Frequency synthesizer

• US 5,446,767 A
• Filed: 04/20/1993
• Issued: 08/29/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Inventors: Kokubo, Masaru, Kurosawa, Michiaki, Nakagawa, Jun'ichi
• Primary Examiner(s): Coles, Sr., Edward L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Williams, Kimberly A.
• Application Number:
  US08/049,424
• Time in Patent Office: 861 Days
• Field of Search: 375/120, 455/183.1, 455/260, 455/165.1, 328/14, 328/155, 331/17, 331/18, 331/23, 331/25
• US Class Current: 375/376
• CPC Class Codes: H03L 7/085 concerning mainly the frequency- or phase-detection arrangement including the filtering or amplification of its output signal H03L7/10 takes precedence; circuits for comparing the phase or frequency of two mutually-independent oscillations H03D13/00

Abstract

A frequency synthesizer which comprises a voltage controlled oscillator; a unit for outputting a value corresponding to a differential phase of a reference signal at a predetermined frequency as a first differential phase; a unit for sampling an oscillating signal corresponding to an output of the voltage controlled oscillator K times per period of a repeating frequency f_r (f_r is an arbitrary frequency) and for repetitively generating phase information of the oscillating signal in the form of saw-tooth-like wave; a unit for calculating the difference between adjacent phase information in phase information of the oscillating signal outputted as a saw-tooth-like wave, and for outputting this difference as a second differential phase; a comparator for calculating the difference between the first and second differential phases; a signal processing unit for integrating an output of the comparator; and a unit for converting an output of the signal processing unit to a voltage to control the voltage controlled oscillator.

Claims

1. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

an oscillator having its oscillating frequency controlled by a voltage or a current;

first differential phase generating means for outputting a value corresponding to a differential phase of a reference signal at a predetermined frequency as a first differential phase;

second differential phase generating means for extracting phase information from an oscillating signal corresponding to an output of said oscillator and for outputting the phase information as a second differential phase;

comparing means for calculating the difference between said first and second differential phases;

signal processing means for integrating an output of said comparing means; and

means for converting an output of said signal processing means to a voltage or a current to control said oscillator.

2. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 1, wherein said second differential phase generating means includes:

means for sampling said oscillating signal K times per period of a repeating frequency f_r (f_r is an arbitrary frequency) to repetitively generate phase information of said oscillating signal in the form of saw-tooth-like wave; and

means for calculating the difference in phase information between adjacent ones of said sampled oscillating signal and for outputting the difference as said second differential phase.

3. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 1, wherein said first differential phase generating means includes:

reference signal generating means for generating the reference signal at a predetermined frequency; and

means for extracting phase information from said reference signal and for outputting the phase information as a first differential phase.

4. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 3, wherein said first differential phase generating means further includes:

means for sampling said reference signal K times per period of a repeating frequency f_r (f_r is an arbitrary frequency) to repetitively generate phase information of said reference signal in the form of saw-tooth-like wave; and

means for calculating the difference in phase information between adjacent ones of said sampled reference signal and for outputting this difference as said second differential phase.

5. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 4, wherein said second differential phase generating means includes:

means for sampling said oscillating signal K times per period of said repeating frequency f_r to repetitively generate phase information of said oscillating signal in the form of saw-tooth-like wave; and

means for calculating the difference in phase information between adjacent ones of said sampled oscillating signal and for outputting this difference as said second differential phase.

6. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 2, wherein said second differential phase generating means further includes:

frequency dividing means for dividing the output of said oscillator by a dividing number N;

means for sampling an output signal from said frequency dividing means at every period of a frequency f_r 2 (=K·

f_r

     1) to derive a differential phase,

wherein the value f_r 1 satisfies f_v =N·

f_r 1 where f_v represents an oscillating frequency of said oscillator; and

K and N are natural numbers; and

means for multiplying said derived differential phase by K and for outputting the product as said second differential phase, and

wherein said first differential phase generating means includes means for setting N at an input of said comparing means as a first differential phase value.

7. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 2, wherein said second differential phase generating means further includes:

a prescaler type variable divider comprising a prescaler with a dividing number C and a modulo N_d counter for further dividing an output of said prescaler by a variable dividing number N_d (N_d is a natural number) for dividing the output of said oscillator by a total dividing number N equal to C·

N_d ;

means for accumulating and dividing number C for one period of a frequency f_f 2 equal to K·

f_r 1 with an output signal of said prescaler type variable frequency used as a clock,

wherein the value f_r 1 satisfies f_v =N·

f_r 1 where f_v represents an oscillating frequency of said oscillator; and

K and N are natural numbers; and

means for multiplying said accumulated value by K and for outputting the product as said second differential phase; and

wherein said first differential phase generating means includes means for setting N at an input of said comparing means as a first differential phase value.

8. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 2, wherein said second differential phase generating means further includes:

a pulse swallow type variable divider comprising a 2-modules prescaler having a dividing number P1 equal to CP (P is a natural number) and a dividing number P2 equal to C(P+1);

a main counter with a variable dividing number M; and

a swallow counter with a variable dividing number S, for dividing the output of said oscillator by a total dividing number N equal to P2·

S+P1·

(M-S)=C(PM+S)=C·

N_d, where N_d =(PM+S);

means for accumulating said dividing number P1 or P2 in accordance with a dividing number selecting signal fed back from said swallow counter to said 2-modules prescaler for one period of said frequency f_r 2=K·

f_r 1, with an output signal of said 2-modules prescaler used as a clock, where the value f_r 1 satisfies f_v =N·

f_r 1 where f_v represents an oscillating frequency of said oscillator, wherein K and N are natural numbers; and

means for multiplying said accumulated value by K and for outputting the product as said second differential phase; and

wherein said first differential phase generating means includes means for setting N at an input of said comparing means as a first differential phase value.

9. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 2, wherein said second differential phase generating means further includes means for outputting a predetermined value Ns as a value corresponding to phase information of said oscillating signal.

10. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 9, wherein said second differential phase generating means further comprises:

a prescaler for dividing the output of said oscillator by a dividing number C;

means for accumulating a variable step number Ns with a signal divided by said prescaler used as a clock, and for sampling said variable step number Ns every period of a frequency f_r 2 equal to K·

f_r 1 to derive a differential phase, wherein the value f_r 1 satisfies f_v =N·

f_r 1, where f_v represents an oscillating frequency of said oscillator, K and N are natural numbers, and Ns is expressed by Ns=C·

N·

f_r 1/f_v ; and

means for multiplying said derived differential phase by K and for outputting the product as said second differential phase; and

wherein said first differential phase generating means includes means for setting Ns at an input of said comparing means as a first differential phase value.

11. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 9, wherein said second differential phase generating means further includes:

means for accumulating a dividing number Ns for one period of a frequency f_r 2 equal to K·

f_r 1 with the output of said oscillator used as a clock, wherein the value f_r 1 satisfies f_v =N·

f_r 1 where, f_v represents an oscillating frequency of said oscillator, K and N are natural numbers, and N_S is expressed by N_S =N·

f_r 1/f_v ; and

means for multiplying said derived differential phase by K and for outputting the product as said second differential phase; and

wherein said first differential phase generating means includes means for setting Ns at an input of said comparing means as a first differential phase value.

12. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 1, wherein said signal processing means includes means for filtering an integrated value.

13. a frequency synthesizer according to claim 1, wherein said signal processing means includes means for adding a predetermined value to an integrated value.

60. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

79. A communication apparatus comprising:

a frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 1 to 25;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

14. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

an oscillator having its oscillating frequency controlled by a voltage or a current;

first differential phase generating means for outputting a value corresponding to a differential phase of a reference signal at a predetermined frequency as a first differential phase;

second differential phase generating means for extracting phase information from an oscillating signal corresponding to an output of said oscillator and for outputting the phase information as a second differential phase;

comparing means for calculating the difference between said first and second differential phases;

signal processing means for integrating an output of said comparing means;

means for converting an output of said signal processing means to a voltage or a current to control said oscillator;

control signal generating means for detecting changes in a dividing number N; and

phase difference detecting means for detecting a phase difference between an output of said first differential phase generating means and an output of said second differential phase generating means on the basis of an output of said control signal generating means, and for compensating for an initial value previously given as a control value for said voltage controlled oscillator on the basis of said phase difference.

15. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

an oscillator having its oscillating frequency controlled by a voltage or a current;

first differential phase generating means for outputting a value corresponding to a differential phase of a reference signal at a predetermined frequency as a first differential phase;

second differential phase generating means for extracting phase information from an oscillating signal corresponding to an output of said oscillator and for outputting the phase information as a second differential phase;

comparing means for calculating the difference between said first and second differential phases;

signal processing means for integrating an output of said comparing means;

means for converting an output of said signal processing means to a voltage or a current to control said oscillator; and

gain control means for changing a closed loop gain of said frequency synthesizer corresponding to an externally inputted gain control signal.

16. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

an oscillator having its oscillating frequency controlled by a voltage or a current;

first differential phase generating means for outputting a value corresponding to a differential phase of a reference signal at a predetermined frequency as a first differential phase;

second differential phase generating means for extracting phase information from an oscillating signal corresponding to an output of said oscillator and for outputting the phase information as a second differential phase;

comparing means for calculating the difference between said first and second differential phases;

signal processing means for integrating an output of said comparing means;

means for converting an output of said signal processing means to control said oscillator; and

frequency error compensating means for deriving a changing amount (differential value) of an output signal from said comparing means for a constant period to compensate for a control signal for said oscillator on the basis of said changing amount.

17. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

an oscillator having its oscillating frequency controlled by a voltage or a current;

first differential phase generating means for outputting a value corresponding to a differential phase of a reference signal at a predetermined frequency as a first differential phase;

second differential phase generating means for extracting phase information from an oscillating signal corresponding to an output of said oscillator and for outputting the phase information as a second differential phase;

comparing means for calculating the difference between said first and second differential phases;

signal processing means for integrating an output of said comparing means;

means for converting an output of said signal processing means to a voltage or a current to control said oscillator;

control signal generating means for detecting changes in a dividing number N;

phase difference detecting means for detecting a phase difference between an output of said first differential phase generating means and an output of said second differential phase generating means on the basis of an output of said control signal generating means, and for compensating for an initial value previously given as a control value for said voltage controlled oscillator on the basis of said phase difference;

gain control means for changing a closed loop gain of said frequency synthesizer corresponding to an externally inputted gain control signal; and

frequency error compensating means for deriving a changing amount (differential value) of the output of said comparing means for a constant period to compensate for a control signal for said oscillator on the basis of said changing amount.

18. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

first saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-like wave based on a reference signal supplied from a reference oscillator;

second saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-like wave based on a previously specified dividing number N and an output of a voltage controlled oscillator;

means for calculating the difference between outputs of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and outputs of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means and for outputting a difference signal;

means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator;

control signal generating means for detecting changes in said dividing number N; and

phase difference detecting means for detecting a phase difference between the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and the output of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means on the basis of an output of said control signal generating means and for compensating for an initial value previously given as a control value for an oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator on the basis of said phase difference.

22. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 18, wherein said means for outputting a difference signal includes:

a first subtract circuit for calculating the difference at different time intervals of the outputs of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means;

a second subtract circuit for calculating the difference at different time intervals of the outputs of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means; and

subtract means for calculating the difference between an output of said first subtract circuit and an output of said second subtract circuit.

26. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein said subtract means includes:

synchronizing means for converting the output of said second subtract circuit to a signal synchronized to said reference signal; and

means for calculating the difference between an output of said synchronizing means and the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means.

27. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means includes:

a prescaler having one or a plurality of dividing numbers; and

means for controlling an increase ratio of the output of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means to a value corresponding to a dividing number of said prescaler selected on the basis of a control signal for controlling the dividing number of said prescaler.

28. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means includes:

a prescaler having a dividing number P; and

means for setting an increase ratio of the output of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means to a value B expressed by the following equation;

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">B=(M×

P)/(N×

f1×

T)

wherein M represents a peak value of the output of the second saw-tooth-wave generating means, f1 the frequency of said reference signal, and T a period.

29. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 18 or 22, wherein said means for detecting a phase difference includes:

means for fixing a control value for said voltage controlled oscillator to said initial value for at least a duration equal to or more than one period of the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, and for detecting said phase difference during the duration;

compensating value storing means for holding said initial value which has been compensated for based on said phase difference; and

adding means for adding said oscillation control signal to a difference value between the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and the output of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means after said duration for which said control value is fixed to said initial value, and for outputting the addition value as said oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator.

33. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 18, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means;

said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means;

said means for outputting a difference signal;

said means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator;

said control signal generating means for detecting changes in said dividing number N; and

said phase difference detecting means.

37. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 22, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said means for outputting a difference signal, said means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processing difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator, said control signal generating means for detecting changes in said dividing number N, said phase difference detecting means, said first subtract circuit, said second subtract circuit, and said means for calculating the difference between inputs of said first and second subtract means.

41. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 18 to 25, further comprising:

a memory circuit for storing an input value to a D/A convertor for generating a frequency control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator corresponding to an oscillating frequency of said frequency synthesizer or the dividing number N; and

means, operable when said frequency synthesizer is to set the same oscillating frequency at a next timing for reading a value relevant thereto from said memory circuit and setting the read value as an initial value for said frequency synthesizer.

42. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 18 to 25, further comprising:

processing means for deriving a relational equation between the value of the frequency control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator and the oscillating frequency;

a memory circuit for storing an input value to a D/A convertor for generating the frequency control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator corresponding to the oscillating frequency of said frequency synthesizer or the dividing number N;

a compensating circuit for compensating for coefficients in said relational equation based on a value in said memory circuit; and

means, operable when said frequency synthesizer is to set a next oscillating frequency, for outputting a value relevant thereto from said memory circuit as an initial value for said frequency synthesizer.

61. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 26, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

62. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 27, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

63. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 28, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

64. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 29, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

68. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

69. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 41, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

70. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 42, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

80. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 26;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

81. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 27;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

82. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 28;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

83. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 29;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

87. A communication apparatus comprising:

a frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 33 to 40;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

88. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 41;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

89. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 42;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

19. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

first saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-like wave based on a reference signal supplied from a reference oscillator;

second saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-like wave based on a previously specified dividing number N and an output of a voltage controlled oscillator;

means for calculating the difference between outputs of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and outputs of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means and for outputting a difference signal;

means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator; and

gain control means for changing a closed loop gain of said frequency synthesizer corresponding to an externally inputted gain control signal.

23. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 19, wherein said means for outputting a difference signal includes:

a first subtract circuit for calculating the difference of different time intervals of the outputs of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means;

a second subtract circuit for calculating the difference at different time intervals of the outputs of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means; and

subtract means for calculating the difference between an output of said first subtract circuit and an output of said second subtract circuit.

30. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 19 or 23, wherein said gain control means includes:

a gain controller for specifying said closed loop gain;

a first multiplier for multiplying an output of said gain controller by a difference value between the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and the output of said second saw-tooth-wave generating means;

a second multiplier for multiplying an output of said first multiplier by a constant β

=(1-α

), where α

represents a changing width of said closed loop gain which changes corresponding to said gain control signal;

an adder for adding an output of said second multiplier and a compensating value for an initial value which has been previously given as a control value for said voltage controlled oscillator; and

a compensating value storing circuit for holding an output of said adder.

34. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 19, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said means for outputting a difference signal, said means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator, and said gain control means.

38. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 23, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said means for outputting a difference signal, said means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator, said gain control means, said first subtract circuit, said second subtract circuit, and said means for calculating the difference between inputs of said first and second subtract means.

65. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 30, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

84. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 30;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

20. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

first saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-like wave based on a reference signal supplied from a reference oscillator;

second saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-like wave based on a previously specified dividing number N and an output of a voltage controlled oscillator;

means for calculating the difference between outputs of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and outputs of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means and for outputting a difference signal;

means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator; and

frequency error compensating means for deriving a changing amount (differential value) of said difference signal for a constant period to compensate for said oscillation control signal on the basis of said changing amount.

24. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 20, wherein said means for outputting a difference signal includes:

a first subtract circuit for calculating the difference at different time intervals of the outputs of said first saw-tooth-like-wave generating means;

a second subtract circuit for calculating the difference at different time intervals of the outputs of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means; and

subtract means for calculating the difference between an output of said first subtract circuit and an output of said second subtract circuit.

31. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 20 or 24, wherein said frequency error compensating means includes:

means for varying a weight of a compensating ratio in accordance with said changing amount; and

a multiplier for multiplying said changing amount by a set weight amount.

35. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 20, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said means for outputting a difference signal, said performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processing difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator, and said frequency error compensating means.

39. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 24, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said means for outputting a difference signal, said means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator, said frequency error compensating means, said first subtract circuit, said second subtract circuit, and said means for calculating the difference between inputs of said first and second subtract means.

66. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 31, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

85. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 31;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

21. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

first saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-like wave based on a reference signal supplied from a reference oscillator;

second saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-like wave based on a previously specified dividing number N and an output of a voltage controlled oscillator;

means for calculating the difference between outputs of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and outputs of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means and for outputting a difference signal;

means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator;

control signal generating means for detecting changes in said dividing number N;

phase difference detecting means for detecting a phase difference between the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and the output of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means on the basis of an output of said control signal generating means and for compensating for an initial value previously given as a control value for an oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator on the basis of said phase difference;

gain control means for changing a closed loop gain of said frequency synthesizer corresponding to an externally inputted gain control signal; and

frequency error compensating means for deriving a changing amount (differential value) of said difference signal for a constant period to compensate for said oscillation control signal on the basis of said changing amount.

25. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 21, wherein said means for outputting a difference signal includes:

a first subtract circuit for calculating the difference at different time intervals of the outputs of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means;

a second subtract circuit for calculating the difference at different time intervals of the outputs of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means; and

subtract means for calculating the difference between an output of said first subtract circuit and an output of said second subtract circuit.

32. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 21 or 25, wherein said means for detecting a phase difference includes:

means for fixing a control value for said voltage controlled oscillator to said initial value for at least a duration equal to or more than one period of the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, and for detecting said phase difference during the duration;

compensating value storing means for holding said initial value which has been compensated for based on said phase difference; and

adding means for adding said oscillation control signal to a difference value between the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and the output of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means after said duration for which said control value is fixed to said initial value, and for outputting the addition value as said oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator,

wherein said gain control means includes;

a gain controller for specifying said closed loop gain,

a first multiplier for multiplying an output of said gain controller by a difference value between the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and the output of said second saw-tooth-wave generating means,

a second multiplier for multiplying an output of said first multiplier by a constant β

=(1-α

), where α

represents a changing width of said closed loop gain which changes corresponding to said gain control signal, and

an adder for adding an output of said second multiplier and an output of said compensating value storing means; and

wherein said frequency error compensating means includes;

means for varying a weight of a compensating ratio in accordance with said changing amount, and

a multiplier for multiplying said changing amount by a set weight amount.

36. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 21, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said means for outputting a difference signal, said means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator;

said control signal generating means for detecting changes in said dividing number N, said phase difference detecting means, said gain control means, and said frequency error compensating means.

40. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 25, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said means for outputting a difference signal, said means for performing signal processing for said difference signal to output said processed difference signal as an oscillation control signal for said voltage controlled oscillator, said control signal generating means for detecting changes in said dividing number N, said phase difference detecting means, said gain control means, said frequency error compensating means, said first subtract circuit, said second subtract circuit, and said means for calculating the difference between inputs of said first and second subtract means.

67. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 32, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

86. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 32;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

43. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

first saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-like wave based on a reference signal supplied from a reference oscillator;

second saw-tooth-like wave generating means for generating a saw-tooth-wave based on a previously specified dividing number N and an output of a voltage controlled oscillator;

means for calculating the difference between an output of said first-saw-tooth-like wave generating means and an output of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means to output a difference signal;

bit number reducing means for converting a data word length of an input signal to a shorter data word length, said bit number reducing means comprising;

a first quantizer for quantizing said difference signal;

a first subtractor for calculating the difference between an output of said first quantizer and an input signal for said first quantizer;

a noise shaping circuit receiving an output of said first subtractor as an input;

a delay circuit for delaying the output of said first quantizer;

an adder circuit for adding an output of said delay circuit and an output of said noise shaping circuit;

a D/A convertor for converting an output of said adder circuit to an analog signal; and

filter means for filtering an output of said D/A convertor to supply the filtered output to said voltage controlled oscillator as an input signal.

44. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 43, further comprising:

control signal generating means for detecting changes in said dividing number N; and

phase difference detecting means for detecting a phase difference between the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and the output of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means on the basis of an output of said control signal generating means and for compensating for an initial value previously given as a control value for an oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator on the basis of said phase difference.

45. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 43, further comprising gain control means for changing a closed loop gain of said frequency synthesizer corresponding to an externally inputted gain control signal.

46. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 43, further comprising frequency error compensating means for deriving an changing amount (differential value) of said difference signal for a constant period to compensate for said oscillation control signal based on said changing amount.

47. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 43, further comprising:

control signal generating means for detecting changes in said dividing number N;

phase difference detecting means for detecting a phase difference between the output of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means and the output of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means on the basis of an output of said control signal generating means and compensating for an initial value previously given as a control value for an oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator on the basis of said phase difference;

gain control means for changing a closed loop gain of said frequency synthesizer corresponding to an externally inputted gain control signal; and

frequency error compensating means for deriving an changing amount (differential value) of said difference signal for a constant period to compensate for said oscillation control signal based on said changing amount.

48. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 43 to 47, wherein said means for outputting a difference signal includes:

a first subtracting circuit for calculating the difference in outputs of said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means;

a second subtracting circuit for calculating the difference in outputs of said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means; and

subtracting means for calculating the difference between an output of said first subtract circuit and an output of said second subtract circuit.

49. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 48, wherein said subtracting means includes:

synchronizing means for converting an output of said second subtract circuit to a signal synchronized to said reference signal; and

means for calculating the difference between an output of said synchronizing means and the output of said first saw-tooth-wave generating means.

52. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 43, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing said first saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said second saw-tooth-like wave generating means, said means for outputting a difference signal, said first quantizer;

said first subtractor, said noise shaping circuit;

said delay circuit, said adder circuit, and said filter means.

54. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 43 to 47, further comprising:

a memory circuit for storing an input value to said first quantizer, upon settling of said voltage controlled oscillator, at an address corresponding to said dividing number; and

means, operable when the oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator is newly set, for reading a stored value from said memory circuit and for setting the read value as an initial value for the oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator.

55. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 48, further comprising:

a memory circuit for storing an input value to said first quantizer, upon settling of said voltage controlled oscillator, at an address corresponding to said dividing number; and

means, operable when the oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator is newly set, for reading a stored value from said memory circuit and for setting the read value as an initial value for the oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator.

57. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 43 to 47, further comprising:

a memory circuit for storing an input value to said first quantizer, upon settling of said voltage controlled oscillator, at an address corresponding to said dividing number; and

processing means for calculating and outputting an initial value for the oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator based on a newly set dividing number and a value stored in said memory circuit.

58. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 48, further comprising:

a memory circuit for storing an input value to said first quantizer, upon settling of said voltage controlled oscillator, at an address corresponding to said dividing number; and

processing means for calculating and outputting an initial value for the oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator based on a newly set dividing number and a value stored in said memory circuit.

71. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 45 to 49, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

72. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 48, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit

73. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 49, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

75. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 54, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

76. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 55 or 58, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

77. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 57, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

78. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 58 or 61, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

90. A communication apparatus comprising:

a frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 43 to 47;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

91. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 48;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

92. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 49;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

94. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 54;

a transmitter-for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

95. A communication apparatus comprising:

a frequency synthesizer according to claim 55 or 56;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

96. A communication apparatus comprising:

the frequency synthesizer according to claim 57;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

97. A communication apparatus comprising:

a frequency synthesizer according to claim 58 or 59;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.

50. A frequency synthesizer comprising:

an oscillator having its oscillating frequency controlled by a voltage or a current;

first differential phase generating means for outputting a value corresponding to a differential phase of a reference signal at a predetermined frequency as a first differential phase;

second differential phase generating means for extracting phase information from an oscillating signal corresponding to an output of said oscillator and for deriving a second differential phase;

comparing means for calculating the difference between said first and second differential phases;

signal processing means for integrating an output of said comparing means;

a first quantizer for quantizing an output signal of said signal processing means;

a first subtractor for calculating the difference between an output of said first quantizer and the output signal of said signal processing means;

a noise shaping circuit receiving an output of said first subtractor as an input;

a delay circuit for delaying the output of said first quantizer;

an adder circuit for adding an output of said delay circuit and an output of said noise shaping circuit;

a D/A convertor for converting an output of said adder circuit to an analog signal; and

filter means for filtering an output of said D/A convertor to supply the filtered output to said voltage controlled oscillator as an input signal.

51. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 50, wherein said second differential phase generating means includes:

means for sampling said oscillating signal K times per period of a repeating frequency f_r (f_r is an arbitrary frequency) to repetitively generate phase information of said oscillating signal in the form of saw-tooth-like wave; and

means for calculating the difference in phase information between adjacent ones of said sampled oscillating signal and for outputting this difference as said second differential phase.

53. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 50, further comprising a digital signal processing unit (DSP) having a processing unit which is shared for executing part or all of signal processing of said first differential phase generating means, said second differential phase generating means, said comparing means, said signal processing means, said first quantizer;

and first subtractor, said noise shaping circuit, said delay circuit, said adder circuit; and

said filter means.

56. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 50, further comprising:

a memory circuit for storing an input value to said first quantizer, upon settling of said voltage controlled oscillator, at an address corresponding to said dividing number; and

means, operable when the oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator is newly set, for reading a stored value from said memory circuit and for setting the read value as an initial value for the oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator.

59. A frequency synthesizer according to claim 50, further comprising:

a memory circuit for storing an input value to said first quantizer, upon settling of said voltage controlled oscillator, at an address corresponding to said dividing number; and

processing means for calculating and outputting an initial value for the oscillating frequency of said voltage controlled oscillator based on a newly set dividing number and a value stored in said memory circuit.

74. A frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein said frequency synthesizer includes a semiconductor integrated circuit.

93. A communication apparatus comprising:

a frequency synthesizer according to any one of claims 50 to 53;

a transmitter for transmitting information on the basis of an oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer; and

a receiver for receiving information on the basis of the oscillating signal from said frequency synthesizer.