Oscillating Circuit Calibration for Flexible Frame Rate Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable control apparatuses for mobile devices face yield loss and increased test time and cost due to fabrication parameter drifts, leading to inconsistencies in frame rates, which are not easily adjustable after initial calibration.

Innovation Solution

A portable control apparatus comprising a driver with an oscillating circuit, a baseband controller, and a crystal oscillator that generates a calibration signal to adjust the frame rate dynamically, eliminating the need for one-time programming components and allowing for flexible calibration during device operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If OTP component is used to calibrate oscillator parameters during chip probing test, then frame rate specification compliance is improved, but yield loss increases and test time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe rate specification complianceVSAvoidyield loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static OTP calibration with dynamic calibration using a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that can adjust its output frequency in real-time. The VCO allows continuous tuning of the oscillator parameters during device operation, enabling flexible adjustment without additional testing or rework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the oscillator by using voltage control to adjust the VCO's output frequency. By varying the control voltage, the system can dynamically adjust the frame rate parameter to meet specification requirements, eliminating the need for fixed OTP calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If OTP component is used to fine-tune oscillator parameters, then frame rate accuracy is improved, but product utilization flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe rate accuracyVSAvoidproduct utilization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The VCO provides dynamic frequency adjustment capability, allowing the frame rate to be changed during device operation. This enables the system to adapt to different application requirements and user preferences, significantly improving product utilization flexibility compared to fixed OTP calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the actual frame rate is monitored and compared against the target value. The control circuit adjusts the VCO's control voltage based on this feedback to maintain accurate frame rate, combining precision with flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If OTP component is used during chip probing test, then oscillator parameter consistency is improved, but test time and test cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillator parameter consistencyVSAvoidtest time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration setup during manufacturing by programming the control circuit with target frame rate values, but the actual frequency tuning is deferred to device operation. This eliminates the need for time-consuming OTP calibration during chip probing test, significantly reducing test time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration during normal operation by automatically adjusting the VCO frequency based on feedback from the frame rate monitor. This eliminates the need for external testing equipment and extended test procedures, reducing both test time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces yield loss and test costs by enabling flexible frame rate adjustment, maintaining frequency accuracy within acceptable error limits without additional testing, and allowing for dynamic calibration based on user requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The baseband controller comprises a phase locked loop (PLL) unit, and a control circuit. The PLL unit coupled to the crystal oscillator PLL controls the reference signal to generate an operating frequency.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase locked loop control:

Implementation Method 2

The driver comprising an oscillating circuit generates feedback signal.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical oscillation:

Data Source

PatentUS9093985B2Portable control apparatus and method thereof for calibrating an oscillating circuit

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 MEDIATEK INC

AI summary

A portable control apparatus includes a driver, a baseband controller, and a crystal oscillator. The driver includes an oscillating circuit that generates a feedback signal. The baseband controller coupled to the driver receives the feedback signal, and outputs a calibrating signal to the driver according to the feedback signal. The crystal oscillator coupled to the baseband controller generates an accurate output frequency for operating the baseband controller.