Oscillator Voltage Reference Sampling for Low-Power Frequency Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices face challenges in maintaining reliable power supply due to battery limitations, such as cost, size constraints, and frequent replacements, and existing power harvesting systems struggle with efficient energy storage and voltage regulation, leading to performance degradation and power consumption issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a reference voltage generator, a regulator, a capacitor, and a controllable switch to sample and store a voltage reference, allowing for efficient power management and reduced power consumption by disconnecting the capacitor from the reference voltage generator after charging, thereby minimizing voltage drop and thermal noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is used to power IoT devices, then reliable power supply is achieved, but cost, size, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power storage function from a traditional battery by using a capacitor that can be rapidly charged from harvested energy. This removes the need for large battery components while maintaining power supply reliability through the capacitor's ability to deliver stable voltage during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power storage parameter from chemical energy storage (battery) to electrical energy storage (capacitor). This parameter change enables faster charging from harvested energy and reduces device size while maintaining reliable power supply for IoT operations.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electromagnetic energy harvesting is used to power IoT devices, then battery replacement is eliminated, but efficient energy storage and voltage regulation become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitor to a specific voltage level before powering the oscillator. This ensures that sufficient energy is stored in advance to maintain operation for the required duration, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements while simplifying power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage regulator as an intermediary between the harvested energy source and the oscillator. This mediator component simplifies the power management by automatically regulating voltage levels, making the system easier to control while extending operational duration through efficient energy utilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a voltage regulator is used to maintain stable oscillator frequency, then frequency drift is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a simple voltage regulator that maintains only the minimum necessary voltage stability for oscillator operation. This partial regulation approach reduces power consumption compared to full regulation while still achieving sufficient frequency stability for reliable communication.
4Loss of time
If a smaller capacitor is used for energy storage, then charging time is reduced, but voltage drop during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the capacitor sizing parameter to optimize the balance between charging time and voltage stability. By selecting a capacitor size that works synergistically with the voltage regulator and harvested energy rate, the system achieves fast charging while maintaining acceptable voltage stability during operation through the regulator's compensation.
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 solution provides a stable and efficient power supply to IoT devices, reducing frequency drift and power consumption while enabling faster charging and operation, even in battery-less configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor having a terminal thereof coupled to the regulator
Implementation Method 2
when the controllable switch is in an open position the regulator and capacitor are both disconnected from the reference voltage generator
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus providing a regulated power supply to an oscillator comprises a reference voltage generator supplying a voltage reference, a regulator producing, based on a voltage received thereat, a regulated supply used by the oscillator which bases its frequency thereon, a capacitor having a terminal coupled to the regulator at a point, and a switch that is coupled to the reference voltage generator and to the point, wherein the closed switch couples the reference voltage generator to the point and wherein the open switch disconnects the point from the reference voltage generator, the switch being closed for a first time period during which a voltage based on the voltage reference from the reference voltage generator is supplied to the regulator and capacitor, and for a second, subsequent, time period the switch is opened and voltage stored on the capacitor is supplied to the regulator.