Oscillator Control System Analog Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog delays in the position sensing circuitry of LIDAR systems, caused by driving and sensing circuitry and analog signal paths, lead to inaccuracies in laser shooting and light detection, as these delays are not static and can change with temperature and age, affecting the accuracy of depth measurements.
Innovation Solution
An oscillator control system with a phase error detector, programmable delay circuit, and analog delay measurement circuit, which generates a phase error signal and adjusts the programmable delay to compensate for analog delays in real-time, ensuring accurate oscillation of the MEMS mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analog signal path components (current clamps, transimpedance amplifiers, low-pass filters, PCB interconnects) are used in the position sensing circuitry, then the system can detect and process oscillation signals, but analog delays are introduced that vary with temperature and age, degrading measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured oscillation signal is fed back through the analog signal path, and the resulting analog delay is measured and used to adjust the timing of control signals. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to automatically compensate for analog delays caused by temperature and age variations, resolving the contradiction between system reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical timing adjustment mechanisms with an electronic delay adjustment mechanism. A delay element is introduced into the control signal path, allowing electronic compensation for analog delays without requiring physical reconfiguration of the sensing circuitry. This substitution enables dynamic compensation while maintaining system stability.
2Measurement precision
If the analog signal path is kept simple with minimal components, then analog delays are reduced, but the ability to properly condition and process the oscillation signals is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delay measurement and compensation mechanism as an intermediary between the analog signal path and the digital processing stage. This intermediary measures the analog delay introduced by necessary signal conditioning components and compensates for it, allowing the system to maintain both signal quality and timing accuracy without requiring complete simplification of the signal path.
3Productivity
If the system operates over long periods without recalibration, then operational continuity is maintained, but analog delays drift due to temperature changes and component aging, degrading accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous delay measurement and compensation during normal system operation. Rather than requiring periodic shutdowns for recalibration, the system continuously monitors analog delays and adjusts compensation in real-time, maintaining both operational continuity and measurement precision over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-compensation for analog delays using its own operational signals. The oscillation detection circuitry uses the same analog signal path that causes delays, and automatically measures and compensates for those delays without external intervention, enabling the system to maintain accuracy autonomously over time.
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator control system that includes an oscillator structure; a phase error detector configured to generate a phase error signal based on a delayed event time signal and delayed reference signal; an analog signal path coupled between the oscillator structure and the phase error detector, the analog signal path configured to receive an event time signal and produce the delayed event time signal; a control circuit configured to generate a reference signal; a programmable delay circuit configured to receive the reference signal and induce a programmable delay on the reference signal thereby generating the delayed reference signal; and an analog delay measurement circuit configured to inject a test signal into the analog signal path, receive a delayed test signal from the analog signal path, measure an analog delay of the delayed test signal, and generate a configuration signal configured to adjust the programmable delay according to the measured analog delay.