Adaptive-Reference Oscillator Circuit for Stable Target Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IC oscillators are susceptible to frequency variations due to factors such as temperature, package stress, and aging, which affect the resistance and oscillator frequency, leading to reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit oscillator configuration incorporating a feedback-controlled voltage stage and an adaptive-reference voltage stage, where the adaptive-reference voltage stage adjusts a reference voltage to compensate for resistance-impacting factors, ensuring that any deviation in the feedback-controlled voltage is offset by a corresponding deviation in the reference voltage, thereby maintaining a stable target frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a frequency-controlling resistor is used in the oscillator, then the oscillator frequency can be controlled, but the frequency varies due to temperature, package stress, and aging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the oscillator output is fed back through a feedback network that includes the frequency-controlling resistor. The feedback signal is compared with a reference signal, and the difference is used to adjust the resistor value dynamically, compensating for temperature, stress, and aging effects to maintain stable frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance value of the frequency-controlling resistor dynamically based on detected frequency deviations. By adjusting the resistor parameter in response to environmental changes, the system maintains accurate frequency control despite temperature, stress, and aging variations
2Ease of manufacture
If passive devices like resistors are used for frequency control, then the oscillator can be implemented, but performance degrades due to resistance-affecting factors
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator system performs self-correction by automatically detecting frequency deviations and adjusting the resistance value accordingly. The system monitors its own performance and makes real-time adjustments to maintain accuracy without external intervention, compensating for the limitations of passive resistance-based control
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit, with an error amplifier having a first input, a second input, and an output, a voltage controlled oscillator having an input coupled to the output of the error amplifier, a feedback controlled voltage stage having at least one control coupled to the output of the error amplifier and an output coupled to the first input of the error amplifier, and an adaptive-reference voltage stage coupled to the second input of the error amplifier.