Oscillator circuit design support device, oscillator circuit design support method, and oscillator circuit design support program

Abstract

This oscillator circuit design support device, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, a vibrator, and a temperature sensor are mounted, is provided with: an acquiring unit that acquires frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator, and identification data that identifies each of the oscillation IC chip, the vibrator, and the temperature sensor; a calculating unit that calculates correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator on the basis of the frequency-temperature characteristic data, and calculates prescribed circuit constant data for making the frequency-temperature characteristic after correction, when the correction data have been applied to the oscillation IC chip, fall within a prescribed range; and a generating unit that, on the basis of the identification data, the correction data, and the prescribed circuit constant data, generates recommended data that are recommended when the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator is to be applied.

Description

Oscillator circuit design support device, oscillator circuit design support method, and oscillator circuit design support program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an oscillator circuit design support device, an oscillator circuit design support method, and an oscillator circuit design support program.

[0002] In a circuit board equipped with a crystal oscillator and a temperature sensor, a technique is known for adjusting the oscillation frequency taking into account the temperature characteristics of the crystal oscillator in order to stably oscillate the frequency of the crystal oscillator, which has temperature characteristics that change in response to changes in the ambient temperature (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 4929429

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a board layout on which a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a crystal oscillator is mounted. The ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor is transmitted to the crystal oscillator, and the crystal oscillator corrects the oscillation frequency according to the detected temperature. However, when considering the temperature detected by the temperature sensor when actually mounted on a circuit board, there is a possibility that the accuracy of the correction of the oscillation frequency based on the detected temperature may differ from that based on the actual measured value of the ambient temperature due to factors such as the mounting position on the circuit board and the characteristics of other components.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism for stably oscillating an oscillator in a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, an oscillator, and a temperature sensor are mounted.

[0006] An oscillator circuit design support system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, a resonator, and a temperature sensor are respectively mounted, frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator, and identification data that identifies each of the oscillation IC chip, the resonator, and the temperature sensor; a calculation unit that calculates correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator based on the frequency-temperature characteristic data, and calculates predetermined circuit constant data such that the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic when the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip falls within a predetermined range; and a generation unit that generates recommended data that is recommended when the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator is applied based on the identification data, the correction data, and the predetermined circuit constant data.

[0007] An oscillator circuit design support method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: acquiring, by a computer, frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of an oscillator, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, an oscillator, and a temperature sensor are respectively mounted, and identification data identifying each of the oscillation IC chip, the oscillator, and the temperature sensor; calculating correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the oscillator based on the frequency-temperature characteristic data; calculating predetermined circuit constant data for causing the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic when the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip to fall within a predetermined range; and generating recommended data that is recommended when the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic of the oscillator is applied, based on the identification data, the correction data, and the predetermined circuit constant data.

[0008] An oscillator circuit design support program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to acquire, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, a resonator, and a temperature sensor are respectively mounted, frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator, and identification data identifying each of the oscillation IC chip, the resonator, and the temperature sensor; calculate correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator based on the frequency-temperature characteristic data; calculate predetermined circuit constant data for ensuring that the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic when the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip falls within a predetermined range; and generate recommended data that is recommended when the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator is applied based on the identification data, the correction data, and the predetermined circuit constant data.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a mechanism for stably oscillating an oscillator in a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, an oscillator, and a temperature sensor are mounted.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an oscillator circuit design support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the temperature characteristics of a resonator and correction of the temperature characteristics. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the flow of the oscillator circuit design support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an oscillator circuit design support device 20. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of circuit board data. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of temperature characteristic data. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that the variation in frequency after correction is reduced by adjusting the voltage dividing resistor Rp. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure in the oscillator circuit design support device 20. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer.

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0012] <Configuration Overview> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an oscillator circuit design support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The oscillator circuit design support system 1 includes a circuit board 10 that is the target of oscillator circuit design support, and an oscillator circuit design support device 20 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "device 20") for supporting the design of the oscillator circuit. The circuit board 10 and the device 20 may be electrically connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The communication may be via a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN, or mobile communications, or may not be via such a network. For convenience of illustration, one circuit board 10 and one device 20 are shown, but the oscillator circuit design support system 1 may be configured to include multiple circuit boards 10 and multiple devices 20.

[0014] In the present invention, a "unit" does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes cases where the functions of the "unit" are realized by software. Furthermore, the functions of one "unit" or device may be realized by two or more physical means or devices, and the functions of two or more "units" or devices may be realized by one physical means or device.

[0015] The circuit board 10 may be, for example, a printed circuit board. As shown in Fig. 1, the circuit board 10 is not particularly limited in type or material as long as it is a board that supports at least the electronic components (oscillation IC chip A, resonator B, and temperature sensor C) and electrically connects the electronic components to each other.

[0016] An oscillator IC chip is an electronic component that houses, in a package, a semiconductor integrated circuit (that is, an oscillator circuit) that uses an oscillator in a resonant circuit and outputs a clock signal with a stable frequency through elastic resonance, for example.

[0017] The oscillator may be, for example, an oscillator using a quartz crystal (a quartz oscillator).

[0018] The temperature sensor is an electronic component that detects the temperature of the oscillation IC chip on the circuit board, and may include, for example, a so-called thermistor.

[0019] Furthermore, the circuit board 10 may be provided with oscillation circuit components other than the oscillation IC chip A, the resonator B, and the temperature sensor C. For example, in Fig. 1, the circuit board 10 is provided with a voltage dividing resistor (Rp) related to the temperature detection circuit of the temperature sensor C. Furthermore, in the circuit board 10, when the resonator B is a quartz crystal resonator, external load capacitances (CL1, CL2) related to the oscillation frequency may be provided.

[0020] In the following description, it is assumed that the oscillator B is a quartz oscillator.

[0021] The device 20 is, for example, a device that calculates data (hereinafter referred to as "correction data") for correcting the temperature characteristic of the frequency of the resonator B mounted on the circuit board 10. The device 20 is also a device that calculates circuit constant data so that the oscillation frequency of the resonator B falls within a predetermined range when the correction data is applied. The device 20 may also include, for example, a measuring instrument 20b that measures the temperature characteristic data.

[0022] The device 20 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, etc. Other examples of the device 20 include portable, pocket-sized, handheld, and computer-embedded mobile terminals that exchange data with a wireless access network.

[0023] The temperature characteristic of frequency is an index showing how the frequency of the vibrator B changes in response to changes in the ambient temperature T, as shown by pa1 in Fig. 2. The temperature characteristic is represented by, for example, "ΔF".

[0024] Correction of the temperature characteristic refers to adjusting the setting values ​​of the oscillation circuit so that the frequency of the vibrator B, which changes in response to changes in the ambient temperature T, oscillates stably within a predetermined temperature range, as shown by pa2 in Figure 2. The temperature characteristic ΔF shown by pa2 in Figure 2 has been corrected so that the frequency does not vary as much as with temperature changes, compared to that shown by pa1. In other words, it can be said that the vibrator B oscillates stably.

[0025] <Outline of Oscillator Circuit Design Support System 1> Here, with reference to FIG. 3, an outline of the flow of the oscillator circuit design support system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0026] In the following description, it is assumed that a customer who owns the circuit board 10 requests oscillator circuit design support from a business that provides oscillator circuit condition design support.

[0027] An oscillation IC chip A, a resonator B, and a temperature sensor C are mounted on the circuit board 10. In this embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which the temperature sensor C is not sealed inside the package of the oscillation IC chip A but is mounted directly on the circuit board (a so-called "off-chip" state). However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the temperature sensor C may also be sealed inside the package of the oscillation IC chip A (a so-called "on-chip" state).

[0028] First, a circuit board 10 is prepared as a target for oscillator circuit condition design support. For example, the device 20 receives a request for oscillator circuit design support from a customer (step S1). At the same time, the business operator receives the circuit board 10. Here, the request for oscillator circuit design support may include information indicating the desired accuracy with which the frequency of the resonator B mounted on the circuit board 10 is corrected. Specifically, the request may include information (hereinafter referred to as "target data") specifying the frequency range of the resonator B after correction and the temperature range within which the corrected frequency range is guaranteed.

[0029] Next, the oscillator circuit design assistance device 20 acquires (step S2) the temperature characteristic data of the resonator B on the measured circuit board 10. The temperature characteristic data may be, for example, data obtained by placing the circuit board 10 in a thermostatic chamber, adjusting the internal temperature by operating the thermostatic chamber, and measuring how the frequency of the resonator B changes within a set predetermined temperature range.

[0030] Next, based on the temperature characteristic data, correction data for correcting the temperature characteristic ΔF of the vibrator B is calculated (step S3). For example, by applying the calculated correction data to the oscillation IC chip A of the circuit board 10, the frequency of the vibrator B can be stably oscillated.

[0031] Furthermore, the circuit constants of the circuit board 10 required for the frequency of the vibrator B to which the correction data has been applied to satisfy the target data acquired in step S1 are calculated (step S4).

[0032] The circuit constants are the setting values ​​of the oscillation circuit components that are determined so that the oscillation IC chip A, the resonator B, and the temperature sensor C mounted on the circuit board 10 operate according to their specifications. Here, for example, the circuit constants may include the value of the voltage dividing resistor (Rp in FIG. 1) and the value of the load capacitance (CL1, CL2 in FIG. 1). Data indicating the circuit constants will be referred to as "circuit constant data" hereinafter.

[0033] Then, data indicating recommended oscillation circuit conditions for correcting the temperature characteristic ΔF (hereinafter referred to as "recommended data") is generated by combining the identification data (e.g., product number and serial number) of the oscillation IC chip A, resonator B, and temperature sensor C mounted on the circuit board 10 with the calculated correction data and the calculated circuit constant data. The generated recommended data may be provided to the customer. At the same time, the circuit board 10 received from the customer is returned (step S5).

[0034] Steps S1 to S5 allow for calculation of correction data for correcting the temperature characteristic ΔF of the resonator B on the circuit board 10 on which the oscillation IC chip A, the resonator B, and the temperature sensor C are mounted. Furthermore, circuit constant data for the oscillation circuit components can be calculated based on the correction data. This allows for frequency correction based on actual measured values ​​of the circuit board 10 on which the components are mounted, reducing frequency variation after correction compared to when correction data is applied to the resonator alone, and improving the accuracy of oscillation frequency correction.

[0035] <Functional Configuration> (Device 20) The device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the device 20. The device 20 may include, for example, a terminal 20a and a measuring device 20b. The terminal 20a includes a receiving unit 100, an acquiring unit 101, a calculating unit 102, and a generating unit 103. Each of these units is realized, for example, by a processor 1001 executing a program stored in a storage device 1002 shown in FIG. 9. The measuring device 20b is, for example, electrically connected to the circuit board 10 and measures temperature characteristic data. The measuring device 20b may be, for example, an oscilloscope.

[0036] The receiving unit 100 is a functional unit that receives a request for oscillator circuit design support from, for example, a terminal (not shown) used by a customer. The request may be received as data indicating a desire for provision of recommended data. The data may also include circuit board data, which will be described below.

[0037] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit board data D111. The circuit board data D111 may exist for each circuit board 10 received from a customer. The circuit board data D111 may be stored, for example, in the storage device 1002 shown in FIG. 9 or in another external device.

[0038] 5, the circuit board data D111 includes, for example, an oscillation IC chip name Da, an oscillation frequency Db, a resonator part number Dc, a required frequency accuracy Dd, and a guaranteed operating temperature range De. The oscillation IC chip name Da is, for example, information indicating a product name (which may be a part number) that can identify the oscillation IC chip A mounted on the circuit board 10 received from the customer. The oscillation frequency Db is, for example, information indicating the oscillation frequency of the resonator B on the circuit board 10. The oscillation frequency Db may be a theoretical value of the oscillation frequency of the resonator B, or may be the oscillation frequency of the resonator B measured by the customer themselves. The resonator part number Dc is, for example, a code indicating a part number that can identify the resonator B.

[0039] The required frequency accuracy Dd is information indicating the frequency accuracy desired by the customer, and is an item that specifies the frequency range of the vibrator B after correction. The required frequency accuracy Dd is an item included in the above-mentioned "target data". For example, it may be an item that indicates the difference when the frequency of the vibrator B at a predetermined temperature (e.g., 25°C) is used as a reference value. Furthermore, the difference may be expressed in units of % (percent) instead of ppm, which indicates the frequency. The guaranteed operating temperature range De is an item that specifies the temperature range in which the frequency range after correction is guaranteed. In other words, it is information that indicates the temperature range in which the frequency accuracy desired by the customer is guaranteed after correction. The guaranteed operating temperature range De, like the required frequency accuracy Dd, is an item that is included in the above-mentioned "target data".

[0040] As described above, the circuit board data D111 may include target data.

[0041] In addition, the circuit board data D111 may include, for example, information that the customer desires only correction data for oscillator circuit design support, or may include information that the customer desires only circuit constant data.

[0042] The acquiring unit 101 acquires the circuit board data D111 accepted by the accepting unit 100 .

[0043] The acquisition unit 101 may also acquire information (identification data) capable of identifying each of the oscillation IC chip A, the vibrator B, and the temperature sensor C mounted on the circuit board 10. The content of the identification data may be any information capable of identifying each electronic component mounted on the circuit board 10, such as a serial number, a product number, a product name, or other information. The acquisition unit 101 may also acquire the identification data by referencing the information in the circuit board data D111. The identification data may also be acquired by the acquisition unit 101, for example, when an operator using the device 20 checks the electronic components mounted on the circuit board 10 and inputs the information via an operation. In this way, the acquisition of the identification data by the acquisition unit 101 is not limited to a specific mode.

[0044] The acquiring unit 101 also acquires, from the measuring device 20b, the temperature characteristic data of the frequency of the vibrator B measured by the measuring device 20b.

[0045] D112a in Fig. 6 shows an example of temperature characteristic data. D112b in the same figure is an example of temperature characteristic data shown in graph form. The temperature characteristic data may be stored in the storage device 1002 shown in Fig. 9 or in another external device (not shown).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6 , the temperature characteristic data D112a includes, for example, a set temperature Df, an actual temperature Dg, and a frequency Dh. The set temperature Df indicates a predetermined temperature range set in the thermostatic chamber in which the circuit board 10 is placed. The set temperature Df may correspond to the guaranteed operating temperature range De included in the circuit board data D111. This allows the thermostatic chamber to be operated at the set temperature Df according to the customer's request (i.e., the circuit board data D111) and the temperature characteristic ΔF to be measured. The set temperature Df set by the thermostatic chamber may be in 5°C increments or may not be increments. The actual temperature Dg may be, for example, a temperature measured by a thermometer placed in the thermostatic chamber together with the circuit board 10. In other words, the actual temperature Dg can be considered an accurate temperature (actual value) as the ambient temperature of the circuit board 10. The frequency Dh is information indicating each set temperature inside the thermostatic chamber and the frequency of the vibrator B of the circuit board 10 measured at each corresponding actual temperature.

[0047] 6 can be expressed in the form of a graph as shown in D112b in the same figure. As shown, the frequency Dh of the vibrator B changes depending on the ambient temperature. The temperature characteristic data D112a makes it possible to understand how much the frequency varies within a specified temperature range.

[0048] The calculation unit 102 is a functional unit that calculates correction data based on the acquired temperature characteristic data D112a. The correction data may be coefficients (a, b, c, d) to be applied to the following cubic equation that represents the temperature characteristic ΔF of the frequency Dh of the vibrator B:

[0049] [Formula] ΔF=aT ３ +bT ２+cT+d Furthermore, the correction data is not limited to data expressed by cubic coefficients, and may be in the form of a so-called look-up table (LUT) (not shown).

[0050] When the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip A, the oscillation IC chip A corrects the temperature characteristic ΔF of the frequency of the vibrator B based on the correction data. This makes it possible to reduce the range of change in the frequency of the vibrator B even when the ambient temperature changes.

[0051] Furthermore, the calculation unit 102 calculates circuit constant data that will cause the frequency when the correction data is applied to the circuit board 10 to satisfy the above-mentioned "target data."

[0052] The circuit constant data can reduce variations in frequency of the circuit board 10 whose temperature characteristic ΔF has been corrected. The circuit constant data may include, for example, the value of the voltage dividing resistor Rp provided on the circuit board 10.

[0053] In this way, the calculation unit 102 calculates at least circuit constant data (voltage dividing resistor Rp) based on the target data such that the temperature characteristic ΔF of the corrected frequency falls within a predetermined range. The voltage dividing resistor Rp is an oscillator circuit component associated with the temperature sensor C provided on the circuit board 10.

[0054] As described above, the temperature sensor C is provided on the circuit board 10, detects the ambient temperature, and transmits the temperature to the oscillation IC chip A.

[0055] The voltage dividing resistor Rp is provided in the circuit pattern related to the temperature sensor C, and its value can be adjusted. By adjusting the voltage dividing resistor Rp, it is possible to change the output voltage from the temperature sensor C to the oscillation IC chip A.

[0056] Here, it will be explained how the voltage dividing resistor Rp is adjusted to reduce the variation in frequency after correction.

[0057] For example, if the temperature sensor C has a characteristic that its resistance decreases as the temperature rises, and the change in the detected temperature associated with a change in output voltage increases, the voltage dividing resistor Rp on the circuit board can be adjusted to prevent a large change in the detected temperature associated with a change in output voltage, even when the ambient temperature is high. This prevents a large change in the detected temperature of the temperature sensor C, even when the ambient temperature is high, and allows the frequency temperature characteristic ΔF of the vibrator B to be stable even at high ambient temperatures.

[0058] In pa3 and pa4 in Fig. 7, Dd is one of the target data included in the circuit board data D111 shown in Fig. 5, and indicates the "required frequency accuracy" that indicates the range within which the corrected frequency should fall. De is also one of the target data, and indicates the "guaranteed operating temperature range" that indicates the temperature range within which the corrected frequency is guaranteed. In other words, the area indicated by Dd and De indicates, for example, the range within which a customer who has requested assistance in designing an oscillator circuit for the circuit board 10 wants the frequency of the resonator B to fall after correction.

[0059] 7, the ΔF graphs indicated by pa3 and pa4 are both temperature characteristic data after correction. pa3 shows the case where the voltage dividing resistor Rp is not adjusted, and pa4 shows the case where the voltage dividing resistor Rp is adjusted.

[0060] In pa3, the corrected frequency increases when the ambient temperature T is in the range of 100°C to 125°C. Therefore, it does not fall within the frequency range indicated by Dd and De. To achieve the frequency accuracy desired by the customer, it is necessary to further reduce the variation in the corrected frequency. Therefore, by adjusting the voltage dividing resistor Rp as necessary, the frequency can be made to meet the target data, as shown in pa4.

[0061] This not only calculates correction data based on actual measured values ​​when the oscillation IC chip A, vibrator B, and temperature sensor C are mounted on a circuit board, but also provides a mechanism for assisting in the design of an oscillation circuit that takes into account the circuit constants of the oscillation circuit components in the circuit pattern when the correction data is applied.

[0062] If the frequency temperature characteristics after applying the correction data are already within the range of the target data, the calculation unit 102 does not need to calculate the setting value of the voltage dividing resistor Rp.

[0063] The generating unit 103 generates data including the calculated correction data, the calculated circuit constant data, and the identification data as recommended data that is recommended when correcting the frequency of the vibrator B. The recommended data may be generated in the form of, for example, a table or a graph.

[0064] The generation unit 103 may also store the created recommendation data in, for example, a storage device 1002 shown in Fig. 9. The generation unit 103 may also display the recommendation data on a display device 1006 shown in Fig. 9. The generation unit 103 may also transmit the recommendation data to a terminal (not shown) of the customer via a communication I / F 1005 shown in Fig. 9.

[0065] In this way, the generation unit 103 generates recommended data that aggregates information necessary to correct the temperature characteristic ΔF of frequency in the circuit board 10. This allows, for example, a customer to check the recommended data and use it as a reference to design an appropriate oscillator circuit for the circuit board 10 that the customer owns.

[0066] As described above, the recommended data is based on the circuit board 10 on which the oscillation IC chip A, the resonator B, and the temperature sensor C are mounted, and the measured temperature characteristic data D112a is an actual measurement value that can be measured with each component mounted on the circuit board 10. Therefore, the calculated correction data and the calculated circuit constant data can be said to be values ​​specific to the circuit board based on the actual measurement values. In this way, the oscillator circuit design assistance device 20 can generate recommended data for each circuit board 10 based on the actual measurement values ​​with each electronic component mounted. This makes it possible to reduce the variation in the corrected frequency that occurs when theoretical correction data calculated for each component individually is applied to the circuit board 10 with each component mounted.

[0067] <Processing Procedure> The processing procedure executed in the oscillator circuit design assistance device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure in the oscillator circuit design assistance device 20.

[0068] First, the device 20 acquires, for example, the circuit board data D111 and the identification data of the circuit board 10 received from the customer (step S100).

[0069] Next, the device 20 acquires the measured temperature characteristic data D112a of the circuit board 10 (step S101).

[0070] Next, the device 20 calculates correction data based on the temperature characteristic data D112a (step S102). The correction data may be a third-order coefficient of a third-order equation representing the temperature characteristic ΔF of the vibrator B, or may be in the form of a look-up table.

[0071] Next, the device 20 calculates circuit constant data based on the target data so that the frequency of the vibrator B to which the correction data has been applied satisfies the target data (step S103).

[0072] Next, the device 20 generates recommendation data including identification data, correction data, and circuit constant data (step S104). Note that the identification data does not have to be acquired in step S100. In other words, the recommendation data can be generated as long as the identification data has been acquired in any of steps S101 to S104.

[0073] Finally, the device 20 provides the generated recommendation data to the customer (step S105). When providing the recommendation data to the customer, the recommendation data may be transmitted to the customer's terminal, or may be displayed on the display device 1006 of the device 20 so that the customer can check it.

[0074] <Hardware Configuration> An example of a hardware configuration in which the oscillator circuit design assistance device 20 is realized by a computer 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 1000. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the computer 1000 includes, for example, a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an input I / F 1003, a data I / F 1004, a communication I / F 1005, and a display device 1006.

[0076] The processor 1001 controls various processes in the computer 1000 by executing programs stored in the storage device 1002 .

[0077] The storage device 1002 is, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. It may also include a random access memory (RAM). The storage device 1002 stores an operating system and various programs for implementing the above-described configurations. It may also temporarily store program code of programs executed by the processor 1001 and data required when the programs are executed.

[0078] The input I / F 1003 is, for example, a device for receiving input from a person in charge of a business providing oscillator circuit condition design support. Specific examples of the input I / F 1003 include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, a wearable device, etc. The input I / F 1003 may be connected to the computer 1000 via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0079] The data I / F 1004 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 1000. A specific example of the data I / F 1004 is a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F 1004 may be provided outside the computer 1000. In this case, the data I / F 1004 is connected to the computer 1000 via an interface such as a USB.

[0080] The communication I / F 1005 is a device for performing data communication via a communication network, either wired or wirelessly, with devices external to the computer 1000. The communication I / F 1005 may be provided external to the computer 1000. In this case, the communication I / F 1005 is connected to the computer 1000 via an interface such as a USB.

[0081] The display device 1006 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 1006 include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and a display of a wearable device. The display device 1006 may be provided outside the computer 1000. In this case, the display device 1006 is connected to the computer 1000 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, when a touch panel is used as the input I / F 1003, the display device 1006 can be configured as an integrated part of the input I / F 1003.

[0082] <Supplementary Notes> Some or all of the embodiments of the present invention are described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following supplementary notes.

[0083] <Supplementary Note 1> An oscillator circuit design assistance device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, a resonator, and a temperature sensor are respectively mounted, frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator, and identification data that identifies each of the oscillation IC chip, the resonator, and the temperature sensor; a calculation unit that calculates correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator based on the frequency-temperature characteristic data, and calculates predetermined circuit constant data so that the frequency-temperature characteristic after the correction when the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip falls within a predetermined range; and a generation unit that generates recommended data that is recommended when the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator is applied, based on the identification data, correction data, and predetermined circuit constant data that identify each of the oscillation IC chip, the resonator, and the temperature sensor.

[0084] According to Appendix 1, correction data and circuit constant data can be calculated based on actual measurements of the state in which electronic components are mounted on a circuit board, making it possible to provide customers with more accurate and effective data.

[0085] <Supplementary Note 2> The oscillator circuit design assistance device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the predetermined circuit constant data includes information on circuit constants that can be set in components provided on a circuit board on which the temperature sensor is mounted.

[0086] According to Supplementary Note 2, it is possible to calculate the voltage dividing resistor Rp that allows the temperature sensor to output an appropriate output voltage.

[0087] <Supplementary Note 3> The oscillator circuit design assistance device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the oscillator is a quartz oscillator.

[0088] According to Supplementary Note 3, the present invention can be applied when the oscillator is a quartz oscillator.

[0089] <Supplementary Note 4> The oscillator circuit design assistance device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the temperature sensor is mounted on the circuit board without being included in the package of the oscillation IC chip. According to Supplementary Note 4, the present invention can also be applied to a circuit board on which the temperature sensor is mounted separately from the oscillation IC chip.

[0090] <Supplementary Note 5> The oscillator circuit design assistance device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, further comprising a measuring instrument electrically connected to the circuit board, wherein the acquisition unit acquires frequency-temperature characteristic data based on measurements taken by the measuring instrument.

[0091] According to Supplementary Note 5, measured temperature characteristic data can be acquired for calculating the correction data.

[0092] <Supplementary Note 6> The oscillator circuit design assistance device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the predetermined range is a frequency range of the resonator after correction within a predetermined temperature range.

[0093] According to Supplementary Note 6, the present invention can be applied to an embodiment in which the frequency range of the vibrator after correction in a predetermined temperature range is set to a predetermined range.

[0094] <Supplementary Note 7> The oscillator circuit design assistance device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, further comprising a receiving unit 100 that receives data indicating a desire to provide recommended data, the data including at least a specification of a frequency range of the resonator after correction and a specification of a temperature range in which the frequency range after correction is guaranteed.

[0095] According to Supplementary Note 7, it is possible to accept requests from customers who wish to receive assistance in designing oscillator circuits.

[0096] <Supplementary Note 8> An oscillation circuit design support method, comprising: a computer acquiring, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, a resonator, and a temperature sensor are respectively mounted, frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator, and identification data identifying each of the oscillation IC chip, the resonator, and the temperature sensor; calculating correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator based on the frequency-temperature characteristic data, and calculating predetermined circuit constant data such that the frequency-temperature characteristic after the correction when the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip falls within a predetermined range; and generating recommended data that is recommended when the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator is applied, based on the identification data, correction data, and predetermined circuit constant data identifying each of the oscillation IC chip, the resonator, and the temperature sensor.

[0097] According to Appendix 8, correction data and circuit constant data can be calculated based on actual measurements of the state in which electronic components are mounted on the circuit board, making it possible to provide customers with more accurate and effective data.

[0098] <Supplementary Note 9> An oscillator circuit design support program that causes a computer to execute the following: acquiring, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, a resonator, and a temperature sensor are respectively mounted, frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator, and identification data identifying each of the oscillation IC chip, the resonator, and the temperature sensor; calculating correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator based on the frequency-temperature characteristic data, and calculating predetermined circuit constant data such that the frequency-temperature characteristic after the correction when the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip falls within a predetermined range; and generating recommended data that is recommended when the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator is applied, based on the identification data, correction data, and predetermined circuit constant data that identify each of the oscillation IC chip, the resonator, and the temperature sensor.

[0099] According to Appendix 9, correction data and circuit constant data can be calculated based on actual measurements of the state in which electronic components are mounted on the circuit board, making it possible to provide customers with more accurate and effective data.

[0100] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The flowcharts, sequences, elements included in the embodiments, as well as their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and may be modified as appropriate.

[0101] 1...oscillator circuit design support system, 10...circuit board, A...oscillating IC chip, B...resonator, C...temperature sensor, CL1, CL2...external load capacitance, Rp...voltage dividing resistor, ΔF...temperature characteristic of frequency, T...temperature, 20...oscillator circuit design support device, 20a...terminal, 20b...measuring instrument, 100...reception unit, 101...acquisition unit, 102...calculation unit, 103...generation unit, 1000...computer, 1001...processor, 1002...storage device, 1003...input I / F, 1004...data I / F, 1005...communication I / F, 1006...display device.

Claims

1. An oscillator circuit design support device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, a resonator, and a temperature sensor are respectively mounted, frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator, and identification data that identifies each of the oscillation IC chip, the resonator, and the temperature sensor; a calculation unit that calculates correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator based on the frequency-temperature characteristic data, and calculates predetermined circuit constant data so that the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic when the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip falls within a predetermined range; and a generation unit that generates recommended data that is recommended when the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic of the resonator is applied based on the identification data, the correction data, and the predetermined circuit constant data.

2. The oscillator circuit design assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined circuit constant data includes information about circuit constants that can be set for components provided on the circuit board on which the temperature sensor is mounted.

3. The oscillator circuit design support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oscillator is a quartz oscillator.

4. The oscillator circuit design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the temperature sensor is mounted on the circuit board without being included in a package of the oscillation IC chip.

5. The oscillator circuit design assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a measuring instrument electrically connected to the circuit board, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the frequency-temperature characteristic data based on measurements taken by the measuring instrument.

6. The oscillator circuit design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined range is a frequency range of the resonator after correction within a predetermined temperature range.

7. An oscillator circuit design assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a receiving unit that receives data indicating a desire to receive the recommended data, the data including at least a specification of the frequency range of the resonator after correction and a specification of the temperature range within which the frequency range after correction is guaranteed.

8. An oscillator circuit design support method comprising: a computer acquiring, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, a vibrator, and a temperature sensor are respectively mounted, frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator, and identification data identifying each of the oscillation IC chip, the vibrator, and the temperature sensor; calculating correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator based on the frequency-temperature characteristic data, and calculating predetermined circuit constant data so that the frequency-temperature characteristic after correction falls within a predetermined range when the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip; and generating recommended data that is recommended when the corrected frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator is applied based on the identification data, the correction data, and the predetermined circuit constant data.

9. An oscillator circuit design support program that causes a computer to execute the following: acquire, for a circuit board on which an oscillation IC chip, a vibrator, and a temperature sensor are respectively mounted, frequency-temperature characteristic data indicating the frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator, and identification data that identifies each of the oscillation IC chip, the vibrator, and the temperature sensor; calculate correction data for correcting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator based on the frequency-temperature characteristic data, and calculate predetermined circuit constant data so that the frequency-temperature characteristic after correction when the correction data is applied to the oscillation IC chip falls within a predetermined range; and generate recommended data that is recommended when the frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator after correction is applied based on the identification data, the correction data, and the predetermined circuit constant data.

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