Resonator Device Temperature Sensor Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resonator devices face challenges in accurately compensating for temperature variations in oscillation frequencies, particularly when using multiple crystal oscillators, which affects the accuracy and performance of time-digital conversion processes.

Innovation Solution

A resonator device configuration that includes a first resonator generating a reference clock signal, a second resonator with frequency adjusted based on the reference signal, and a temperature sensor for precise temperature compensation, where the temperature sensor is disposed to overlap the first resonator, allowing for accurate detection and compensation of temperature-induced frequency changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two crystal oscillators are used independently to generate clock signals, then the device can perform time-digital conversion, but the oscillation frequencies cannot be accurately temperature-compensated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime-digital conversion capabilityVSAvoidtemperature compensation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature sensing function with the resonator structure by placing the temperature sensor in direct thermal contact with the resonator body. This integration allows the sensor to accurately detect the resonator's temperature, enabling precise temperature compensation of the oscillation frequency while maintaining time-digital conversion capability using multiple oscillators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the temperature sensor is placed far from the resonator, then the device structure is simpler, but the temperature detection accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor placement structureVSAvoidtemperature detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensor is nested within or integrated into the resonator structure itself, with the sensor positioned inside the resonator housing or directly attached to the resonator body. This nested arrangement ensures the sensor is in close thermal contact with the resonator, achieving high temperature detection accuracy without adding significant structural complexity to the overall device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration enables high-accuracy temperature compensation of both resonators, improving the performance of time-digital conversion by reducing frequency variations and enhancing the accuracy of time measurement processes.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor for performing temperature compensation on an oscillation frequency of the first resonator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentUS10608586B2Resonator device, electronic apparatus, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A resonator device includes a first resonator that generates a reference clock signal, a second resonator that generates a first clock signal having a frequency adjusted based on the reference clock signal, and a circuit device that includes a temperature sensor for performing temperature compensation on an oscillation frequency of the first resonator. The temperature sensor is disposed on the circuit device such that the first resonator overlaps the temperature sensor in a plan view.