Oscillator Drive Level Control via Multi-Functional Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oscillators face challenges in downsizing and static electricity risks due to the need for inspection terminals, which also limits the effectiveness of drive level dependency inspections, especially in small-packaged oscillators.

Innovation Solution

The oscillator design includes an external terminal that controls the oscillation circuit to vary the drive level of the resonator through current settings, eliminating the need for direct inspection terminals and reducing static electricity risks by using an NMOS transistor and variable load capacitances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If inspection terminals are provided to enable DLD inspection of the resonator, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and the oscillator size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive level dependency inspection capabilityVSAvoidoscillator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing external terminals (input and output terminals) of the oscillator are made multi-functional by enabling them to serve both their original purposes (signal input/output) and inspection purposes (probing for DLD measurement). This eliminates the need for dedicated inspection terminals while maintaining full inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection function is merged with the existing terminal structure. Instead of separating inspection terminals from signal terminals, the patent combines both functions into the same terminals, thereby reducing overall device complexity and size while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If inspection terminals are provided electrically connected to both ends of the resonator, then drive level dependency inspection is enabled, but the oscillator size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive level dependency inspection capabilityVSAvoidoscillator size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The external terminals are designed to serve dual purposes: normal oscillator operation (signal input/output) and inspection operations (probing for DLD measurement). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional inspection terminals that would increase oscillator size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection capability is merged into the existing terminal architecture. By using the same terminals for both operational and inspection functions, the patent avoids increasing oscillator volume while maintaining full measurement precision for drive level dependency inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If inspection terminals are exposed to the outside of the oscillator, then drive level dependency inspection is enabled, but the risk of breakdown due to static electricity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive level dependency inspection capabilityVSAvoidstatic electricity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillator uses its own existing external terminals for inspection purposes rather than requiring separate dedicated inspection terminals. This self-service approach allows inspection capability while maintaining the same protection level against static electricity that the original terminals already provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By making the external terminals multi-functional (serving both operational and inspection purposes), the patent eliminates the need for additional exposed inspection terminals, thereby maintaining static electricity protection while enabling drive level dependency inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for effective drive level dependency inspection without external terminals, enabling downsizing and reducing the risk of static electricity-induced breakdowns while efficiently inspecting the resonator's performance.

Implementation Method 1

a resonator (313)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an oscillation circuit that oscillates the resonator, in which the oscillation circuit includes an amplification circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS10771013B2Oscillator, electronic apparatus, vehicle, and manufacturing method of oscillator

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An oscillator includes: an external terminal, a resonator, and an oscillation circuit that oscillates the resonator, in which the oscillation circuit includes an amplification circuit and a current source which supplies a current to the amplification circuit, in which the current is set according to a first control signal which is input from the external terminal and a drive level of the resonator is changed according to the setting of the current.