Crystal Oscillator Control for Stable Low-Power Clock Transitions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oscillator circuits lack sufficient granularity in power modes, leading to instability when transitioning between high and low power modes, resulting in malformed or lost clock pulses.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a crystal oscillator circuit and digital controllers that dynamically adjust frequency accuracy and amplitude of the oscillator output signal based on target rates, using variable capacitors and resistors to achieve smooth transitions and maintain stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an oscillator operates in high power mode to provide high frequency accuracy, 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 oscillator implements dynamic operation by allowing continuous adjustment between high and low power modes based on real-time requirements. The system transitions from static power mode selection to dynamic adaptation, adjusting frequency accuracy and amplitude parameters on-the-fly to match actual operational needs, thereby optimizing the trade-off between power consumption and frequency accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (frequency accuracy and amplitude) continuously rather than switching between discrete modes. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on target rates and current states, the oscillator can operate at optimal points along the power-accuracy spectrum, avoiding the extremes of high power consumption or insufficient accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If an oscillator transitions between power modes, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to malformed or lost clock pulses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower mode flexibilityVSAvoidclock signal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary adjustments by dynamically tuning frequency accuracy and amplitude parameters before completing the mode transition. This preparatory action ensures that the oscillator is gradually prepared for the upcoming operational state changes, preventing abrupt transitions that would cause malformed or lost clock pulses and maintain signal stability throughout the transition process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The implementation incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the oscillator state during transitions and adjust parameters accordingly. By continuously monitoring and responding to the actual oscillator behavior, the system can make real-time corrections to maintain stable clock signal output even during power mode transitions, preventing the generation of malformed pulses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If an oscillator provides high frequency accuracy with slight variation from target frequency, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclock signal frequency precisionVSAvoidoscillator power mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillator implements dynamic operation by allowing continuous adjustment between high and low power modes based on real-time requirements. The system transitions from static power mode selection to dynamic adaptation, adjusting frequency accuracy and amplitude parameters on-the-fly to match actual operational needs, thereby optimizing the trade-off between power consumption and frequency accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (frequency accuracy and amplitude) continuously rather than switching between discrete modes. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on target rates and current states, the oscillator can operate at optimal points along the power-accuracy spectrum, avoiding the extremes of high power consumption or insufficient accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12206361B2Oscillator frequency accuracy and amplitude control

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

In examples, an electronic device comprises an oscillator circuit configured to provide an output signal and a controller coupled to the oscillator circuit. The controller is configured to receive first and second target rates; dynamically adjust a frequency accuracy of the output signal based on the first target rate; and dynamically adjust an amplitude of the output signal based on the second target rate.