Quick-Start Quartz Oscillator Phase Realignment for Frequency Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quartz oscillator systems face challenges in achieving precise rapid start-up and frequency locking due to frequency errors that vary over time and with aging, affecting the accuracy of the oscillation frequency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves continuously operating the reference oscillator to measure and correct frequency errors by using phase variations during start-up, allowing for precise frequency adjustment of the reference oscillator to match the quartz oscillator, with the phase difference used to deduce and correct frequency deviations, maintaining accuracy within a ±1% margin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the reference oscillator frequency is calibrated during test phase after circuit assembly, then the oscillator system can be manufactured, but the frequency error changes over time due to PVT conditions and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the reference oscillator frequency during the test phase after circuit assembly. The calibration data is stored in a lookup table in ROM, enabling the system to compensate for frequency drift caused by PVT variations and aging without requiring real-time complex calculations. This preliminary calibration establishes a baseline that improves frequency accuracy over the product lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the phase difference between the reference oscillator and quartz oscillator, using this information to adjust the reference oscillator frequency through a frequency adjustment unit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for frequency drift caused by aging and PVT conditions, maintaining long-term frequency accuracy.
2Speed
If rapid start-up is implemented in quartz oscillator systems, then start-up time is reduced, but frequency precision and phase control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the lookup table with calibration data during manufacturing. This allows the rapid start-up controller to immediately access pre-computed frequency adjustment values without performing complex real-time calculations, achieving both fast start-up and frequency precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the lookup table stored in ROM - that mediates between the rapid start-up requirement and frequency precision requirement. The lookup table contains pre-calculated frequency adjustment values that can be quickly retrieved during start-up, enabling fast response while maintaining accuracy through pre-computed corrections.
3Measurement precision
If the reference oscillator is continuously operated to measure phase variations, then frequency error correction is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by operating the reference oscillator continuously only during the start-up phase to measure phase variations and correct frequency errors. Once the quartz oscillator is stabilized, the system transitions to a lower power mode where the reference oscillator can be reduced or shut down, achieving accurate frequency correction during critical periods while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
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 approach ensures improved start-up precision and frequency stability of the quartz oscillator system by continuously operating the reference oscillator, allowing for continuous phase realignment and frequency correction, thereby maintaining accurate oscillation frequency without the need for frequent parameter adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The oscillator 11 comprises a quartz resonator 12 linked to an electronic oscillator circuit 14
Implementation Method 2
The oscillator 45, generally implemented as an RC oscillator
Implementation Method 3
The oscillator 45 is further connected or coupled to a phase-locked loop 55 (PLL)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention provides a method for activating a fast-start oscillator system (10), comprising a reference oscillator (45) and a quartz oscillator (12) connected to an electronic oscillator circuit, which is designed to provide a master clock signal to a startup controller configured to perform a fast startup procedure of the quartz oscillator via the reference oscillator. The startup controller includes a processing unit (25) and a memory unit (26) for storing data connected to the reference oscillator for starting the quartz oscillator.The method includes steps, during a quartz oscillator start-up time of setting up the computing unit for starting the quartz oscillator, generating excitation pulses at different successive times within a quartz oscillator start-up time to be supplied to the quartz oscillator to make it oscillate, and a phase realignment time, determining a phase difference at different successive times between the oscillation of the reference oscillator and the oscillation of the quartz oscillator, calculating a frequency error in the computing unit based on the phase difference or the derivative of the slope of phase variations, and correcting the frequency of the reference oscillator to the frequency of the quartz oscillator within a limited margin of error.