Oscillator With Segmented Pulse Generation Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oscillators face challenges with low oscillation frequency and inflexible duty cycle adjustability, requiring a large number of inverters and being energy-inefficient due to high current consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed oscillator consists of two pulse generation circuits connected in sequence, each with a charge/discharge circuit and switch circuit, allowing for adjustable oscillation frequency and duty cycle through resistance and capacitance adjustments, reducing the number of gate circuits and drive current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a ring oscillator uses more inverters to achieve lower oscillation frequency, then the oscillation frequency decreases, but the device complexity increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator is segmented into two functional modules: a pulse generation circuit and a delay circuit. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module, enabling frequency control without proportionally increasing the number of inverters throughout the entire circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay circuit introduces a dynamic delay element that can be adjusted independently of the inverter count. This dynamic parameter allows the oscillation frequency to be tuned without changing the structural complexity of the inverter chain.
2Speed
If a ring oscillator uses more inverters to achieve lower oscillation frequency, then the oscillation frequency decreases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the oscillation function into pulse generation and delay components, the circuit avoids the need to increase the number of active inverters for frequency adjustment, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay time parameter in the delay circuit is adjusted to control oscillation frequency, rather than changing the number of inverters. This parameter change approach allows frequency tuning without the associated energy cost of adding more inverter stages.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a VCO is used to achieve frequency control, then frequency stability improves, but the duty cycle cannot be adjusted easily
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into pulse generation and delay sections, where each section can be independently optimized. The pulse generation circuit provides stable frequency control, while the delay circuit enables duty cycle adjustment through its configurable delay parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay circuit serves dual functions: it controls the oscillation frequency in conjunction with the pulse generation circuit, and independently adjusts the duty cycle of the output signal through its delay parameter, providing multi-functionality in a single component.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a VCO is used to achieve wide frequency modulation range, then frequency control range improves, but the circuit requires high drive current
Solution Approach 1:
The delay circuit introduces a dynamic element that extends the frequency modulation range without requiring proportional increases in drive current. The delay parameter can be adjusted to achieve wide frequency tuning while maintaining efficient current utilization.
5Reliability
If conventional oscillators are used to achieve oscillation, then oscillation is achieved, but frequency accuracy is poor due to inverter delay errors
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the oscillator into pulse generation and delay components, the frequency-determining function is isolated to the delay circuit where the delay parameter can be precisely controlled, reducing the impact of inverter delay variations on overall 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
This design enables flexible frequency and duty cycle adjustment, reducing energy consumption and improving frequency accuracy, while maintaining simplicity and integratability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pulse generation circuits comprises a charge/discharge circuit and a switch circuit. The switch circuit is configured to control the charge/discharge circuit to be charged when the input signal is at a first level and control the charge/discharge circuit to be discharged when the input signal is at a second level.
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator including two sequentially connected pulse generation circuits is disclosed. Each pulse generation circuit includes a charge/discharge circuit and a switch circuit and outputs a first or second signal depending on an input signal. The switch circuit controls the charge/discharge circuit so that the latter is charged when the input signal is at a first level and discharged when the input signal is at a second level higher than the first level. When the input signal is at the first level, the first signal is at the first level and the second signal is at the second level. When the input signal is at the second level, the first signal is at the second level and the second signal is at the first level. Upon completion of discharge of the charge/discharge circuit, the first signal changes to the first level and the second signal changes to the second level.