Mesh Endpoint Clock Adjustment for Ultra-Narrowband Frequency Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Narrowband and ultra-narrowband wireless communications in mesh networks face challenges due to the need for high-stability and high-accuracy frequency references, which are often power-hungry and bulky, and regular frequency references introduce frequency shifts that prevent reliable communications.
Innovation Solution
Endpoint devices adjust their crystal oscillator frequencies based on a reference timing signal from a reference device, allowing them to switch to narrowband or ultra-narrowband communication modes, thereby maintaining high accuracy and reducing power consumption and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-stability frequency references (TCXO or OCXO) are used, then frequency accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of a regular crystal oscillator through dynamic frequency adjustment based on timing error detection, transforming it into an effective high-accuracy frequency reference without requiring high-stability hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual high-accuracy frequency reference by copying and adjusting the regular crystal oscillator's output frequency based on timing error feedback, rather than using physical high-stability reference hardware
2Measurement precision
If high-stability frequency references (TCXO or OCXO) are used, then frequency accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high frequency accuracy by dynamically adjusting the operating parameters of a compact regular crystal oscillator through frequency correction based on timing error detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual high-accuracy frequency reference using software-based frequency adjustment of a regular oscillator, eliminating the need for bulky physical high-stability reference components
3Use of energy by moving object
If regular frequency references are used, then power consumption is reduced, but frequency stability deteriorates causing frequency shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where timing error detection continuously monitors frequency deviations and generates correction signals to adjust the crystal oscillator frequency, maintaining stability without high-stability hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The regular crystal oscillator serves itself by automatically adjusting its own frequency based on timing error feedback from the communication system, eliminating the need for external high-stability reference components
4Measurement precision
If frequency adjustment is performed continuously, then frequency accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs frequency adjustment periodically based on timing error detection rather than continuously, maintaining frequency accuracy while reducing processing overhead and time loss
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 enables reliable narrowband and ultra-narrowband communications by maintaining accurate clock frequencies, eliminating the need for high-stability references and reducing power consumption, making it suitable for applications with limited resources.
Implementation Method 1
a crystal oscillator configured for generating an oscillating signal with a frequency of the crystal oscillator
Implementation Method 2
determining a frequency difference between a reference frequency of the reference timing signal and the current value of the frequency, generating a control signal based on the frequency difference, adjusting the frequency of the crystal oscillator according to the control signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for adjusting clock frequencies of endpoint devices in a mesh network for narrowband and ultra-narrowband communications. An endpoint device receives a reference timing signal over a wireless network from a reference device in the network. The endpoint device determines the current value of the clock frequency of the endpoint device and further determines the frequency difference between the reference frequency of the reference timing signal and the current value of the clock frequency. Based on the frequency difference, the endpoint generates a control signal and applies the control signal to the crystal oscillator of the endpoint device to adjust the frequency of the crystal oscillator. The endpoint device communicates with another device in the network using the oscillating signal generated by the adjusted crystal oscillator.