Apparatus and method for setting VCO free-running frequency
US6111471A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03L2207/06
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus for setting the free-running frequency of a VCO to a reference frequency. The apparatus comprises frequency range means for setting the VCO within a VCO frequency range among a plurality of VCO frequency ranges. First counting means are operable to count to a first value at the VCO frequency rate and to provide a first ending signal when the first value is reached. Second counting means are operable to count to a second value at the reference frequency rate and to provide a second ending signal when the second value is reached. The second counting means are also operable to provide a reference count value when the first value is reached by the first counting means. A state machine is responsive to the first and second counting means for selecting a VCO frequency range among the plurality of VCO frequency ranges such that the VCO free-running frequency obtained through the selected range gives the closest value to the reference frequency. The state machine comprises means for decrementing the reference count value provided by the second counting means and also means for comparing the decrementation duration to the counting duration of the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.