Oscillator Driver Set Point Adjuster for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crystal oscillator drivers in wireless sensor networks experience high power consumption due to process variations, leading to reduced battery lifetime, as they require accurate and low-power sleep timers for intermittent data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A set point adjuster for the oscillator driver that includes a power converter and a controller, which dynamically adjusts the supply voltage to maintain the oscillator output signal above a predetermined threshold voltage, using a detector to monitor the voltage level and a programmable power converter to conserve power while ensuring suitable circuit oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supply voltage to the oscillator driver is increased to ensure accurate oscillation, then the oscillator output signal voltage level is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by using a detector to monitor the oscillator output signal voltage level and a controller to adjust the supply voltage accordingly. The supply voltage is dynamically changed based on detected signal levels to maintain reliable oscillation while minimizing power consumption, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the detector continuously monitors the oscillator output signal voltage level and provides information to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the supply voltage, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliable oscillation at the minimum necessary power level.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the supply voltage is reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the oscillator may fail to oscillate reliably due to process variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the supply voltage to the minimum level required for reliable oscillation rather than using a fixed high voltage. The detector monitors the output signal level and the controller adjusts the voltage accordingly, enabling the system to operate reliably at lower power consumption levels while accounting for process variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the supply voltage parameter dynamically based on detected oscillator performance. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system maintains reliable oscillation across process variations while minimizing power consumption, rather than operating at a fixed voltage that would waste energy.
3Device complexity
If a fixed supply voltage is used to simplify the circuit design, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption cannot be optimized across process variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic voltage adjustment capabilities to the circuit, adding a detector and controller that automatically adjust the supply voltage based on oscillator performance. This dynamic approach optimizes power consumption across process variations while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the detector and controller to automatically monitor and adjust the supply voltage without external intervention. The circuit self-regulates its power consumption based on actual oscillator performance, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining reliable operation across process variations.
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
The solution effectively reduces power consumption by determining the minimum required supply voltage, maintaining circuit oscillations, and adapting to variations over time, thereby extending battery life in wireless sensor networks.
Implementation Method 1
A power converter receives an input voltage and generates the supply voltage to the supply input of the driver. The power converter varies the supply voltage based on an adjust command supplied to a command input of the power converter.
Implementation Method 2
A detector monitors a voltage level of the oscillator output signal.
Implementation Method 3
An oscillator having a driver and a resonator. The driver receives a supply voltage at a supply input and provides a drive output to drive the resonator to generate an oscillator output signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes an oscillator having a driver and a resonator. The driver receives a supply voltage at a supply input and provides a drive output to drive the resonator to generate an oscillator output signal. A power converter receives an input voltage and generates the supply voltage to the supply input of the driver. The power converter varies the supply voltage based on an adjust command supplied to a command input of the power converter. A detector monitors a voltage level of the oscillator output signal. A controller sets the adjust command to the power converter to control the supply voltage to the supply input of the driver such that the voltage level of the oscillator output signal is set at or above a predetermined threshold voltage.