BAW Clock Timing Using Feedthrough and First Echo Delay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk acoustic wave (BAW) delay-based clocks for tracking systems face challenges due to non-linear delay variations with temperature in CMOS elements, making them complex to design and correct, and using multiple echo pulses leads to lower amplitudes and design difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A BAW delay-based clock utilizing a differential delay mechanism between a feedthrough pulse and a first echo pulse, which experiences the same non-linear delay variations, eliminating the need for multiple echo pulses and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple echo pulses are used in BAW delay-based clocks, then timing accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the first echo pulse from the sequence of multiple echo pulses for timing measurements. By selecting and using solely the first echo pulse rather than processing multiple echo pulses, the system maintains timing accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the echo pulse sequence by identifying and isolating the first echo pulse as a distinct measurement event. This segmentation allows the system to focus on a single, well-defined timing reference point (the first echo pulse) rather than attempting to process and differentiate multiple overlapping echo pulses, thereby simplifying the overall system design.
2Measurement precision
If multiple echo pulses are used in BAW delay-based clocks, then timing reference can be established, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the first echo pulse for timing reference establishment. This extraction approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements because it eliminates the need to account for variations in substrate thickness that would affect subsequent echo pulses, thereby maintaining timing reference accuracy with more relaxed manufacturing tolerances.
3Stability of the object's composition
If temperature compensation is implemented in BAW delay-based clocks, then timing stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service temperature compensation mechanism where the system automatically adjusts for temperature-induced timing variations using the inherent properties of the BAW resonator and echo pulse timing. This self-service approach improves timing stability without requiring complex external temperature compensation circuits or additional active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback through the timing relationship between transmitted pulses and received echo pulses to automatically compensate for temperature effects. By measuring the round-trip time and adjusting subsequent pulse timing based on this feedback, the system maintains timing stability while avoiding the need for complex temperature sensing and compensation circuitry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed solution effectively cancels out temperature-induced non-linear delays, resulting in a simpler and more reliable BAW delay-based clock for tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first echo pulse of the first burst pulse is received at the receive transducer, the first echo pulse being a reflection of a portion of the first burst pulse from an edge of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
Bulk acoustic wave (BAW) delay-based clocks... utilizing a differential delay mechanism between a feedthrough pulse and a first echo pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method of using a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) based clock. For example, a first burst pulse of ultrasonic waves may be received by a transmit transducer of a BAW delay device. A feedthrough pulse from the first burst pulse may be received at a receive transducer of the BAW delay device. After receiving the feedthrough pulse, a first echo pulse from the first burst pulse may be received at the receive transducer. The first pulse may be a reflection of a portion of the first burst pulse from a substrate. A difference in time between the receipt of the feedthrough pulse and the receipt of the first echo pulse may be used to control timing of a second burst pulse of ultrasonic waves.