IT-Cut Crystal Oscillator Temperature Control With Fast Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXO) have long operation stabilization times and high power consumption due to their large size and the need for high-temperature thermostatic control, which also shortens the material life and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A thermostatic type crystal oscillator using an IT-cut crystal resonator, a vibration control circuit, a peltier element temperature regulator, a heat conducting plate, and a temperature control circuit, which allows for precise temperature control within a narrow range without a traditional thermostatic oven, reducing size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional thermostatic oven structure is used to maintain temperature stability, then frequency-temperature stability is improved, but device size increases and operation stabilization time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the crystal resonator and the temperature regulator into a single integrated unit, eliminating the separate thermostatic oven structure. The temperature regulator is directly mounted on the crystal resonator housing, allowing temperature control without requiring a large external oven enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The crystal resonator housing serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the crystal element, acts as a mounting structure for the temperature regulator, and functions as part of the thermal management system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate thermostatic oven structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high temperature thermostatic control is used to maintain frequency stability, then frequency-temperature stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the controlled temperature parameter from high temperature (70-80°C for SC-cut crystals) to lower temperature (near room temperature) by using IT-cut crystal blanks which have their peak temperature characteristic at lower temperatures. This parameter change significantly reduces the power required for temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature regulator operates by periodic heating and cooling cycles rather than continuous high-temperature maintenance, reducing average power consumption while maintaining frequency stability through active temperature compensation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If high temperature control is used to achieve frequency stability, then frequency-temperature stability is improved, but operation stabilization time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the operating temperature parameter to lower temperatures near room temperature, the system achieves frequency stability much faster since less thermal energy needs to be transferred to reach and maintain the target temperature, reducing the warm-up time from 20-30 minutes to a few seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature regulator is pre-positioned on the crystal resonator housing and the thermal pathway is established in advance, allowing immediate temperature control action when power is applied, eliminating the long stabilization period required by conventional ovens.
4Temperature
If conventional heater-based temperature control is used, then temperature regulation is achieved, but material life is shortened due to high temperature exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from high temperature (70-80°C) to lower temperature (near room temperature) by using IT-cut crystal blanks. This parameter change reduces thermal stress and degradation on internal components, extending material life while maintaining frequency stability.
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 achieves short operation stabilization times and low power consumption while maintaining frequency-temperature stability, reducing external dimensions and material degradation, and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature regulator configured to regulate a temperature of the crystal resonator within a set temperature range by repeating heating and cooling to the crystal resonator
Implementation Method 2
a heat conducting plate configured to function as a heat absorbing plate and a heat dissipating plate for the temperature regulator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a thermostatic type crystal oscillator with short operation stabilization time and low power consumption.A thermostatic type crystal oscillator according to the present invention includes a crystal resonator including an IT-cut crystal blank, a vibration control circuit configured to control a vibration frequency of the crystal resonator, a temperature regulator configured to regulate a temperature of the crystal resonator within a set temperature range by repeating heating and cooling to the crystal resonator, a heat conducting plate configured to function as a heat absorbing plate and a heat dissipating plate for the temperature regulator, a temperature control circuit configured to control a temperature of the temperature regulator, and a housing that accommodates the crystal resonator. The housing defines a resonator accommodating space in which the crystal resonator is accommodated inside the housing.