Clock Generator Calibration Using Reference Clock Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clock generator devices face increased hardware costs and power consumption due to frequency offsets caused by process, voltage, and temperature variations, requiring additional calibration circuits.

Innovation Solution

A clock generator device comprising a detector circuit, a calibration circuit, and a free running oscillator that utilizes an available reference clock signal to generate an enable signal, compare it with a predetermined value, and adjust the output clock signal's frequency, eliminating the need for additional oscillator circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional calibration circuits are employed to correct frequency offsets, then frequency accuracy is improved, but hardware cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency accuracyVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission interface is designed to serve dual purposes: data communication and clock signal transmission. By utilizing the existing transmission interface to carry both data and clock signals, the system eliminates the need for separate calibration circuits, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining frequency accuracy through the calibration signal embedded in the transmitted data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A calibration signal is introduced as an intermediary element that carries frequency correction information within the data transmission channel. This calibration signal acts as a mediator between the transmission interface and the clock generator, enabling frequency offset correction without requiring additional dedicated calibration hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If additional calibration circuits are employed to correct frequency offsets, then frequency accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission interface is designed to serve dual purposes: data communication and clock signal transmission. By utilizing the existing transmission interface to carry both data and clock signals, the system eliminates the need for separate calibration circuits, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining frequency accuracy through the calibration signal embedded in the transmitted data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration by extracting calibration information from the transmitted data stream and automatically adjusting its own clock frequency. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external calibration circuits and their associated power consumption, as the calibration function is integrated into the normal data transmission operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If additional calibration circuits are employed to correct frequency offsets, then frequency accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission interface is designed to serve dual purposes: data communication and clock signal transmission. By utilizing the existing transmission interface to carry both data and clock signals, the system eliminates the need for separate calibration circuits, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining frequency accuracy through the calibration signal embedded in the transmitted data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration function is merged with the data transmission function by embedding calibration signals within the data stream. This consolidation integrates multiple functions (data communication, clock generation, and frequency calibration) into a single unified system, eliminating the need for separate calibration circuits and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11758076B2Clock generator device, image processing chip, and clock signal calibration method

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 SIGMASTAR TECH LTD

AI summary

A clock generator device includes a detector circuit, a calibration circuit, and a free running oscillator. The detector circuit is configured to determine whether a reference clock signal is received from a transmission interface to output an enable signal. The calibration circuit is configured to generate a first signal in response to the enable signal and an output clock signal, and compare the first signal with a predetermined value to generate a calibration signal. The free running oscillator is configured to adjust a frequency of the output clock signal in response to the calibration signal.