Self-Polarised Quartz Oscillator Circuit With Integrated Amplitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quartz oscillator circuits face challenges with large component count, high electrical consumption, and the need for external polarisation sources, which hinder integration and efficiency in watchmaking applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-polarised quartz oscillator circuit with an integrated amplitude regulation stage that combines current source, rectifier, and polarisation functions using a MOS current mirror and diode-connected transistors, reducing component count and electrical consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a high-value polarisation resistor is used to reduce current in the active branch, then electrical consumption is reduced, but the resistor occupies large space in the integrated circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive polarisation resistor with an active polarisation circuit using MOS transistors (specifically a diode-connected MOS transistor and a current source). This substitution allows achieving the same polarisation function with much smaller area occupation in the integrated circuit while maintaining the ability to control and reduce electrical consumption through transistor gating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarisation mechanism from a fixed resistance value to a dynamically controllable transistor-based system. By using MOS transistors with adjustable gate voltages and current sources, the polarisation parameters can be optimized to achieve low current consumption without requiring large physical space, as transistor dimensions can be scaled much smaller than equivalent resistance implementations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an adaptable current source with regulation unit is used to maintain oscillation amplitude, then oscillation stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the amplitude regulation function with the polarisation circuit by using the same diode-connected MOS transistor and current source arrangement for both purposes. The regulation unit is integrated into the polarisation path, allowing a single circuit block to perform dual functions: maintaining proper oscillation amplitude while providing stable polarisation to the active branch, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarisation circuit using diode-connected MOS transistors and current sources serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides polarisation voltage, regulates oscillation amplitude, and controls current distribution in the active branch. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated regulation components, reducing device complexity while maintaining oscillation stability.
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 enables a compact, low-power quartz oscillator circuit capable of generating a clock signal with reduced electrical consumption and integrated amplitude regulation, suitable for watchmaking applications.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage oscillation at the level of the quartz is established in order to produce an oscillation signal with a frequency determined by the first output electrode of the quartz
Data Source
AI summary
The self-polarised quartz oscillator circuit comprises an amplifier with an output which is connected to a first electrode of the quartz and an input which is connected to a second electrode of the quartz, an output capacitor which is connected to the first electrode of the quartz and an input capacitor which is connected to the second electrode of the quartz. The amplifier is polarised by a current through a MOS polarisation transistor, which is generated in an amplitude regulation assembly which comprises also an amplitude regulation stage. The second electrode of the quartz is connected to the gate of the polarisation transistor and to the amplitude regulation stage in order to modulate the polarisation current and to regulate the oscillation amplitude of the quartz.