Dual-mode Crystal Oscillator Electrode Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-mode crystal oscillators face issues with complexity in electric wiring and increased power consumption when outputting multiple frequencies, and are susceptible to temperature changes affecting vibrating frequency.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode crystal oscillator design utilizing a single AT-cut quartz crystal piece, integrated circuit, and specific electrode arrangement to generate both MHz and 32.768 kHz frequencies with reduced element count, improved temperature stability, and minimized interference between frequency outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tuning-fork type crystal resonator is used to output multiple frequencies, then the required number of elements increases, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single crystal resonator to output multiple frequencies (32.768 kHz and 1.024 MHz) through frequency selection circuitry. The crystal resonator itself is designed to support both fundamental and overtone modes, allowing one component to perform multiple frequency output functions that would traditionally require separate resonators and capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated circuit package. The crystal resonator, frequency selection logic, and output switching are combined into one device, eliminating the need for separate crystal resonators and capacitors. This consolidation reduces the total element count from six (two crystal resonators and four capacitors) to a single integrated component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple crystal resonators and capacitors are used to output multiple frequencies, then the frequency output capability is achieved, but the electric wiring becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frequency selection and output switching functions into the integrated circuit package, eliminating the need for external capacitors and complex wiring. The internal circuitry handles frequency selection and output routing, simplifying the external wiring to just the essential power and signal connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit acts as an intermediary between the crystal resonator and the external circuitry. It internally manages the complex frequency selection and output switching, presenting a simplified interface to the outside world. This mediator function hides the internal complexity from the external wiring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple crystal resonators and capacitors are used to output multiple frequencies, then the frequency output capability is achieved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single crystal resonator to output multiple frequencies (32.768 kHz and 1.024 MHz) through frequency selection circuitry. The crystal resonator itself is designed to support both fundamental and overtone modes, allowing one component to perform multiple frequency output functions that would traditionally require separate resonators and capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated circuit package. The crystal resonator, frequency selection logic, and output switching are combined into one device, eliminating the need for separate crystal resonators and capacitors. This consolidation reduces the total element count from six (two crystal resonators and four capacitors) to a single integrated component.
4Area of stationary object
If electrodes are arranged adjacently on the mounting surface, then the area utilization is improved, but the signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in the electrode arrangement by intentionally placing electrodes for different frequency outputs (32.768 kHz and 1.024 MHz) at maximum distance from each other on the rectangular mounting surface. This asymmetric, maximally-separated arrangement prevents signal interference between the two frequency outputs while still utilizing the available mounting surface area efficiently.
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
The solution enables precise output of two frequencies with reduced power consumption and improved temperature stability, simplifying electric wiring and reducing the number of required elements, while maintaining precise signal output.
Implementation Method 1
a single AT-cut quartz crystal piece configured to vibrate at an MHz band
Implementation Method 2
an oscillation circuit configured to cause the AT-cut quartz crystal piece to oscillate at a frequency in the MHz band
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-mode crystal oscillator includes a single AT-cut quartz crystal piece, a package, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes an oscillation circuit configured to cause the AT-cut quartz crystal piece to oscillate at a frequency in the MHz band, a dividing circuit configured to divide the frequency in the MHz band to generate a frequency of 32.768 kHz, a selection circuit configured to select one of a pause state where the frequency in the MHz band is not output and an active state where the frequency in the MHz band is output. The mounting surface includes three electrodes arranged in a direction along the long side and two electrodes arranged in a direction along the short side. The electrode to output the frequency of 32.768 kHz and the electrode to output the frequency in the MHz band are arranged not adjacent to one another.