Closed-Loop Oscillator Circuit for Low-Cost Frequency Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oscillator circuits face challenges with high production costs and low output frequency accuracy, particularly in RC and ring oscillator circuits, while crystal oscillator circuits offer high accuracy but are costly and difficult to integrate within a chip.
Innovation Solution
An oscillator circuit design incorporating a signal selecting unit, control voltage generating unit, reference voltage generating unit, output adjusting unit, and frequency-dividing unit, which operates in a closed-loop to control and correct output frequency in real time, using known components without a crystal oscillator to reduce production costs and improve frequency accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If RC oscillator circuit is used, then production cost is low, but output frequency accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the output signal is fed back through a frequency-dividing unit and phase-selecting unit to continuously adjust and correct the oscillation frequency. This feedback system enables real-time frequency calibration, significantly improving output frequency accuracy while maintaining the low production cost advantage of RC oscillator circuits by using only standard electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes circuit parameters through voltage-controlled oscillation frequency adjustment and phase shifting. By varying the control voltage and selecting different phases from multiple oscillation signals, the system can precisely tune the output frequency to match the target frequency, thereby improving frequency accuracy without requiring expensive crystal components.
2Measurement precision
If crystal oscillator circuit is used, then output frequency accuracy is high, but production cost is high and chip integration is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a functional copy of crystal oscillator performance using software-controlled hardware circuits. Instead of relying on the physical resonance properties of quartz crystals, the system synthesizes stable frequency signals through digital control algorithms and feedback mechanisms, achieving comparable frequency accuracy without the high cost and integration difficulties of crystal oscillators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical resonance system of crystal oscillators with an electronic feedback-based oscillation system. By substituting the mechanical quartz crystal with electronic components (operational amplifiers, capacitors, resistors, and digital control units), the system achieves similar frequency stability and accuracy while enabling easy chip integration and reducing production costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If ring oscillator circuit is used, then production cost is low, but output frequency accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback control to the ring oscillator by continuously monitoring the output frequency and adjusting the oscillation parameters through the phase-selecting and frequency-dividing units. This closed-loop mechanism compensates for frequency deviations caused by noise and parameter variations, significantly improving output frequency accuracy while maintaining the low production cost benefit of ring oscillator structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities to the ring oscillator by enabling real-time modification of oscillation parameters through voltage control and phase selection. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to compensate for environmental variations and noise interference, improving frequency stability and accuracy without increasing production cost.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an oscillator circuit. The oscillator circuit includes a signal selecting unit, a control voltage generating unit, a reference voltage generating unit, an output adjusting unit, and a frequency-dividing unit. The signal selecting unit is configured to select a reference signal or a frequency-divided signal as an input signal. The control voltage generating unit is configured to generate a control voltage based on the input signal. The reference voltage generating unit is configured to generate a reference voltage. The output adjusting unit is configured to generate an output signal based on the control voltage and the reference voltage. The frequency-dividing unit is configured to divide the frequency of the output signal and generate the frequency-divided signal.