Clock Oscillation Circuit for Wide-Range High-Resolution Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-chip oscillators in semiconductor devices face challenges in achieving high frequency accuracy and wide frequency range adjustment with low power consumption, particularly at low operating voltages, due to limitations in resistor and capacitor adjustments, which increase layout area and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A clock oscillation circuit with a voltage-current conversion circuit using P-channel and N-channel MOS transistors, and resistor-switching sections to control the flow of reference current through series-connected resistors, allowing for precise resistance adjustments and improved frequency accuracy without increasing transistor size or layout area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If resistor and capacitor adjustments are used to achieve wide frequency range, then frequency range is widened, but layout area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency adjustment is segmented into two independent dimensions: coarse adjustment through capacitor switching and fine adjustment through resistor switching. This segmentation allows the use of smaller individual components while achieving the same total frequency range, thereby reducing the overall layout area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by enabling independent control of both capacitor and resistor switching sections. This dynamic control allows the oscillator to adapt to different frequency requirements without requiring large fixed components, optimizing the layout area for varying operational conditions.
2Measurement precision
If transistor size is increased to reduce on-resistance influence, then frequency accuracy is improved, but layout area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resistor switching section as an intermediary mechanism to compensate for transistor on-resistance effects. By switching in different resistance values, the system can counterbalance the influence of transistor on-resistance without requiring larger transistors, thus maintaining frequency accuracy while minimizing layout area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter dynamically through the resistor switching section to compensate for variations caused by transistor on-resistance. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain accurate frequency control without increasing transistor size or layout area.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power consumption is reduced at low operating voltages, then energy efficiency is improved, but frequency accuracy and adjustment capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment through switching sections that allow the oscillator to adapt to low operating voltages. By dynamically selecting appropriate capacitor and resistor values, the system maintains frequency accuracy even when operating at reduced power consumption levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters (capacitance and resistance values) through switching sections to maintain frequency accuracy at low operating voltages. This parameter adjustment enables the system to achieve both low power consumption and high frequency accuracy simultaneously.
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
This solution enhances frequency switching resolution and accuracy, enabling a wide range of frequency adjustments while maintaining low power consumption and reducing the influence of transistor on-resistance, thus improving the reliability of semiconductor devices.
Implementation Method 1
A clock oscillation circuit with a voltage-current conversion circuit using P-channel and N-channel MOS transistors, and resistor-switching sections to control the flow of reference current
Implementation Method 2
resistor-switching sections to control the flow of reference current through series-connected resistors, allowing for precise resistance adjustments and improved frequency accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A clock signal capable of changing the frequency in a wide range and with high resolution is generated.An operational amplifier AMP1 is subject to feedback control so that the voltage of a positive input part equals that of a negative input part. The voltage of a circuit node fbck equals a reference voltage VREFI. A decoder DEC decodes control signals CNT7 and CNT6 and turns on one of transistors T2 to T5. This configuration provides feedback control so that the voltage of the circuit node fbck equals the reference voltage VREFI. This significantly reduces the on-resistances of the transistors T2 to T5 and prevents the degradation of the frequency accuracy.