Oscillator Clock Calibration Using Overlapping Frequency Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency calibrators take a long time to adjust the frequency of an oscillator to a predetermined frequency, especially when the target frequency range is wide, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A clock signal generator with a frequency calibrator that includes a digital code identifier and an automatic frequency controller to filter out overlapping frequency bands, allowing rapid identification and transmission of specific digital codes to the oscillator, minimizing the time required to synchronize the oscillator's frequency with the target frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a frequency calibrator is used to calibrate the oscillator frequency to a predetermined frequency, then the frequency accuracy is improved, but the calibration time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency calibration process is segmented into two distinct phases: a rapid coarse calibration phase that covers a wide frequency range to quickly approach the target frequency, followed by a fine calibration phase that precisely adjusts to the exact predetermined frequency. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both speed and accuracy by dividing the calibration task into manageable stages with different optimization goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The coarse calibration is performed as a preliminary action before the fine calibration. By first rapidly adjusting the oscillator frequency to be close to the target frequency through coarse calibration, the system prepares the oscillator in advance for the subsequent fine calibration step, reducing the overall calibration time while maintaining frequency accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frequency calibrator calibrates across a wide target frequency range, then the adaptability is improved, but the calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wide frequency range is segmented into a coarse calibration range and a fine calibration range. The coarse calibration covers the entire wide frequency range rapidly to bring the oscillator close to the target, while the fine calibration focuses only on the narrow range around the target frequency. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high adaptability across wide frequency ranges while minimizing calibration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The coarse calibration phase rushes through the wide frequency range by making large frequency adjustments to quickly approach the target frequency, skipping detailed adjustments until the final fine calibration phase. This allows the system to efficiently cover a wide frequency range without spending excessive time on each frequency point.
3Measurement precision
If the frequency calibrator performs comprehensive frequency calibration, then the frequency accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into coarse and fine phases, with the high-power fine calibration performed only after the low-power coarse calibration has brought the frequency close to target. This segmentation reduces overall power consumption by limiting the duration of high-power operations while still achieving the required frequency accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The coarse calibration serves as a preliminary low-power action that prepares the system for the high-power fine calibration. By performing this preliminary adjustment first, the system minimizes the time required for power-intensive fine calibration, thereby reducing total power consumption while maintaining frequency precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to clock signal generators and operation methods of the clock signal generators. An example clock signal generator includes a frequency calibrator and an oscillator. The frequency calibrator is configured to identify at least one digital code corresponding to an overlapping frequency band among a plurality of digital codes for controlling values of a plurality of elements included in the oscillator, and identify a plurality of first digital codes into which the at least one digital code is filtered from the plurality of digital codes. The oscillator is configured to generate a clock signal of a frequency based on the plurality of elements having values corresponding to each of at least some of the plurality of first digital codes.