Clock Oscillator Calibration for Low-Power Medical Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face challenges in miniaturization and power usage due to the inclusion of dedicated time-keeping devices, which are necessary for precise timing of actions but consume additional power and space.
Innovation Solution
A low-power clock calibration system that uses a programmable clock oscillator and a high-frequency reference oscillator, where the processing device determines pulse counts at different frequencies to calibrate the clock oscillator, allowing it to operate in multiple frequencies and reduce power consumption by activating the reference oscillator only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated time-keeping devices (real-time clock chips or low frequency crystals) are included in medical devices, then timing precision is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time-keeping function with the existing clock oscillator already present in the medical device. Instead of adding a separate real-time clock chip or crystal, the system uses the existing oscillator and calibrates it to provide accurate timing, thereby eliminating the need for additional dedicated time-keeping components and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing clock oscillator is made multi-functional by calibrating it to serve both as a general clock source and as a precise time-keeping mechanism. The calibration process enables the oscillator to provide accurate timing measurements without requiring a dedicated time-keeping device, thus achieving universal functionality with a single component.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated time-keeping devices (real-time clock chips or low frequency crystals) are included in medical devices, then timing precision is improved, but device miniaturization is frustrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the time-keeping function with the existing clock oscillator circuitry already present in the medical device. By calibrating the existing oscillator to provide accurate timing, the system eliminates the need for additional dedicated time-keeping components such as real-time clock chips or crystals, thereby reducing device size and enabling miniaturization.
3Measurement precision
If a reference oscillator is continuously activated for clock calibration, then timing accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference oscillator is activated periodically rather than continuously. The system performs calibration at specific intervals or under specific conditions, allowing the reference oscillator to remain inactive during normal operation. This periodic activation maintains timing accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing clock oscillator itself as the basis for calibration by comparing its output against the reference oscillator. This self-calibration approach eliminates the need for continuous external reference signals, allowing the reference oscillator to be activated only when calibration is needed, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock calibration system is described herein. The clock calibration system may be implemented in a medical device to control timing of an action performed by the medical device. The clock calibration system may include a processing device coupled to a clock oscillator and a reference oscillator.