Dual-Sensor OCXO Control for Abnormal Heater Shutdown
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oven controlled crystal oscillators (OCXO) lack a method to detect and prevent abnormal heat generation by the temperature control element, which can occur due to failures in temperature control, leading to instability in oscillation frequency.
Innovation Solution
The oscillator incorporates a first temperature sensor and a digital control circuit to monitor temperature and stop the supply of control voltage to the temperature control element when an abnormality is detected. Additionally, a second temperature sensor monitoring circuit, including an analog circuit, further monitors temperature and disables the control voltage supply if abnormal conditions are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a temperature control element is used to maintain resonator temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but the risk of abnormal heat generation due to control failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature detection signals from the temperature sensing element are continuously monitored by a monitoring circuit. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold or abnormality is detected, the monitoring circuit generates an abnormality detection signal that feeds back to stop the drive signal to the temperature control element, preventing excessive heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a monitoring circuit as an intermediary component between the temperature sensing element and the temperature control element. This intermediary circuit processes the temperature detection signal and controls the drive signal to the temperature control element, providing an additional layer of safety and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If digital signal processing is used to control temperature, then control precision is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into distinct functional segments: a temperature sensing element for detection, a digital signal processing circuit for control, and a separate monitoring circuit for safety. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with optimized complexity, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring circuit acts as an intermediary that simplifies the control system by providing a dedicated safety function. Instead of requiring the digital control circuit to handle both precision control and safety monitoring, the intermediary monitoring circuit handles safety, allowing the digital control circuit to focus on precision control.
3Reliability
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring circuit continuously monitors temperature detection signals and dynamically adjusts the drive signal to the temperature control element based on real-time temperature conditions. This periodic action ensures reliable abnormality detection while optimizing energy consumption by adjusting control based on actual temperature needs rather than continuous full-power operation.
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 effectively prevents abnormal heat generation in the temperature control element, ensuring stable oscillation frequency by utilizing dual temperature sensing and monitoring systems, thereby enhancing the reliability of the oscillator.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control element configured to control a temperature of the resonator element based on the control voltage
Implementation Method 2
a temperature control element configured to control a temperature of the resonator element based on the control voltage
Implementation Method 3
a first temperature sensor; a digital control circuit configured to operate based on the clock signal and output a control signal based on a temperature detected by the first temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator includes: a resonator element; an oscillation circuit configured to oscillate the resonator element and generate a clock signal; a first temperature sensor; a digital control circuit configured to operate based on the clock signal and output a control signal based on a temperature detected by the first temperature sensor; a temperature control circuit configured to output a control voltage based on the control signal; a temperature control element configured to control a temperature of the resonator element based on the control voltage; a second temperature sensor; and a second temperature sensor monitoring circuit including an analog circuit and configured to monitor a temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. The temperature control circuit stops a supply of the control voltage to the temperature control element when an abnormality in the temperatures of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is detected.