Wireless devices having reduced clock feed-through
AssigneeSkyworks Solutions, Inc.
InventorsPeter Harris Robert Popplewell, Jakub F. Pingot, Florinel G. Balteanu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Implementations of radio frequency switch controllers within the scope of the appended claims are configured to reduce the impact of the clock signal induced spurs. In particular, implementations of switch controllers described herein include a poly-phase clocking scheme, as opposed to a single phase to clock the charge pump stages of an negative voltage generator. In some implementations poly-phase clocking schemes reduce the clock signal induced spurs and may preclude the need for additional on-chip or off-chip decoupling capacitors that add to the cost and physical size of a complete front end module solution.
Claims20
A wireless device comprising:
- one or more front-end modules configured to facilitate processing of a plurality of radio-frequency (RF) signals;
- an antenna;
- an RF switch configured to route at least a portion of the plurality of RF signals between the antenna and the one or more front-end modules based on a mode of operation of the wireless device;
- and
- a switch controller configured to control the RF switch, the switch controller including a controllable electrical source having at least two sub-circuits configured to receive at least two control signals, each sub-circuit configured to receive a respective control signal of the at least two control signals and to draw from a supply in response to an edge of the respective control signal, the switch controller further including a control signal generator configured to provide the at least two control signals to the controllable electrical source such that the at least two control signals are separated by at least one non-zero phase difference.
A method of switch control in a wireless device, the method comprising:
- controlling a radio frequency (RF) switch using a switch controller, the RF switch electrically connected to an antenna;
- generating a plurality of clock signals of different phases using a clock source of the switch controller, the plurality of clock signals including a first clock signal and a second clock signal separated by a non-zero phase difference;
- providing the plurality of clocks signals to a controllable electrical source of the switch controller, the controllable electrical source including a plurality of charge pumps including a first charge pump and a second charge pump;
- drawing from a supply in response to an edge of the first clock signal using the first charge pump;
- and
- drawing from the supply in response to an edge of the second clock signal using the second charge pump.
A wireless device comprising:
- an antenna;
- a radio frequency (RF) switch electrically connected to the antenna;
- and
- a switch controller configured to control the RF switch, the switch controller including a clock source configured to generate a plurality of clock signals including a first clock signal and a second clock signal, the first clock signal and the second clock signal having a non-zero phase difference, the switch controller further including a controllable electrical source including a plurality of charge pumps including a first charge pump and a second charge pump, the first charge pump configured to receive the first clock signal and to draw from a supply in response to an edge of the first clock signal, the second charge pump configured to receive the second clock signal and to draw from the supply in response to an edge of the second clock signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.