MEMS Oscillator Tuning with Capacitance and Power Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
MEMS oscillators have a limited tuning range due to physical properties, manufacturing variances, and power constraints, which often require designers to sacrifice tuning range for lower power consumption, making it challenging to meet strict power budgets in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
The MEMS oscillator's tuning range is expanded by measuring its unadjusted resonance frequency and adjusting both capacitance and power level, with increased capacitance compensated by higher power to maintain stable oscillation, thereby minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capacitance is increased to expand tuning range, then frequency range is improved, but power consumption increases due to losses in lossy elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of both capacitance and power level based on the measured unadjusted resonance frequency. The system continuously adapts operating parameters (capacitance and power) to maintain optimal performance across varying conditions, resolving the contradiction between extended tuning range and power consumption by making the system responsive to actual operating state rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters (capacitance value and power level) based on measured resonance frequency characteristics. By measuring the unadjusted resonance frequency and using it to determine optimal capacitance and power settings, the system dynamically adjusts parameters to achieve broad tuning range while minimizing power consumption at each operating point
2Adaptability or versatility
If capacitance is increased to tune oscillator to lower frequencies, then frequency range is improved, but loss increases limiting the tuning range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of increased loss into a beneficial outcome by measuring the unadjusted resonance frequency and using it to determine the optimal capacitance value. This measurement-based approach ensures that capacitance is increased only to the extent necessary for frequency tuning, avoiding excessive capacitance that would cause prohibitive losses. The system transforms the potential harm of lossy elements into a controlled parameter optimization strategy
3Use of energy by moving object
If power level is reduced to meet power budget, then power consumption is improved, but the oscillator cannot withstand attenuation from lossy elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment based on measured resonance frequency and determined capacitance requirements. Rather than using a fixed low power level that would fail under attenuation, the system dynamically sets the power level to the minimum necessary to overcome the specific loss conditions at each operating point, enabling both low power consumption and reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from measuring the unadjusted resonance frequency to determine optimal power settings. The measurement results feed into the capacitance and power determination logic, creating a closed-loop system that adjusts power levels based on actual oscillator characteristics and loss conditions, ensuring reliable operation at minimal power consumption
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 allows the MEMS oscillator to operate within a broader frequency range while reducing power consumption, enhancing its suitability for low-power applications by dynamically adjusting capacitance and power levels.
Implementation Method 1
The resonator can be, for instance, a piezoelectric based acoustic resonator
Implementation Method 2
explicit capacitances associated with capacitors or varactors used to tune the oscillator
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for tuning a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) oscillator comprising an acoustic resonator and a tuning and amplification circuit arranged in a loop. The method comprises determining an initial oscillation frequency of the oscillator, modifying a capacitance of the tuning and amplification circuit according to the initial oscillation frequency, and adjusting a power level of the oscillator according to the modified capacitance.