Feedback Oscillator Frequency Control Without Crystal Reference

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in generating precise oscillating signals without relying on crystals, as crystal-based oscillators are costly and consume significant power, especially in compact devices where space and power efficiency are critical.

Innovation Solution

A feedback oscillator circuit that generates an oscillating signal based on a reference voltage or current, controlled by a controller to maintain a desired frequency, which can be adjusted using a reference generator and frequency-sensitive elements to ensure optimal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a crystal-based oscillator is used to generate precise oscillating signals, then frequency precision is improved, but cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, power-hungry crystal oscillators with a software-based frequency control system that uses a voltage-controlled oscillator and digital signal processing. This substitution uses cheaper, lower-power components while maintaining frequency precision through algorithmic control rather than physical crystal resonance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical crystal oscillator system with an electronic/software-based system. Instead of relying on the physical resonance properties of a crystal, the system uses a voltage-controlled oscillator whose frequency is precisely controlled through software algorithms and digital signal processing, eliminating the need for mechanical resonance components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a crystal-based oscillator is used to generate precise oscillating signals, then frequency precision is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency precisionVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive crystal oscillators with a software-based frequency control system that uses a voltage-controlled oscillator and digital signal processing. This substitution uses cheaper, lower-power components while maintaining frequency precision through algorithmic control rather than physical crystal resonance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical crystal oscillator system with an electronic/software-based system. Instead of relying on the physical resonance properties of a crystal, the system uses a voltage-controlled oscillator whose frequency is precisely controlled through software algorithms and digital signal processing, eliminating the need for mechanical resonance components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a crystal-based oscillator is used, then stable frequency reference is improved, but PCB space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single software-based frequency control system. The same processor and algorithms that control frequency can also perform signal processing, measurement, and other computational tasks, eliminating the need for dedicated crystal oscillator circuitry and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining frequency stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical crystal oscillator system with an electronic/software-based system. Instead of relying on the physical resonance properties of a crystal, the system uses a voltage-controlled oscillator whose frequency is precisely controlled through software algorithms and digital signal processing, eliminating the need for mechanical resonance components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution allows for the generation of precise oscillating signals without the need for crystals, reducing costs and power consumption while maintaining efficient frequency control, enabling faster startup and lower power usage in devices.

Implementation Method 1

A feedback oscillator circuit is configured to output an oscillating signal having a frequency defined by a reference signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectronic oscillation:

Implementation Method 2

The frequency sensitive element can produce an output signal which depends on the frequency of the oscillating signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency sensitivity:

Data Source

PatentUS7986193B2Noise reduction within an electronic device using automatic frequency modulation

Publication Date: 2011.07.26 APPLE INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a system and method for providing an oscillating signal of relatively precise frequency without using a signal provided by a crystal as a reference. Disclosed is a feedback oscillator circuit configured to output an oscillating signal having a frequency defined by a reference signal. The oscillating signal can be sent to one or more circuits including at least one frequency sensitive element. The frequency sensitive element produces an output signal which depends on the frequency of the oscillating signal. A controller controls the reference signal in order to cause an attribute of the output signal to have a value within a desired range.