Broadcom Corporation

Centellax, Inc.

Germ&aacute;n Gutierrez

A lock detector is described for detecting a difference between the frequencies of a first and a second input signal. The lock detector includes first and second beat generators configured to generate corresponding beat signals based on the first and second input signals. The second beat signal is phase shifted relative to the first beat signal. A chatter elimination module combines the two chattery beat signals to produce a third corresponding beat signal that is substantially free of chatter. Using this clean beat signal and either of the input signals, a lock detection module produces a lock detection signal, which indicates whether the difference between the frequencies of the first and second input signals is within a prescribed tolerance.

Detection of frequency differences between signals

The present invention generally relates to voltage-controlled oscillators. More specifically, the present invention relates to method and circuitry for implementing a differentially tuned varactor-inductor oscillator. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes an LC tank circuit having a couple of terminals, a first and second capacitors, and a first and second varactors. The first and second varactors are connected in series forming a first and a second node. The first capacitor connects the first node and one terminal of the LC tank circuit. The second capacitor connects the second node and the other terminal of the LC tank circuit. A pair of differential input control signals is applied across the first and the second varactors, respectively, to tune the LC tank circuit thereby generating an oscillator output.

Growing community of inventors

Carlsbad, CA, United States of America

Germán Gutierrez

Growing community of inventors

Carlsbad, CA, United States of America

Germ&aacute;n Gutierrez

Germán Gutierrez