Silicon Laboratories has been granted a patent for a phase-locked loop (PLL) technology that enables a radio to efficiently change frequencies. The method involves setting capacitor circuits in the oscillator based on temperature and frequency differences before locking to the new frequency. GlobalData’s report on Silicon Laboratories gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on Silicon Laboratories, Low Energy IoT network protocols was a key innovation area identified from patents. Silicon Laboratories's grant share as of April 2024 was 76%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Method for adjusting capacitors in pll for radio frequency signal

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Silicon Laboratories Inc

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11973509B2) discloses a method and apparatus for optimizing the performance of an oscillator in a phase-locked loop (PLL) system. The method involves receiving a request for the oscillator to generate an output signal at a specific frequency, adjusting capacitor circuits within the oscillator based on predetermined frequencies and temperature measurements, and fine-tuning the PLL to lock onto the desired frequency. By utilizing lookup tables and variable capacitor arrays, the system can dynamically adjust capacitance values to optimize performance based on frequency differences and temperature variations.

Furthermore, the apparatus described in the patent includes control logic that sets capacitor values within the oscillator based on input requests, measured temperature, and frequency differences. The system also incorporates a frequency counter to estimate the output signal frequency before locking onto the desired frequency, allowing for real-time adjustments to optimize performance. Additionally, the apparatus includes components such as a local oscillator circuit and mixer circuit for use in radio receiver applications, showcasing the versatility and practical applications of the technology. Overall, the patent highlights a sophisticated method and apparatus for efficiently controlling oscillator frequencies in PLL systems, offering improved performance and flexibility in various circuit applications.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.