US5477198A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Extendible-range voltage controlled oscillator
Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co TSMC Ltd
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Filing: 1994-06-23
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Granted: 1995-12-19
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Expires: 2014-06-23
Abstract
Abstract A circuit design extending the range and linearizing the transfer characteristic of a fast voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). In addition, a multi-range VCO is described. Range extension is achieved by modifying the delay cell of a current controlled ring oscillator. The VCO transfer characteristic is linearized by piece-wise linear current control added to the delay cell. Additionally, a VCO capable of multi-range operation is provided. With the addition of multiple current sources which control booster inverter current, and by selectively enabling the additional current sources, a VCO with multiple frequency ranges can be achieved.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael B. Anderson
- 👤 Frank Gasparik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:48
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03L; H03L7/00; H03L7/06; H03L7/08; H03L7/099; H03L7/0995; H03K; H03K3/00; H03K3/02; H03K3/023; H03K3/0231; H03K3/027; H03K3/03; H03K3/0315; H03K3/0322
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
40 words
An extended range voltage controlled oscillator, comprising: a plurality of delay cells with booster inverters; a current source which restricts current in at least one of the booster inverters; and a bias circuit for piece-wise linearly biasing the current source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
40 words
An extended range voltage controlled oscillator, comprising: a plurality of delay cells with booster inverters; a current source which restricts current in at least one of the booster inverters; and a bias circuit for piece-wise linearly biasing the current source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The oscillator of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of voltage-to-current controlled converters.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The oscillator of claim 2 wherein a first voltage-to-current controlled converter is operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of delay cells.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The oscillator of claim 2 wherein a second voltage-to-current controlled converter is operatively coupled to at least one of the booster inverters.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
An improved phase-locked loop circuit, comprising: a phase detector; a charge pump operatively coupled to the phase detector; a filter operatively coupled to the charge pump; and an oscillator operatively coupled to the filter, wherein the oscillator comprises (i) a plurality of delay cells with booster inverters; (ii) a controllable current source which restricts current in at least one of the booster inverters; and iii) a bias circuit for piece-wise linearly biasing the controllable current source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
76 words
An improved phase-locked loop circuit, comprising: a phase detector; a charge pump operatively coupled to the phase detector; a filter operatively coupled to the charge pump; and an oscillator operatively coupled to the filter, wherein the oscillator comprises (i) a plurality of delay cells with booster inverters; (ii) a controllable current source which restricts current in at least one of the booster inverters; and iii) a bias circuit for piece-wise linearly biasing the controllable current source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The oscillator of claim 5 further comprising a plurality of voltage-to-current controlled converters.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The oscillator of claim 6 wherein a first voltage-to-current controlled converter is operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of delay cells.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The oscillator of claim 6 wherein a second voltage-to-current controlled converter is operatively coupled to at least one of the booster inverters.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
45 words
A method for extending an operating range of a phase-locked loop circuit comprising a plurality of delay cells, the method comprising the steps of: controlling current in a booster inverter of at least one of said delay cells; and piece-wise linear biasing the booster inverter.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
45 words
A method for extending an operating range of a phase-locked loop circuit comprising a plurality of delay cells, the method comprising the steps of: controlling current in a booster inverter of at least one of said delay cells; and piece-wise linear biasing the booster inverter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the current in the booster inverter is restricted.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the step of piece-wise linear biasing the booster inverter comprises maintaining a constant current in the booster inverter at relatively low frequencies, and linearly increasing current in the booster inverter at relatively high frequencies.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
In combination: a booster inverter; and means for maintaining a constant current in the booster inverter at relatively low frequencies, and linearly increasing current in the booster inverter at relatively high frequencies.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
In combination: a booster inverter; and means for maintaining a constant current in the booster inverter at relatively low frequencies, and linearly increasing current in the booster inverter at relatively high frequencies.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-12-18 | 1999-06-19 | 1999-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-06-19 | 2003-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-12-18 | 2007-06-19 | 2007-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |