Oscillator Frequency Correction Using Temperature Interpolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor integrated circuit devices experience unstable operation due to temperature-induced changes in clock signal frequency, necessitating a solution to maintain stable output frequency across varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An oscillator circuit with a temperature sensor, error correction circuit, and oscillator that uses pre-stored error correction values to adjust bias, resistance, or capacitor values based on temperature sensing values, thereby correcting frequency errors and maintaining stable clock signal output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature compensation is implemented using multiple discrete correction circuits for different temperature ranges, then frequency stability across temperature changes is improved, but device complexity and circuit area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of error correction values from discrete separate values to continuous interpolation-based values. The error correction circuit interpolates between stored reference values (first error correction value at reference temperature, second error correction value at higher reference temperature) to generate appropriate correction values for intermediate temperatures, thereby maintaining frequency stability without requiring discrete circuits for each temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The error correction circuit is designed to handle multiple temperature ranges using a single unified interpolation mechanism. Instead of having separate correction circuits for different temperature zones, one universal circuit performs interpolation across the entire temperature range using the two reference correction values, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining comprehensive temperature compensation.
2Measurement precision
If discrete error correction values are stored for multiple temperature ranges, then frequency correction accuracy is improved, but memory usage and device area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the approach from storing multiple discrete correction values for different temperature ranges to storing only two reference correction values and using interpolation to generate correction values for intermediate temperatures. This parameter change from discrete storage to continuous generation significantly reduces memory requirements while maintaining correction accuracy through mathematical interpolation between the two reference points.
3Reliability
If temperature sensing and error correction mechanisms are added to the oscillator circuit, then frequency stability under temperature variation is improved, but circuit complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing the first error correction value (corresponding to a first reference temperature) and the second error correction value (corresponding to a second reference temperature higher than the first reference temperature) in the error correction circuit. These pre-stored values serve as reference points that enable the circuit to perform interpolation and generate appropriate error correction values for intermediate temperatures, thereby maintaining frequency stability without requiring complex real-time temperature-specific correction circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The error correction circuit changes the parameter approach from using multiple discrete correction values for different temperature ranges to using interpolation between two reference correction values. By storing only the first error correction value at a first reference temperature and the second error correction value at a second reference temperature, the circuit reduces its own internal complexity while still providing comprehensive temperature compensation through continuous interpolation.
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
The solution effectively stabilizes clock signal frequency across temperature changes, ensuring consistent operation of semiconductor integrated circuit devices by generating error correction values through interpolation or extrapolation using pre-stored values, reducing temperature sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor to sense a temperature inside a semiconductor integrated circuit device and to output a temperature sensing value
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiment relates to an oscillator circuit, a semiconductor integrated circuit device and a method for frequency correction of an oscillator circuit, and more particularly, to an oscillator circuit, a semiconductor integrated circuit device and a method for frequency correction of an oscillator circuit capable of stably maintaining an output frequency of a clock signal even when a temperature of the semiconductor integrated circuit device changes.