Clock Trimming Circuit Using Signal Synchronization Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clock trimming systems face inaccuracies due to unsynchronized reference and clock signals, leading to potential measuring errors.
Innovation Solution
A clock trimming apparatus and method that synchronizes the reference and clock signals by using a judging unit, latching unit, and tracking unit to adjust the trimming code and bias signal, ensuring the clock signal matches the target frequency through frequency division and pulse counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional clock trimming systems use unsynchronized reference and clock signals for frequency measurement, then the trimming process can be completed, but measuring errors occur due to lack of synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the judging unit continuously monitors the synchronization between reference signal and clock signal, and the tracking unit adjusts the trimming code based on this feedback to achieve accurate frequency measurement. The system uses the measured frequency information to iteratively refine the trimming value until the desired accuracy is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a judging unit as an intermediary component that receives both the reference signal and clock signal, compares their timing relationships, and generates control signals to the tracking unit. This intermediary ensures proper synchronization before frequency measurement occurs, eliminating the measurement errors caused by unsynchronized signals.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clock signal frequency is adjusted through sequential trimming values, then the target frequency can be reached, but the process requires multiple iterations and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time frequency measurement feedback to determine the direction and magnitude of trimming adjustments. The tracking unit monitors the measured frequency and compares it with the target frequency, then adjusts the trimming code accordingly to converge faster to the target value, reducing the number of iterations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional sequential trial-and-error mechanical trimming process with an automated electronic control system. The tracking unit electronically adjusts the trimming code based on measured frequency feedback, eliminating the need for manual or sequential iterative adjustments and significantly reducing the time required to achieve target frequency accuracy.
3Reliability
If the judging unit compares frequency-divided signal with reference signal, then synchronization can be achieved, but additional circuit complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The judging unit is segmented into distinct functional modules: a frequency division module that divides the clock signal, a comparison module that compares the frequency-divided signal with the reference signal, and a control module that generates adjustment signals. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function with simple circuitry, reducing overall complexity while achieving reliable synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency division operation serves as an intermediary step that transforms the high-frequency clock signal into a lower frequency signal that can be directly compared with the reference signal. This intermediary frequency conversion simplifies the comparison process and reduces the complexity of the judging unit circuitry while maintaining reliable synchronization detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock trimming apparatus includes an oscillator, a judging unit, a latching unit, and a tracking unit. The oscillator has an input terminal receiving a bias signal and an output terminal generating a clock signal. After a frequency division is performed on the clock signal, the judging unit generates a frequency-divided signal. If the frequency-divided signal matches the reference signal, a pass signal generated by the judging unit is activated. The latching unit is used for generating a trimming completion signal. After the pass signal is activated, the trimming completion signal is activated. The tracking unit is used for counting a pulse number of the reference signal and providing the bias signal to the oscillator according to a trimming code. After the trimming completion signal is activated, the trimming code is stopped being adjusted.