circuit chip from the remaining components of voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102 . 
     Capacitor array  202  may include multiple capacitors that may be selectively coupled between nodes  210  and  211 . Coupling capacitors to or decoupling capacitors from nodes  210  and  211  may vary the frequency of oscillator signal  107  on node  210 . In various embodiments, respective pairs of switches may be closed to connect a particular capacitor between nodes  210  and  211 . The state of such switches may be determined by coarse tune signal  206 . It is noted that although coarse tune signal  206  is depicted as a single wire, in various embodiments, coarse tune signal  206  may include multiple signals, each controlling different pairs of switches included in capacitor array  202 . 
     Varactors  203 A and  203 B are coupled to nodes  210  and  211 , respectively, and are controlled by tune signal  106 . In a similar fashion, varactors  204 A and  204 B are coupled to nodes  210  and  211 , respectively, and are controlled by fine tune signal  207 . With the inclusion of capacitor array  202  and varactors  204 A and  204 B, voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102  has additional injection points for tuning, i.e., adjusting the frequency of oscillator signal  107 . 
     Varactors  203 A,  203 B,  204 A, and  204 B may, in various embodiments, be particular embodiments of varactor diodes configured to generated a voltage-controlled capacitance on node  210  and  211 . For example, a lower bias voltage on either tune signal  106  or fine tune signal  207  may increase the capacitance of varactors  203 A,  203 B,  204 A, and  204 B, thereby changing the frequency of oscillator signal  107 . Varactors  203 A,  203 B,  204 A, and  204 B may, in various embodiments, be fabricated on a common substrate with the other components of voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102 . 
     Device  205 A is coupled between node  210  and ground supply node  209 , and is controlled by a voltage level of node  211 . Device  205 B is coupled between node  211  and ground supply node  209 , and is controlled by a voltage level of node  210 . Devices  205 A and  205 B are connected in a cross-coupled fashion to provide feedback in order to start and maintain oscillation in order to generate oscillator signal  107 . In various embodiments, devices  205 A and  205 B may be particular embodiments of n-channel metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), or other suitable transconductance devices. Respective transconductance values of devices  205 A and  205 B may, in some embodiments, be selected based on a range of capacitance values generated by varactors  203 A,  203 B,  204 A, and  205 B, as well as values of inductors  201 A and  201 B. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , a block diagram of phase control circuit  101  is depicted. As illustrated, phase control circuit  101  includes phase frequency comparator circuit  301 , filter circuit  302 , and charge pump circuit  311 , which includes current sources  303  and  304 , and switches  305  and  306 . 
     Phase frequency comparator circuit  301  is configured to compare reference signal  105  to feedback signal  110 . Using results of the comparison of reference signal  105  and feedback signal  110 , phase frequency comparator circuit  301  is configured to generate switch control signals  309 . In various embodiments, phase frequency comparator circuit  301  may assert a particular one of switch control signals  309  in response to a determination that the respective phases or frequency of feedback signal  110  and reference signal  105  are different. 
     Current source  303  is coupled to power supply node  307  and switch  305 , which is, in turn coupled to node  310 , and is controlled by a particular one of switch control signals  309 . When the particular one of switch control signals  309  is asserted, switch  305  may close, allowing current source  303  to source current to node  310 , thereby increasing a voltage level of tune signal  106 . 
     Current source  304  is coupled to ground supply node  308  and switch  306 , which is, in turn, coupled to node  310 , and is controlled by a different one of switch control signals  309 . In response to an assertion of the different one of switch control signals  309 , switch  306  may close, allowing current source  304  to sink current from node  310 , thereby reducing a voltage level of tune signal  106 . 
     Currents sources  303  and  304  may be implemented according to a variety of design styles. For example, current sources  303  and  304  may include one or more current mirrors or other suitable circuits configured to source or sink a given current independent of a voltage on a node to which the given current is being sourced or sunk. 
     Each of switches  305  and  306  may include one or more MOSFETs. In some cases, each of switches  305  and  306  may include one n-channel MOSFET and one p-channel MOSFET arranged as a pass gate. It is noted that, in other embodiments, any suitable switching device may used to implement switches  305  and  306 . 
     Small changes in the voltage level of tune signal  106  may result from capacitive coupling of switch control signals  309  into node  310 . The small changes in voltage (referred to herein as “ripple” or “noise”) may produce undesirable changes in a frequency of oscillator signal  107 . To remediate the effects of the noise included in tune signal  106  phase control circuit  101  employs filter circuit  302  to filter tune signal  106 . Filter circuit  302  is coupled to node  310  and ground supply node  308 , and, as described below, in configured to attenuate certain frequency components included in tune signal  106 . 
     As described above, filter circuit  302  is used to attenuate undesirable frequency components included in tune signal  106 . Filter circuits, such as filter circuit  302 , may be implemented according to various circuit topologies. A block diagram of an embodiment of filter circuit  302  is depicted in  FIG. 4 . As illustrated, filter circuit  302  includes resistor  401 , capacitors  402 - 404 , and resistor  405 . 
     Resistor  401  is coupled between node In  406  and capacitor  402 , which is coupled to ground supply node  209 . The resistance of resistor  401  in series with the reactance of capacitor  402  provide a frequency-dependent impedance from node  406  to ground supply node  209 . In various embodiments, a value of resistor  401  and capacitor  402  may be selected to provide a low impedance at frequencies above a threshold value. Frequency components included in a signal on node In  406 , which are higher than the threshold value are shunted to ground, thereby reducing the noise of signal on node In  406 . 
     Resistor  405  is coupled between node In  406  and node Out  407 . Capacitor  403  is coupled between node In  406  and ground supply node  209 , and capacitor  404  is coupled between node Out  407  and ground supply node  209 . Resistor  405  and capacitors  403  and  403  may, in various embodiments, form a pi-filter, which is configured to reduce ripple (i.e., noise) on node In  406  to generate a filtered signal on node Out  407 . 
     Capacitor  403  may reduce the ripple on node In  406 , while resistor  405  and capacitor  404 , further reduce the ripple on the signal received on node In  406 . In various embodiments, capacitor  404  provides a near infinite impedance to a direct current (DC) component of a signal on node Out  407 . It is noted that resistor  405  reduces a DC level of the signal on node In  406  to generate the signal on node Out  407 . 
     The arrangement of capacitors and resistors in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4  is merely an example. In other embodiments, other passive components, e.g. inductors, as well as active filter circuits, may be employed. 
     As described above, frequency synthesizer circuit  100  employs a three-point modulation injection technique. Like 2-point injection techniques, the modulation signal is split into a high-frequency portion and a low-frequency portion. The low-frequency portion is used to drive divider circuit  103 , while the high-frequency portion is used to drive voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102 . To ensure proper operation, the low-frequency portion and the high-frequency portion need to be matched in both timing and amplitude. 
     Give the large frequency excursions, e.g., 2 GHz, needed to perform depth sensing and mapping, the use of a single high-frequency control port on voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102  still results in large voltage-to-frequency gain values, which can increase phase noise and sensitivity to supply noise. To remediate this problem, modulation control circuit  104  is, as described below, configured to split the high-frequency portion of the modulation signal into two signals. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram of modulation control circuit  104  is depicted. As illustrated, modulation control circuit includes analog-to-digital converter circuit  501 , logic circuit  502 , digital-to-analog converter circuit  503 , and sigma delta modulator circuit  504 . Modulation control circuit  104  is configured to generate divider control signal  109  and modulation control signals  108 , which include coarse tune signal  206  and fine tune signal  207 . In various embodiments, coarse tune signal  206  and fine tune signal  207  correspond to the high-frequency portion of the modulation signal. 
     Analog-to-digital converter circuit  501  is configured to sample tune signal  106  at multiple points to generate samples  506 . In various embodiments, analog-to-digital converter circuit  501  gathers samples in regions before and after a fold of fine tune signal  207 . Additionally, analog-to-digital converter circuit  501  may be configured to gather samples near the maximum and minimum levels of divider control signal  109 . As described below, both sets of samples may be used by logic circuit  502  to align the control strength of the three ports (the divider port and the two voltage-controlled oscillator ports). 
     Logic circuit  502  may, in various embodiments, be a particular embodiment of a state machine or other processing circuit, configured to generate coarse tune signal  206 , DAC driver signal  505  and ratio control signal  507 , each of which may a digital signal including respective pluralities of bits. It is noted that different signals may employ different number of bits based, at least in part, on a desired resolution of the corresponding signal. 
     To generate ratio control signal  507 , logic circuit  502  is configured to change a set of bits corresponding to ratio control signal  507  according to linear ramp signal  112 . It is noted that linear ramp signal  112  may be generated external to logic circuit  502 , and may be represented using a time varying set of bits. In various embodiments, a particular value of the set of bits corresponds to a particular value of divider ratio  111 . As described below, ratio control signal  507  may be converted to an analog signal using sigma delta modulator circuit  504 . 
     To generate fine tune signal  207 , logic circuit  502  is configured to generate a plurality of sub-ramps by folding linear ramp  112  each time a fixed number of least significant bits (LSBs) or coarse tune signal  206  is encountered. This generation may be performed in the digital domain by incrementing and resetting a set of bits corresponding included in DAC driver signal  505 . The duration of a given one of the sub-ramps may be adjusted during alignment operations. It is noted that since the duration of the ramp is fixed and that the amplitude of fine tune signal  207  is adjusted to match the amplitude of coarse tune signal  206 , a non-integer number of sub-ramps may occur during each full frequency ramp. 
     To generate coarse tune signal  206 , logic circuit  502  is further configured to decrement (or increment), by a constant amount, a value associated with a set of bits corresponding to coarse tune signal  206  each time fine tune signal  207  is folded, i.e., reset to a starting value. 
     As previously noted, the control strength of the ports needs to be aligned. Such alignment is needed due to non-ideal behavior. For example, around folding point, tune signal  106  may quickly change, up or down, when fine tune signal  207  and coarse tune signal  206  are not well aligned. In particular, for the case of a non-inverting varactor (positive Kv), if the frequency change exerted by fine tune signal  207  is greater than the frequency change exerted by coarse tune signal  206 , there may be a positive jump on tune signal  106 . Alternatively, there may be a negative jump on tune signal  106  if the frequency change exerted by coarse tune signal  206  is greater than that exerted by fine tune signal  207 . 
     Another source of non-ideal behavior results in a drift of tune signal  106  over the duration of a frequency ramp. The direction of the drift may be based, at least in part, on whether the modulation of voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102  is stronger or weaker than the modulation injected into divider circuit  103 . 
     Logic circuit  502  is configured to use particular ones of samples  506  taken near the folding point, to minimize misalignment between fine tune signal  207  and coarse tune signal  206 . To minimize the misalignment, logic circuit  502  may be configured to perform a least mean squares (LMS) adaption loop to minimize a different between two of samples  506  from different sides of a fold. Logic circuit  502  may be further configured to perform a second LMS adaptation loop to adjust the duration of each sub-ramp using particular ones of samples  506  corresponding to the maximum and minimum values of tune signal  106 . Logic circuit  502  may be further configured to perform another LMS adaptation loop to adjust a maximum drive associated with coarse tune signal  206  using the samples corresponding to the maximum and minimum values of tune signal  106  in addition to reference signal  105 . 
     Digital-to-analog converter circuit  503  is configured to generate fine tune signal  207  by converting DAC driver signal  505  into an analog signal. In various embodiments, digital-to-analog converter circuit  503  may be a particular embodiment of a binary-weighted digital-to-analog converter circuit that may include switched resistors, switched current sources, switch capacitors, or any other suitable circuits configured to incrementally change a voltage level of fine tune signal  207  based on a value of DAC driver signal  505 . 
     Sigma delta modulator circuit  504  is configured to generate divider control signal  109  using ratio control signal  507 . In various embodiments, sigma delta modulator circuit  504  is configured to encode ratio control signal  507  into a lower resolution signal that is mapped to corresponding voltage levels. In some cases, sigma delta modulator circuit  504  may employ a filter circuit to smooth the voltages generated by the encoding. 
     As previously mentioned, a frequency synthesizer circuit, such as frequency synthesizer circuit  100 , may be used as part of a sensor circuit configured to perform depth sensing and mapping. A block diagram of an embodiment of such a sensor circuit is depicted in  FIG. 6 . As illustrated, sensor circuit  601  includes transmitter circuit  606 , receiver circuit  607 , control circuit  608 , and frequency synthesizer circuit  100 .  FIG. 6  further illustrates target  602  located distance  605  from sensor circuit  601 . 
     As described above, frequency synthesizer circuit  100  is configured to generate an oscillator signal and modulate the frequency of the oscillator signal. Transmitter circuit  606  is configured to generate transmit signal  603  using the modulated oscillator signal generated by frequency synthesizer circuit  100 . 
     Transmit signal  603  is reflected off of target  602  to generate echo signal  604 . Receiver circuit  607  is configured to receive echo signal  604 . In various embodiments, receiver circuit  607  may include filter circuits, amplifier circuits, and circuits to down-converter a frequency of echo signal  604  from radio frequencies. 
     Due to the transit time from sensor circuit  601  to target  602 , and then back to sensor circuit  601 , echo signal  604  is delayed from transmit signal  603 . The delay can be used to determine a value for distance  605 . Rather than trying to directly measure the delay, sensor circuit  601  can determine the delay by determining the frequency of echo signal  604 . Since there is a know time-frequency relationship for transmit signal  603  (as generated by frequency synthesizer circuit  100 ), knowing the frequency of echo signal  604  allows the calculation of the delay and, therefore, a value of distance  605 . 
     Control circuit  608  is configured to determine, using echo signal  604 , to determine a value for distance  605 . In some cases, control circuit  608  may convert echo signal  604  from the time domain to the frequency domain to perform the calculations for determining the value of distance  605 . In various embodiments, control circuit  608  may be a dedicated state machine, or general-purpose processor circuit configured to execute software or program instructions to implement the aforementioned calculations. 
     It is noted that the use of frequency synthesizer circuit  100  in sensor circuit  601  is merely an example and does not limit the scope of applications for which frequency synthesizer circuit  100  may be employed. 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , example waveforms associated with the operation of frequency synthesizer circuit  100  are illustrated. It is noted that waveforms depicted are examples, and that, in various embodiments, the waveforms may vary. 
     Graph  701  depicts divider control signal  109  as a function of time. At time to, divider control signal  109  increases linearly in value until time t 1 . During this time, divider ratio  111  is changing, in a linear fashion, in response to the change in divider control signal  109 . The change in divider ratio  111  results in a change in frequency of feedback signal  110 , which results in a change in tune signal  106 . The change in tune signal  106  causes voltage-controlled oscillator circuit  102  to change the frequency of oscillator signal  107 . At time t 1 , the slope of divider control signal  109  changes, and the divider control signal  109  decreases until time t 3 , at which the point the cycle repeats. As noted above, in portions of frequency synthesizer circuit  100 , divider control signal  109  may be represented in the digital domain by a set of bits, whose values change linearly in time. 
     Graph  702  depicts coarse tune signal  206 . As described above, coarse tune signal  206  includes a plurality of bits, whose combined value is decremented (or incremented) over a period of time during which divider control signal  109  is increasing (or decreasing). Each decrement (or increment) changes the value of coarse tune signal  206  by a constant amount. As described above, each decrement (or increment) is triggered by the start of a new sub-ramp included in fine tune signal  207 . 
     Graph  703  depicts fine tune signal  207 . As illustrated, fine tune signal includes a plurality of rising edge sub-ramps, starting at time t 0  and continuing to time t 1 . At time t 1 , there is a partial sub-ramp, as divider control signal  109  switches from linearly increasing to linearly decreasing. From time t 1  to time t 2 , fine tune signal  207  includes a plurality of falling edge sub-ramps corresponding to the decreasing value of divider control signal  109 . Like divider control signal  109 , fine tune signal  207  may, in various portions of frequency synthesizer circuit  100 , be represented in the digital domain by a set of bits. During the rising edge of a given sub-ramp, the value of the set of bits increases in a linear fashion from an initial value. When the sub-ramp reaches its maximum value, the set of bits is reset to the initial value and the process repeats. During a falling edge of a given one of the failing edge sub-ramps, the set of bits starts at an initial value and then is decremented until the sub-ramp reaches is minimum value, at which point the set of bits is reset to the initial value. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method for operating a synthesizer circuit is illustrated. The method, which begins in block  801 , may be applied to frequency synthesizer circuit  100  or any other suitable sensor circuit. 
     The method includes generating an oscillator signal by a voltage-controlled oscillator signal (block  802 ). In some embodiments, the voltage-controlled oscillator may include multiple inductors, multiple capacitors, multiple varactors, and multiple devices. 
     The method further includes dividing a frequency of the oscillator signal using a divider ratio to generate a feedback signal, wherein a value of the divider ratio varies according to a linear ramp signal (block  803 ). In various embodiments, dividing the frequency of the oscillator signal includes dividing the frequency the frequency of the oscillator signal using a first divider ratio for a first period of time, and dividing the frequency of the oscillator signal using a second divider ratio for a second period of time, wherein the second divider ratio is different than the first divider ratio, and the second time period is different from the first time period. 
     The method also includes generating a tune signal using results of comparing the feedback signal and a reference signal (block  804 ). In some embodiments, generating the tune signal may include generating a plurality of switch control signals using results of comparing the feedback signal and the reference signal, and selectively sourcing current to or sinking current from a circuit node using the plurality of switch control signals to generate the tune signal. 
     The method further includes generating a plurality of modulation signals using the linear ramp signal (block  805 ). In various embodiments, the plurality of modulation signals includes a fine-tune signal that includes a plurality of sub-ramps based, at line in part, on the linear ramp signal. In some cases, the plurality of modulation signals includes a coarse-tune signal that includes a plurality of bits encoding a number. The method may also include, in response to detecting a start of given sub-ramp of the plurality of sub-ramps, decrementing the number by a constant value. 
     In some cases, the method may include aligning the coarse-tune signal and the fine-tune signal using a plurality of samples of the tune signal. The method may further include adjusting a duration of a given sub-ramp of the plurality of sub-ramps using the plurality of samples of the tune signal. The method may also include adjusting the coarse-tune signal using the reference signal and the plurality of samples of the tune signal. 
     The method also includes modulating the frequency of the oscillator signal using the tune signal and the plurality of modulation control signals (block  806 ). In various embodiments, modulating the frequency of the oscillator signal may include: adjusting a first value of a first varactor coupled to an output node of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit, adjusting a second value of a second varactor coupled to the output node of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit, and adjusting a number of capacitors coupled to the output node of the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit using the coarse-tune signal. The method concludes in block  807 . 
     A block diagram of computer system is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . As illustrated embodiment, the computer system  900  includes analog/mixed-signal circuits  901 , processor circuit  902 , memory circuit  903 , and input/output circuits  904 , each of which is coupled to communication bus  905 . In various embodiments, computer system  900  may be a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and be configured for use in a desktop computer, server, or in a mobile computing application such as, a tablet, laptop computer, or wearable computing device. 
     Analog/mixed-signal circuits  901  includes a variety of circuits includes sensor circuit  601  as depicted in  FIG. 6 . Additionally, analog/mixed-signal circuits  901  may include a crystal oscillator circuit, a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit (all not shown). In other embodiments, analog/mixed-signal circuits  901  may be configured to perform power management tasks with the inclusion of on-chip power supplies and voltage regulators. 
     Processor circuit  902  may, in various embodiments, be representative of a general-purpose processor that performs computational operations. For example, processor circuit  902  may be a central processing unit (CPU) such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). 
     Memory circuit  903  may in various embodiments, include any suitable type of memory such as a Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM), a Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM), or a non-volatile memory, for example. It is noted that in the embodiment of a computer system in  FIG. 9 , a single memory circuit is depicted. In other embodiments, any suitable number of memory circuits may be employed. 
     Input/output circuits  904  may be configured to coordinate data transfer between computer system  900  and one or more peripheral devices. Such peripheral devices may include, without limitation, storage devices (e.g., magnetic or optical media-based storage devices including hard drives, tape drives, CD drives, DVD drives, etc.), audio processing subsystems, or any other suitable type of peripheral devices. In some embodiments, input/output circuits  904  may be configured to implement a version of Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol or IEEE 1394 (Firewire®) protocol. 
     Input/output circuits  904  may also be configured to coordinate data transfer between computer system  900  and one or more devices (e.g., other computing systems or integrated circuits) coupled to computer system  900  via a network. In one embodiment, input/output circuits  904  may be configured to perform the data processing necessary to implement an Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) networking standard such as Gigabit Ethernet or 10-Gigabit Ethernet, for example, although it is contemplated that any suitable networking standard may be implemented. In some embodiments, input/output circuits  904  may be configured to implement multiple discrete network interface ports. 
     Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. Examples of features provided in the disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive unless stated otherwise. The above description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein. Accordingly, new claims may be formulated during prosecution of this application (or an application claiming priority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200306
Publication Date: 20210608
Grant Date: 20210608
Priority Date: 20200306
Inventors: GAMBINI, SIMONE
CHEN, CHIN-CHI
BERNY, AXEL D.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H03L7/197", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L7/099", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L2207/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/0958", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/095", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/0941", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/0916", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03B23/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03B5/1243", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03B5/1228", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03B5/1212", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S13/345", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S13/343", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S13/345", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/0941", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L7/099", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/0925", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/0991", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L7/101", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L7/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L2207/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L7/101", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S13/345", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/0991", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L7/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/0925", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L7/099", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03C3/0941", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03L2207/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 76213448