Oscillator Circuit Layout for Temperature Sensor Noise Isolation

Solution Overview

Problem

In circuit devices with temperature compensated oscillation circuits, the intermittent operation of temperature sensor circuits leads to AC fluctuations in current consumption, causing noise interference that deteriorates the signal characteristics of oscillation signals, particularly when the temperature sensor circuit is close to the oscillation circuit.

Innovation Solution

The circuit device is designed with the oscillation circuit in a first region, the temperature sensor circuit and logic circuit in a second region, and the power supply circuit in a third region positioned between the first and second regions, increasing the distance between noise-generating digital circuits and the oscillation circuit to reduce noise interference and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor circuit is disposed near the oscillation circuit to accurately measure the vibrator temperature, then the temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the intermittent operation of the temperature sensor circuit generates AC current fluctuations that cause noise and deteriorate the oscillation signal characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidnoise interference on oscillation signal

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit device is divided into three distinct circuit regions: a first circuit region for the oscillation circuit, a second circuit region for the temperature sensor circuit and logic circuit, and a third circuit region for the power supply circuit. This spatial segmentation isolates the noise-generating temperature sensor circuit from the oscillation circuit, preventing noise interference while maintaining temperature measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply circuit is positioned in the third circuit region between the oscillation circuit (first region) and the temperature sensor circuit (second region), acting as an intermediary barrier. This intermediate placement further isolates the two functional blocks and prevents AC current fluctuations from the temperature sensor circuit from directly affecting the oscillation circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor circuit operates continuously to provide accurate temperature data, then the temperature compensation precision is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature compensation precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensor circuit is configured to perform intermittent operation rather than continuous operation. It periodically measures the temperature of the vibrator and provides temperature data to the logic circuit at specific intervals. This periodic measurement approach maintains adequate temperature compensation precision while significantly reducing the average power consumption of the temperature sensor circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor circuit is disposed close to the oscillation circuit, then the temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the AC current fluctuations from intermittent operation cause noise that deteriorates oscillation signal characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidoscillation signal characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit device is divided into three distinct circuit regions: a first circuit region for the oscillation circuit, a second circuit region for the temperature sensor circuit and logic circuit, and a third circuit region for the power supply circuit. This spatial segmentation isolates the noise-generating temperature sensor circuit from the oscillation circuit, preventing noise interference while maintaining temperature measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply circuit is positioned in the third circuit region between the oscillation circuit (first region) and the temperature sensor circuit (second region), acting as an intermediary barrier. This intermediate placement further isolates the two functional blocks and prevents AC current fluctuations from the temperature sensor circuit from directly affecting the oscillation circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11616473B2Circuit device and oscillator

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A circuit device includes an oscillation circuit generating an oscillation signal by oscillating a vibrator, a temperature sensor circuit performing an intermittent operation, a logic circuit performing temperature compensation processing based on an output of the temperature sensor circuit, and a power supply circuit supplying power to the oscillation circuit. The oscillation circuit is disposed in a circuit region, the temperature sensor circuit and the logic circuit are disposed in a circuit region, and the power supply circuit is disposed in a circuit region, which is positioned between the circuit region and the circuit region.