Temperature-Compensated Clock Sync for Low-Power Satellite Time Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic clocks face high power consumption when receiving date and time information from positioning satellites, and existing methods to reduce this consumption are inefficient, especially when the time difference between counted and actual time is significant, leading to difficulties in accurate date and time acquisition.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device comprising an oscillator, clock circuit, temperature sensor, and positioning satellite radio receiver, where a processor estimates time count differences based on temperature history and combines this information with satellite data to accurately identify and correct the date and time, reducing unnecessary power usage and improving acquisition efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If date and time are acquired by receiving radio waves from a positioning satellite, then accurate date and time information is obtained, but power consumption is considerably large
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating a predicted code string beforehand based on the counted date and time and temperature-compensated time difference estimates. This prediction allows the receiver to quickly identify the correct date and time from satellite signals without requiring prolonged signal processing, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously receiving and processing complete satellite signals, the system uses partial action by only processing signals when necessary (when time difference exceeds threshold) and using predicted code strings to rapidly identify date and time, avoiding excessive power consumption from continuous full-signal processing
2Use of energy by moving object
If a predicted code string is generated to reduce reception time, then power consumption is reduced, but accurate date and time acquisition becomes difficult when counted time differs significantly from actual time
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by incorporating temperature-based time difference compensation into the predicted code string generation. By adjusting the predicted time based on measured temperature and pre-stored temperature-time difference correspondence, the system maintains prediction accuracy even when significant time differences exist, ensuring reliable date and time acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the time difference between counted and actual time, storing temperature-time difference correspondence data, and using this feedback to adjust and improve the accuracy of future predicted code strings, ensuring reliable acquisition under varying conditions
3Measurement precision
If satellite radio wave reception is performed frequently to maintain accurate date and time, then time accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by setting a threshold for time difference and only initiating satellite radio wave reception when the difference exceeds this threshold. This periodic approach, combined with temperature-based prediction, maintains time accuracy by correcting only when necessary, significantly reducing power consumption compared to frequent continuous reception
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 enables more accurate and efficient acquisition of date and time information by minimizing power consumption and reducing the time required for satellite signal reception, maintaining accurate date and time counting with reduced labor and time.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator that outputs a clock signal of predetermined frequency; a temperature sensor that measures a temperature relating to a change of the predetermined frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electronic device includes an oscillator circuit that outputs a clock signal of predetermined frequency, a clock circuit that counts date and time in accordance with input of the clock signal, a temperature sensor that measures a temperature relating to a change of the predetermined frequency, a receiver that receives a radio wave from a positioning satellite, and a first processor and/or a second processor. The first processor and/or the second processor estimates an amount of time count difference in date and time counted by the clock circuit on the basis of a history of temperatures measured by the temperature sensor, and combines date and time counted by the clock circuit, the estimated amount of time count difference, and part of date-and-time information obtained from a radio wave received by the receiver to identify current date and time.