Crystal Oscillator Capacitor Switching for Fast Low-Power Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crystal oscillators consume significant electric power due to frequent loading and unloading of capacitors during startup, which is a concern for mobile applications with limited energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A crystal oscillator design that includes a switch to control conductivity between capacitors, allowing for efficient startup and reduced power consumption by switching from a startup mode to a driving mode, where capacitors operate as coupling capacitors, decoupling from the startup controller and reducing impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional crystal oscillators use frequent loading and unloading of capacitors during startup, then fast startup is achieved, but electric power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switch between startup mode and driving mode controllable and changeable. The third terminal of the switch allows dynamic switching of conductivity between the capacitors based on operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt its electrical configuration from high-conductivity startup mode to low-conductivity driving mode, thus resolving the contradiction between fast startup and low power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conductivity parameter of the switch between two distinct states: high conductivity during startup mode for fast capacitor charging/discharging, and low conductivity during driving mode for reduced power consumption. This parameter change allows the same hardware configuration to serve dual purposes, addressing both the need for fast startup and low operating power
2Use of energy by moving object
If the switch provides low conductivity between capacitors during driving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but impedance stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The switch acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the capacitors and the rest of the oscillator circuit. During driving mode, it provides a controlled low-conductivity path that isolates the capacitors from direct ground connection while maintaining their coupling function, thus reducing power consumption without compromising the impedance stability required for stable frequency generation
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 design significantly reduces electric power consumption by minimizing the need for capacitor loading and unloading during the driving mode, maintaining constant impedance and stable frequency generation.
Implementation Method 1
A crystal oscillator is an electronic oscillating circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electric signal with a precise frequency
Implementation Method 2
By way of the third terminal the conductivity of the switch across first and second terminals can be controlled and/or modified. In other words, an electrical conductivity between the first terminal and the second terminal of the switch is controllable by a voltage at the third terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A crystal oscillator and a startup method for initiating operation of a crystal oscillator with a crystal resonator including a first terminal and a second terminal, an electronic oscillator circuit connected to the crystal resonator, a first capacitor including first and second terminals, the second connected to the first terminal of the crystal resonator, a second capacitor including first and second terminals, the second connected to the second terminal of the crystal resonator. A switch includes first, second and third terminals, wherein an electrical conductivity between the first terminal and the second terminal of the switch is controllable by a voltage at the third terminal, wherein the first terminal of the switch is connected to the first terminal of the first capacitor and wherein the second terminal of the switch is connected to the first terminal of the second capacitor.