Mechanical Resonator Oscillator Tuning for Arbitrary Frequencies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oscillators, particularly those using quartz crystals, are limited to producing precise standard frequencies, making it difficult for systems to operate with arbitrary frequencies, which can differ significantly from these standards, and existing automatic frequency control (AFC) tuning is restricted to ±30 ppm, often not sufficient for modern applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize multiple tuning signals, including an automatic frequency control (AFC) tuning signal and a frequency steering signal, to adjust the frequency of oscillators with mechanical resonators to match arbitrary frequencies to standard frequencies, enabling operation with oscillators that produce signals deviating by up to ±10,000 ppm from standard frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional crystal oscillators are used to provide precise standard frequencies, then frequency precision is improved (±1.5 ppm), but adaptability to arbitrary frequencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency tuning by applying tuning signals to the oscillator circuit, allowing the oscillator to adjust its output frequency from a standard frequency to an arbitrary frequency. The oscillator transitions from a fixed-frequency design to a dynamically adjustable frequency source, resolving the contradiction between precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the oscillator by applying tuning signals that modify the oscillation frequency. By varying the frequency parameter from a fixed standard value to an adjustable arbitrary value, the system maintains precision while gaining adaptability to different frequency requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic frequency control (AFC) tuning is applied to adjust oscillator frequency, then adaptability to arbitrary frequencies is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements deteriorate (AFC limited to ±30 ppm)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency tuning function into two distinct components: AFC tuning for fine adjustments within ±30 ppm, and frequency steering for coarse adjustments up to ±10,000 ppm. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal range, expanding the overall tuning capability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges AFC tuning and frequency steering functions into a unified oscillator system. The frequency steering signal provides coarse frequency adjustment while AFC provides fine adjustment, and their combined effect enables the oscillator to achieve arbitrary frequencies with both wide tuning range and acceptable accuracy, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision.
3Measurement precision
If quartz crystal oscillators are manufactured to standard frequencies, then frequency precision is improved, but device complexity increases for supporting arbitrary frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the oscillator circuit universal by adding frequency steering and AFC capabilities to a standard crystal oscillator design. The same oscillator circuit can now serve both standard frequency applications and arbitrary frequency applications, eliminating the need for separate circuits for different frequency requirements and reducing overall system complexity.
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 approach allows systems to accurately operate with oscillators producing arbitrary frequencies, reducing manufacturing constraints and enabling the use of less precise resonator technologies like MEMS, which offer improved frequency stability, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturing compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator having a mechanical resonator and configured to provide an oscillating output signal of arbitrary frequency
Implementation Method 2
AFC and frequency steering tuning values to shift a frequency of an oscillating output signal from an oscillator
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating with oscillators configured to produce an oscillating signal having an arbitrary frequency are described. The frequency of the oscillating signal may be shifted to remove its arbitrary nature by application of multiple tuning signals or values to the oscillator. Alternatively, the arbitrary frequency may be accommodated by adjusting operation one or more components of a circuit receiving the oscillating signal.