Oscillator Impedance Inspection via Multi-Functional Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillators with small packages face challenges in securing space for inspection terminals, leading to difficulties in probing and increased risk of static electricity-induced breakdown, especially when inspecting impedance values.
Innovation Solution
An oscillator design that includes an external terminal, a resonator, and an oscillation circuit with a variably set current source, allowing impedance inspection without external terminals connected to the resonator, thereby reducing size and static electricity risk, and enabling oscillation control through a control signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inspection terminals are provided electrically connected to both ends of the resonator, then impedance value inspection is enabled, but oscillator size increases and static electricity breakdown risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inspection function with existing oscillator terminals. The impedance inspection is performed by injecting a test signal through the existing output terminal and measuring the response, eliminating the need for separate inspection terminals. This combines the inspection function with the existing terminal structure, resolving the contradiction between inspection capability and size reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing oscillator terminals are made multi-functional by using them for both normal oscillator operation and impedance inspection. The same terminals that output the oscillation signal are also used to inject test signals and measure impedance characteristics, eliminating dedicated inspection terminals and reducing overall oscillator size.
2Measurement precision
If inspection terminals are provided electrically connected to both ends of the resonator, then impedance value inspection is enabled, but risk of static electricity-induced breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection function is merged with existing protected terminals rather than adding new exposed terminals. By using the existing output terminal for impedance inspection, the design avoids creating additional exposure points for static electricity, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection capability is extracted from a physical terminal structure and implemented through signal processing using existing terminals. By removing the need for dedicated inspection terminals and implementing impedance measurement through signal injection and analysis via existing terminals, the harmful exposure is eliminated while the inspection function is preserved.
3Volume of moving object
If package size is reduced, then oscillator compactness is improved, but space for inspection terminals is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection function is merged with existing oscillator terminals, eliminating the need for additional inspection terminals. This allows compact packaging while maintaining inspection capability, as no extra space is required for dedicated inspection terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing terminals are made multi-functional to serve both oscillator operation and impedance inspection purposes. This eliminates the need for additional inspection terminals in small packages, as the existing terminals handle multiple functions including signal output and impedance measurement.
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 reduced oscillator size, minimized risk of static electricity-induced breakdown, and efficient impedance value inspection, stabilizing resonator oscillation by varying the current setting, thus enhancing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a negative resistance value of an oscillator circuit for oscillating the resonator is larger than an impedance value of the resonator
Implementation Method 2
an oscillator that outputs a signal with a desired frequency by oscillating a resonator such as a quartz crystal resonator
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator includes an external terminal, a resonator, and an oscillation circuit that oscillates the resonator. The oscillation circuit includes an amplification circuit and a current source that supplies a current to the amplification circuit, and the current is variably set according to a control signal input from the external terminal.