Digital Oscillating Circuit for Stable Mechanical Oscillator Amplitude
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog oscillating circuits in yaw-rate sensors face challenges with temperature dependence, long-term drift, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and power consumption, and are limited by their continuous-value electronics, which can lead to unstable oscillations and increased chip area and cost.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an analog-to-digital conversion device and a digital drive circuit with a finite state machine, band-pass filter, and digital amplitude and frequency evaluation mechanisms to control and stabilize the oscillations, allowing for efficient digital signal processing and cost savings in densely-packing semiconductor manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional analog electronics are used in the oscillating circuit, then continuous-value signal processing is achieved, but temperature dependence and long-term drift increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog (continuous-value) electronics with digital electronics in the oscillating circuit. The digital drive circuit and evaluation device process signals in discrete values, eliminating the temperature dependence and long-term drift inherent in analog components while maintaining the mechanical oscillation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signal representation parameter from continuous analog values to discrete digital values. This parameter transformation allows the oscillating circuit to achieve better temperature stability and reduced drift by using digital counting and evaluation methods instead of analog signal processing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional analog electronics are used in the oscillating circuit, then signal processing is simplified, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes digital electronics for analog electronics in the drive circuit and evaluation device. This substitution reduces power consumption because digital circuits can operate with lower power while providing equivalent or superior signal processing functionality through discrete-value operations.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional analog electronics are used in the oscillating circuit, then signal processing is continuous, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog signal processing components with digital components that occupy less chip area. The digital drive circuit and evaluation device require smaller footprint due to the higher packing density achievable with digital manufacturing processes, thereby reducing overall chip area while maintaining functionality.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the oscillating circuit starts from rest with analog electronics, then oscillation can begin automatically, but electromagnetic compatibility problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a start device that performs preliminary action to initiate oscillation before normal operation begins. The start device generates initial drive signals that cause the oscillating element to start oscillating from rest, ensuring reliable oscillation initiation while the digital electronics maintain electromagnetic compatibility during subsequent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces analog signal generation for oscillation startup with digital signal generation. The digital drive circuit produces precise digital drive signals that initiate oscillation with better electromagnetic compatibility, reducing interference compared to analog startup circuits.
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 approach enhances frequency stability, reduces power consumption, minimizes long-term drift, and decreases chip area, leading to cost savings while ensuring reliable oscillation initiation and maintenance, even from a resting position, by using digital signal processing to control the oscillations effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The oscillating circuit includes at least one analog-to-digital conversion device
Implementation Method 2
A voltage generated by an analog controller is applied to further electrodes at the sensor element, the driving electrodes. This voltage generates an electrostatic force in the sensor element.
Implementation Method 3
The Coriolis force occurs when a body of mass m moves at velocity v, and a rate of rotation Ω acts in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement, where Fcoriolis=2mvxΩ
Implementation Method 4
The oscillating circuit may have a filter, in particular a digital filter, for suppressing signals outside of a useful-frequency band
Implementation Method 5
a deflection of the movable sensor weight causes a change in capacitance at micromechanical detection electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating circuit includes an analog oscillation element. The oscillating circuit includes at least one analog-to-digital conversion device. A method is for operating an oscillating circuit, in which a mechanical oscillator oscillates at a natural frequency. The oscillation amplitude is measured and digitized. A digital control signal is generated from this with the aid of a digital amplitude controller. A driving signal is generated, in turn, from the digital control signal, the driving signal driving the mechanical oscillator with the aid of a drive unit. This control loop stabilizes the oscillation amplitude.