Resonator Aging Tracking With Reference Oscillators for Timing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices and systems face challenges in maintaining high-precision timing due to the aging of resonator circuits, which can lead to deviations in timing signals. Conventional solutions like GPS synchronization or local atomic clocks are either unreliable in indoor environments or excessively costly.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves tracking the aging of a main resonator oscillator by using additional resonator oscillators as reference, which are not used to generate timing signals. This approach allows for the correction of timing signal frequencies based on the aging rate, providing a low-cost and reliable method to maintain timing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS synchronization is used to correct resonator aging, then timing accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates in indoor or offline environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local atomic clock as an intermediary device that stores precise timing information. Instead of relying on external GPS signals, the atomic clock serves as a local reference that can be queried by the resonator circuit to correct timing drift, thereby maintaining accuracy without external dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a local copy of atomic clock timing information by having the resonator circuit periodically synchronize with GPS when available, storing the reference timing data locally. This copied reference allows the system to maintain accurate timing even when GPS signals are unavailable, effectively decoupling real-time accuracy from external signal dependency.
2Measurement precision
If a local atomic clock is used to maintain timing accuracy, then timing precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of a resonator circuit (low-cost frequency generator) with periodic GPS synchronization capabilities. By combining these two approaches, the system achieves atomic-clock-level accuracy without requiring a full atomic clock implementation, thereby maintaining precision while controlling costs through component selection and operational strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic synchronization where the resonator circuit updates its timing reference at intervals when GPS signals are available. This periodic correction approach allows the system to maintain high timing precision using a low-cost resonator, only expending resources on GPS communication when needed to refresh the timing reference, thus avoiding continuous high-cost atomic clock operation.
3Device complexity
If resonator aging is not corrected, then device complexity is reduced, but timing accuracy deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the resonator circuit periodically compares its generated timing signals against reference timing from GPS or a local atomic clock. When drift is detected, the system adjusts the resonator frequency accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accuracy without requiring complex hardware modifications to the resonator itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a first oscillator circuit including a first input node to receive a connection from a first resonator, and a first output node to provide a first oscillating signal; a second oscillator circuit including a second input node to receive a connection from a second resonator, and a second output node to provide a second oscillating signal; a frequency measurement circuit coupled to the first output node and the second output node; a code generator including an input node coupled to an output node of the frequency measurement circuit, and an output node to provide a code; and a timing signal generator including a node coupled to the output node of the code generator, an input node coupled to the output node of the first oscillator circuit, an output node to provide an output oscillating signal.