Micromechanical Clock Generator With Temperature-Compensated Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency generator assemblies in motor vehicles rely on expensive controlled crystal oscillators, which are costly and may not efficiently adapt to temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A micromechanical rate-of-rotation sensor element with a seismic mass is used to generate an electrical clock signal, employing an electrostatic drive and reading device, and a temperature sensor to maintain a defined oscillation frequency independently of temperature, utilizing a frequency multiplication unit and integrated into a sensor cluster with a microcontroller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controlled crystal oscillator is used for generating clock signals, then frequency stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive crystal oscillator with a cost-effective alternative consisting of a micromechanical oscillator and electronic circuitry. The micromechanical oscillator uses a seismic mass suspended by springs, driven by an electrostatic drive device, which is significantly cheaper to manufacture than crystal oscillators while providing sufficient frequency stability for automotive applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical crystal oscillator system with an electrostatically driven micromechanical oscillator. The drive device uses electrostatic forces to excite the seismic mass, and the reading device detects its position, replacing the need for crystal-based mechanical resonance with an electrostatic-mechanical system that is easier and cheaper to manufacture.
2Measurement precision
If a crystal oscillator is used, then initial frequency accuracy is improved, but adaptability to temperature variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the micromechanical oscillator, and a control unit adjusts the drive signal frequency based on temperature readings. This closed-loop control compensates for temperature-induced frequency drift, enabling the system to maintain accurate clock signals across varying temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the micromechanical oscillator based on temperature conditions. The control unit modifies the drive frequency and other operational parameters in response to temperature sensor input, allowing the oscillator to adapt its characteristics to maintain stable performance across different thermal environments.
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 provides a cost-effective and temperature-compensated clock signal generation, reducing reliance on expensive crystal oscillators and ensuring stable operation across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The drive device and the reading device are particularly preferably designed according to the electrostatic operating principle
Implementation Method 2
the oscillation of the at least one seismic mass of the oscillator is adjusted to a defined frequency value, in particular its natural frequency
Implementation Method 3
The frequency generator assembly preferably has a temperature sensor which is designed in such a manner that it directly or indirectly records the temperature of at least the oscillator in the environment/vicinity of the oscillator
Implementation Method 4
the electrical clock signal is generated or influenced by a frequency multiplication unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a frequency generator assembly, including at least one oscillator and an electronic signal processing device, which is designed in such a way that the electronic signal processing device provides an electric clock signal (f) having a defined frequency as an output signal of the frequency generator assembly, wherein the defined frequency depends on the vibration frequency of the oscillator, wherein the oscillator includes at least one micromechanical seismic mass which is vibrationally excited by at least one driving device, whereupon the electronic signal processing device generates and provides the electric clock signal (f) according to the vibration frequency of the at least one seismic mass.