Programmable RC Oscillator Modes for RTN-Accurate Low-Power Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low power RC oscillators used in Bluetooth Low Energy radio operations face challenges in achieving frequency accuracy while minimizing power consumption, particularly due to the impact of Random Telegraph Noise (RTN) on MOSFET transistors, which is exacerbated by the need for higher accuracy in certain operational modes.
Innovation Solution
A programmable RC oscillator circuit that can modify its operating mode between different frequency accuracy and power consumption states, allowing for reduced power consumption in less accurate modes and increased accuracy in more power-intensive modes, thereby mitigating the impact of RTN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the area of transistors is increased to reduce RTN magnitude, then frequency accuracy is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating region parameter of transistors from weak inversion to moderate or strong inversion to reduce RTN impact. This is achieved by adjusting bias conditions and transistor sizing ratios, allowing the circuit to operate in different inversion regions to optimize the trade-off between frequency accuracy and power consumption without necessarily increasing transistor area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a programmable oscillator that can dynamically switch between different operating modes (weak, moderate, and strong inversion) based on application requirements. This allows the system to adapt its transistor operating region in real-time, selecting the appropriate balance between frequency accuracy and power consumption for different operational states.
2Measurement precision
If gate bias voltage is increased to move operating region away from deep weak inversion, then frequency accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a programmable oscillator that can dynamically switch between different operating modes (weak, moderate, and strong inversion) based on application requirements. This allows the system to adapt its transistor operating region in real-time, selecting the appropriate balance between frequency accuracy and power consumption for different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating region parameter of transistors from weak inversion to moderate or strong inversion to reduce RTN impact. This is achieved by adjusting bias conditions and transistor sizing ratios, allowing the circuit to operate in different inversion regions to optimize the trade-off between frequency accuracy and power consumption without necessarily increasing transistor area.
3Measurement precision
If transistor area is increased to reduce RTN, then frequency accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating region parameter of transistors from weak inversion to moderate or strong inversion to reduce RTN impact. This is achieved by adjusting bias conditions and transistor sizing ratios, allowing the circuit to operate in different inversion regions to optimize the trade-off between frequency accuracy and power consumption without necessarily increasing transistor area.
Data Source
AI summary
An device having an oscillator circuit modifiable between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein the first operating mode has a first frequency accuracy and a first power consumption, wherein the second operating mode has a second frequency accuracy and a second power consumption, wherein the second frequency accuracy is more accurate than the first frequency accuracy and the second power consumption is higher than the first power consumption, and a control circuit in communication with the oscillator circuit to modify the operating mode of the oscillator circuit.