Dual-Oscillator Time-to-Digital Conversion for Precise Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time-to-digital conversion techniques face challenges in achieving high accuracy and performance due to limitations in semiconductor element-based vernier delay circuits and the complexity of controlling quartz crystal oscillators in separate circuits.
Innovation Solution
A physical quantity measurement apparatus incorporating a first and second oscillator, integrated into an integrated circuit device, generates clock signals with different frequencies for high-accuracy time-to-digital conversion, allowing for improved resolution and control over oscillation circuits within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time-to-digital conversion is performed by using a semiconductor element-based vernier delay circuit, then resolution improvement is easy, but accuracy improvement is not easy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oscillation circuits into a single integrated circuit device, combining multiple oscillators and their control functions into one unified component. This integration simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining the ability to generate multiple clock signals with different frequencies for high-accuracy time-to-digital conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit device performs multiple functions: it generates multiple clock signals with different frequencies, controls the oscillation circuits, and performs time-to-digital conversion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control circuits for each oscillator, reducing system complexity while improving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If two quartz crystal oscillators are used with separate oscillation circuits, then time measurement can be performed, but appropriate control process on the oscillation circuits cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple oscillation circuits and their control functions into a single integrated circuit device. This integration enables unified control of all oscillators through a single device interface, making the system easier to operate while maintaining high measurement accuracy through coordinated clock signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit device provides universal control capabilities for multiple oscillators, allowing a single control mechanism to manage different clock signals. This multi-functional approach simplifies operation while enabling precise control over the oscillation circuits for accurate time-to-digital conversion.
3Reliability
If oscillation circuits are built into the integrated circuit device, then high performance time-to-digital conversion is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates oscillation circuits directly into the integrated circuit device, merging multiple functional components into a single unified structure. This integration improves reliability by reducing external connections and interfaces while the internal organization of the integrated device manages the complexity of having multiple oscillators and control functions in one package.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy and simplifies the time-to-digital conversion process by using integrated oscillation circuits, reducing noise and jitter, and enabling high-performance measurement of physical quantities like time, distance, and flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a first oscillation circuit that causes the first resonator to oscillate, and thus generates a first clock signal having a first clock frequency
Implementation Method 2
a second oscillation circuit that causes the second oscillator to oscillate, and thus generates a second clock signal having a second clock frequency which is different from the first clock frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A physical quantity measurement apparatus includes a first resonator, a second oscillator, and an integrated circuit device. The integrated circuit device includes a first oscillation circuit that causes the first resonator to oscillate, and thus generate a first clock signal having a first clock frequency, a second oscillation circuit that causes the second oscillator to oscillate, and thus generate a second clock signal having a second clock frequency which is different from the first clock frequency, and a measurement unit that is provided with a time-to-digital conversion circuit which converts time into a digital value by using the first clock signal and the second clock signal.