Oscillator Driving Current Control for IoT Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for IoT devices face challenges in achieving adequate reception sensitivity and low power consumption without response delay, particularly in subminiature wireless transceivers.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus comprising an antenna, an oscillator driven by a current to generate an oscillating signal, a time-to-digital converter to measure the oscillation degree, and an accumulator to determine the wireless signal value based on the cumulative difference between a target and measurement value, with controlled driving current magnitude and duty ratio to optimize power consumption and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the driving current magnitude is increased to improve reception sensitivity, then the oscillation degree improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed driving current instead of continuous current. The oscillator is driven in periodic intervals with controlled duty ratio (e.g., 10% to 50%), allowing the system to accumulate oscillation degree over multiple pulses while consuming power only during active pulse periods. This resolves the contradiction by achieving adequate reception sensitivity through repeated measurements without continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the driving current parameters (magnitude and duty ratio) adjustable and adaptive. The system dynamically optimizes the balance between oscillation degree and power consumption by varying current strength and pulse width based on reception conditions. This allows the system to achieve high sensitivity when needed while consuming minimal power during normal operation.
2Measurement precision
If the driving current duty ratio is increased to improve signal measurement accuracy, then the oscillation degree improves, but the response delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with optimized pulse timing to achieve accurate measurements without extending response delay. By using short, high-intensity pulses repeated at optimal intervals, the system accumulates sufficient oscillation degree for accurate measurement while maintaining fast response times. The periodic structure allows the oscillator to reset between pulses, enabling rapid successive measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring optimal pulse sequences and timing. The system prepares the oscillator with preliminary pulses that establish stable oscillation before actual measurement begins, ensuring accurate readings are obtained quickly. This preliminary preparation reduces the time needed for each measurement cycle while maintaining high accuracy.
3Speed
If the driving current magnitude is increased to reduce startup time, then the oscillator responds faster, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using repeated short pulses instead of continuous high-current operation. The oscillator receives periodic driving pulses that gradually build up oscillation amplitude, achieving fast startup without requiring sustained high current. This approach reduces power consumption significantly compared to continuous high-magnitude current while maintaining fast response characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by applying initial conditioning pulses that prepare the oscillator for rapid startup. These preliminary pulses establish the oscillation mode and frequency before full-power operation begins, enabling the oscillator to reach stable operation faster with lower overall power consumption. The preliminary action phase consumes minimal power while setting up the system for rapid response.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication apparatus and a communication method are provided. The communication apparatus includes an antenna configured to receive a wireless signal, an oscillator driven by a driving current and configured to generate an oscillating signal based on the wireless signal, a measurer configured to measure an oscillation degree of the oscillating signal, and an accumulator configured to accumulate a difference between a target value and a measurement value of the oscillation degree. A value of the wireless signal is determined based on a cumulative signal corresponding to the accumulated difference.