Oscillator Buffer Circuit With Variable Resistance for Low Through Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillator circuits face issues with high current consumption during logic transitions and unstable oscillation due to insufficient reduction of through current, leading to inefficient power usage and large circuit area, particularly when using configurations with parallel inverters.
Innovation Solution
An oscillator circuit with an amplifier circuit that includes a first and second inverter and a variable resistor controlled by a control signal, allowing the resistance value to switch between low and high values to stabilize oscillation and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional amplifier circuit with fixed resistors is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the power consumption is high due to through current during logic transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed resistors with variable resistors whose resistance values can be dynamically adjusted based on the oscillation state. The amplifier circuit transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where resistance values change between startup and steady oscillation phases, enabling reduced power consumption during steady state while maintaining simple circuit structure.
2Reliability
If the resistance value is reduced to enable stable oscillation startup, then oscillation stability is improved, but power consumption increases due to higher through current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the operation into distinct phases: during startup, low resistance values are applied to ensure stable oscillation generation, and during steady oscillation state, high resistance values are applied to reduce power consumption. This time-varying resistance control allows the circuit to achieve both reliable startup and low power operation at different time periods.
3Loss of energy
If parallel inverters are used to reduce through current, then power consumption is reduced, but the circuit area becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using static parallel inverter configurations that increase circuit area, the patent employs dynamic resistance control in a compact amplifier circuit. By adjusting resistance values over time, the system achieves through current reduction without requiring additional parallel inverter structures, thus maintaining small circuit area while reducing power consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed resistance values are used in the amplifier circuit, then the circuit design is simple, but the delay time cannot be optimized for different oscillation frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the resistance values variable rather than fixed. The resistance parameters are adjusted according to the oscillation frequency and operational phase, allowing the delay time to be optimized for different frequencies. This parameter adaptation enables the circuit to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator circuit includes an oscillator and an amplifier circuit that amplifies a voltage of the oscillator. The amplifier circuit includes a first inverter that outputs signals to a first node and a second node, a second inverter that outputs an output signal to a third node when the signals are inputted to the first node and the second node, and a variable resistor connected between the first node and the second node and controlled by a control signal.