Multi-Trim Oscillator Control for Synchronized Frequency Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining synchronization between multiple frequencies generated by oscillators in a system is challenging, leading to synchronization issues and increased costs due to the deployment of multiple oscillators.
Innovation Solution
A multi-trim oscillator system with oscillator control circuitry that synchronizes frequency changes by monitoring clock edges and adjusting the oscillator's trim points to ensure seamless transitions between frequencies, using a frequency divider to generate synchronized clock signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillators are deployed to provide different frequencies to different electrical components, then frequency diversity is improved, but synchronization between oscillators deteriorates and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple oscillator functions into a single multi-trim oscillator that can generate multiple different frequencies. This single oscillator is coupled to a clock divider that provides divided clock signals to different electrical components, eliminating the need for multiple separate oscillators while maintaining frequency diversity and synchronization across all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-trim oscillator is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple electrical components with different frequency requirements. By implementing multiple trim points and adjustable parameters, a single oscillator can adapt to provide appropriate clock signals to various components such as processors, memory, and peripherals, replacing multiple specialized oscillators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillators are deployed to provide different frequencies, then frequency diversity is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple oscillator circuits into a single multi-trim oscillator unit. This consolidation reduces the total component count, lowers bill of materials costs, reduces PCB real estate requirements, and simplifies system integration while still providing multiple frequency outputs to different electrical components through its multi-trim capability and clock divider.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-trim oscillator serves as a universal frequency source for multiple components. By designing the oscillator with adjustable parameters and multiple trim points, it can replace several dedicated oscillators, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining the ability to provide frequency diversity across different electrical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequency changes are made without synchronization control, then frequency adaptability is improved, but spurious pulses are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator control circuitry is configured to determine an edge of the second clock signal before making the frequency change. This preliminary timing action ensures that the frequency transition occurs at a synchronized moment aligned with the clock cycle, preventing the generation of spurious pulses while maintaining frequency adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the clock signal edges to control when frequency changes occur. The oscillator control circuitry monitors the clock signal and uses this feedback to timing the frequency transition, ensuring it happens at the appropriate edge of the second clock signal. This feedback mechanism prevents spurious pulses while allowing frequency adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to the management of a multi-trim oscillator to provide synchronization across multiple frequencies derived from the multi-trim oscillator without causing spurious pulses of clock output. In one example, a system provides a first clock signal via an oscillator and a second clock signal based on the first clock signal and a divider. The system further receives a first signal that indicates a change in a frequency of the first clock signal from a first frequency to a second frequency. In response to the first signal, the system determines an edge of the second clock signal and provides, at a time based on the edge of the second clock signal, a second signal to the oscillator to cause the change to the second frequency.