Patent · US Expired

Phase lock loop (PLL) apparatus and method

US6424192B1 · kind B1 · utility

42Cited by
26References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 13, 2000
Grant dateJul 23, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 13, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH03L7/0891
  • WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A phase lock loop (PLL) and methods for using same is provided that includes a multiple-feedback CMOS voltage control oscillator (VCO) and multi-phase sampling fractional-N prescaler. The PLL provides increased performance characteristics for a single chip CMOS radio frequency (RF) communications system. The multiple feedback CMOS VCO maintains an amplitude of a VCO signal while reducing a rise/fall time of the VCO signal. The multiple feedback CMOS VCO further reduces supply noise effects. The multi-phase sampling fractional-N prescaler provides sufficient bandwidth for a CMOS VCO while maintaining spectral purity and reducing fractional-spur. The multi-phase sampling fractional-N prescaler can include a divider, a sampler circuit, a selector circuit and a modular counter.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.