MEMS Oscillator Temperature Reporting for Accurate Clock Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High precision timing devices face challenges in accurately reporting temperature and compensating for temperature-dependent frequency offsets, which affects the stability and accuracy of timing signals over varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a MEMS resonator and temperature transducer within a small form-factor IC package that outputs both timing signals and temperature data, enabling temperature-specific frequency compensation by providing coefficients for polynomial expressions or direct frequency correction values, allowing for temperature-compensated timing signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is implemented using polynomial expressions, then frequency accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature transducer, polynomial coefficient storage, and frequency compensation logic into a single integrated oscillator device. This merging allows the complex temperature compensation function to be implemented without requiring separate external components, thus improving frequency accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and stores polynomial coefficients that represent the frequency-temperature relationship during device manufacturing. By performing the complex mathematical modeling in advance and storing only the coefficients, the device achieves high frequency accuracy without requiring real-time complex calculations, thereby reducing operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If digital temperature output is used, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but voltage switching noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an analog temperature output as an intermediary signal path that does not involve digital switching. This analog path provides a noise-free temperature signal that can be used for compensation without introducing voltage switching noise, thus maintaining temperature measurement precision while eliminating the harmful noise effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temperature output into two separate paths: a digital path for high-precision measurement and an analog path for noise-free signal generation. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, with the analog path dedicated to providing clean temperature signals for frequency compensation without digital switching interference.
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
Enables precise tracking of resonator temperature and compensation for frequency offsets, resulting in stable and accurate timing signals across a wide temperature range, even during rapid temperature changes, while minimizing voltage switching noise.
Implementation Method 1
a MEMS resonator and temperature transducer—generally a temperature-to-digital converter (TDC)—are integrated within a small form-factor integrated circuit (IC) package that outputs both a timing signal according to mechanical vibration of the MEMS resonator
Implementation Method 2
temperature transducer—generally a temperature-to-digital converter (TDC)—are integrated within a small form-factor integrated circuit (IC) package
Data Source
AI summary
In an integrated circuit device having a microelectromechanical-system (MEMS) resonator and a temperature transducer, a clock signal is generated by sensing resonant mechanical motion of the MEMS resonator and a temperature signal indicative of temperature of the MEMS resonator is generated via the temperature transducer. The clock signal and the temperature signal are output from the integrated circuit device concurrently.