Oscillator Interface Circuit for Clock-to-External Signal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oscillators lack the ability to output a clock signal and simultaneously obtain information about the relationship between the clock signal and an external signal, limiting their functionality and customizability in applications such as synchronization systems and frequency tracking.
Innovation Solution
An oscillator design that includes a resonator, a clock signal generation circuit, a clock signal output terminal, an external signal input terminal, and an interface circuit or time-to-digital conversion circuit to measure time differences or frequency information between the clock signal and an external signal, allowing for flexible signal processing and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an oscillator outputs a clock signal to the outside, then the clock signal can be used externally, but the oscillator cannot obtain information about the relationship between the clock signal and external signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time-to-digital conversion circuit as an intermediary component that measures the time difference between the clock signal and external signals, and an interface circuit that outputs this measurement information to the outside. This intermediary mechanism enables the oscillator to both output clock signals externally and obtain time difference information without direct internal coupling between the oscillation circuit and measurement circuit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an oscillator incorporates measurement circuits to obtain time difference information, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the oscillator into functionally independent modules: an oscillation circuit that generates the clock signal, a time-to-digital conversion circuit that measures time differences, and an interface circuit that handles external communications. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function without interfering with others, enhancing functionality while keeping the overall system manageable through clear modular boundaries.
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
Enables the output of clock signals for external use while obtaining time difference or frequency information, enhancing the oscillator's functionality in various applications like ADPLL, DLL, and frequency synchronization systems, and allowing for user-defined control algorithms without the need for complex analog circuit design.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator, a clock signal generation circuit that oscillates the resonator to generate a clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator includes a resonator, a clock signal generation circuit, a clock signal output terminal, an external signal input terminal, an interface circuit, and an interface terminal. The clock signal generation circuit oscillates the resonator to generate a clock signal. The clock signal output terminal outputs the clock signal. An external signal is input to the external signal input terminal. The interface circuit outputs time difference information obtained by measuring a time difference between a transition timing of a first signal based on the external signal input from the external signal input terminal and a transition timing of a second signal based on the clock signal, or frequency information obtained by measuring a frequency of a first clock signal, which is one of the clock signal and the external clock signal, based on a frequency of a second clock signal, which is the other of the clock signal and the external clock signal. The interface terminal is coupled to the interface circuit.