Oscillator Frequency Calibration Using an External Reference Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a miniaturized transceiver that can accurately calibrate its oscillator frequency without relying on a crystal reference, as existing miniaturization efforts in medical and wireless communication fields face challenges in maintaining frequency accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A frequency calibrator system that generates an input signal based on an oscillation signal and an external signal, extracts a frequency difference signal, and tunes the oscillation frequency using a divider and a frequency tuner, allowing for precise calibration without a crystal reference, enabling a compact and low-power implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a crystal reference is used for frequency calibration, then frequency accuracy is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency calibration function from the traditional crystal reference architecture by using a separate frequency calibrator module that can be selectively activated. This allows the main transceiver to operate without a crystal reference, reducing size and power consumption, while still providing accurate frequency calibration when needed through the external signal interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external signal as an intermediary reference that mediates between the oscillator and the frequency calibration process. Instead of relying on an internal crystal reference, the system uses an externally provided signal to calibrate the oscillator frequency, eliminating the need for a physical crystal component in the miniaturized design.
2Measurement precision
If a crystal reference is used for frequency calibration, then frequency accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency calibration function from the traditional crystal reference architecture by using a separate frequency calibrator module that can be selectively activated. This allows the main transceiver to operate without a crystal reference, reducing size and power consumption, while still providing accurate frequency calibration when needed through the external signal interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency calibrator is designed to be self-activating, automatically detecting the presence of an external calibration signal and initiating the calibration process without requiring continuous power from a crystal reference. The system only consumes additional power when calibration is actually performed, rather than maintaining a constant crystal reference.
3Weight of stationary object
If miniaturization is implemented, then device size is reduced, but frequency calibration accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external signal as an intermediary reference that mediates between the oscillator and the frequency calibration process. Instead of relying on an internal crystal reference, the system uses an externally provided signal to calibrate the oscillator frequency, eliminating the need for a physical crystal component in the miniaturized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical crystal reference system with an electronic frequency calibration system that uses signal processing. The frequency calibrator uses envelope detection and frequency comparison techniques to achieve accurate calibration without requiring physical crystal components, enabling miniaturization while maintaining frequency accuracy.
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 system achieves precise frequency calibration, reducing the size and power consumption of wireless transceivers, making it suitable for miniaturized applications in medical implants and IoT devices without the need for additional reference frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an input signal generator configured to generate an input signal based on an oscillation signal and an external signal
Implementation Method 2
the frequency difference extractor may include an envelope detector configured to detect an envelope signal from the input signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A frequency calibrator includes an input signal generator configured to generate an input signal based on an oscillation signal and an external signal; a frequency difference extractor configured to extract, from the input signal, a frequency difference signal having a frequency corresponding to a frequency difference between an external frequency of the external signal and an oscillation frequency of the oscillation signal; a divider configured to generate a division signal by dividing a signal having the oscillation frequency by a division ratio; and a frequency tuner configured to tune the oscillation frequency of the oscillation signal based on a result of comparing the frequency difference signal to the division signal.