Crystal Oscillator Inverter Circuit for Fast Start and Low Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices with crystal oscillators face a trade-off between reducing power consumption and shortening oscillation start time, as methods to lower current consumption often result in longer start times or unstable oscillations, and current solutions require complex control circuits and large circuit scales.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that includes a crystal oscillator, an adjustable current inverter element, capacitors, and switching elements controlled by a controller to manage the drive current and oscillating capacities, allowing for increased current at start-up to shorten oscillation time without increasing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If consumed current is reduced in crystal oscillator circuits, then power consumption decreases, but oscillation start time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter element's driving capability is made dynamically adjustable through current control. A current control circuit varies the driving current based on oscillation status: providing higher current during startup to reduce start time, and reducing current during stable operation to lower power consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between fast startup and low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the inverter element by controlling its driving current. The current control circuit adjusts the current parameter according to oscillation conditions, enabling the system to achieve both fast oscillation startup (through higher initial current) and low steady-state power consumption (through reduced maintenance current).
2Loss of time
If current of crystal oscillator is increased at start of oscillation, then oscillation start time shortens, but stop of oscillation or abnormal oscillation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs feedback control through a current control circuit that monitors oscillation status and adjusts the inverter's driving current accordingly. During startup, the circuit detects oscillation conditions and provides increased current to ensure reliable oscillation initiation. Once oscillation stabilizes, the feedback mechanism reduces the current to appropriate levels, preventing over-driving that could cause stop or abnormal oscillation.
3Reliability
If control circuit is added to control driving in inverter elements, then oscillation control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the current control functionality directly into the existing inverter element structure. The current control circuit is integrated with the inverter element to form a unified oscillation circuit, eliminating the need for separate, complex control circuits. This integration achieves reliable oscillation control while keeping the overall device complexity low.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a resistor element connected to one and another end of a crystal oscillator, and an adjustable current type inverter element having an input connected to one end of the resistor element and an output connected to another end of the resistor element. A first capacitor element is connected to the input of the inverter element and to ground, and a second capacitor element has one end connected to ground. A first switching element switches a connection state of the one end of the first capacitor element and another end of the second capacitor element. A third capacitor element is connected to the output of the inverter element and to ground, and a fourth capacitor element has one end connected to ground. A second switching element switches a connection state of the one end of the third capacitor element and another end of the fourth capacitor element.