Closed-Loop Ring Oscillator Stabilization Without External Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ring oscillators in electronic systems exhibit significant frequency variations due to manufacturing process, supply voltage, and temperature fluctuations, leading to instability in clock signal output, which existing technologies fail to adequately mitigate without relying on external reference supplies.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop feedback control system is implemented, using a regulator and oscillator coupled with a resistor, where a feedback controller applies a control voltage to adjust the oscillator frequency by trimming variable transistors and resistors, maintaining frequency stability independently of process variations and power supply fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a ring oscillator is used to generate clock signals, then the device occupies small area and operates at low power, but the output frequency varies significantly due to manufacturing process, supply voltage, and temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where a feedback controller continuously monitors the oscillator voltage and resistor voltage, compares them using a differential amplifier, and adjusts the regulator output to maintain frequency stability. This feedback mechanism compensates for process variations, supply voltage fluctuations, and temperature changes without requiring external reference supplies, thereby maintaining frequency stability while keeping power consumption low.
2Reliability
If external reference supplies are used to stabilize oscillator frequency, then frequency stability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the feedback controller uses internal components (differential amplifier, regulator, and existing oscillator circuitry) to automatically compensate for frequency deviations. The system monitors its own output and adjusts its operating parameters without external intervention or reference supplies, thereby maintaining frequency stability while minimizing device complexity and eliminating the need for external reference components.
3Reliability
If external reference supplies are used to stabilize oscillator frequency, then frequency stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system efficiently manages power by only activating the regulation mechanism when frequency deviations are detected. The differential amplifier continuously compares voltages and adjusts the regulator output only as needed, avoiding continuous high-power operation. This approach maintains frequency stability while minimizing average power consumption compared to systems that require continuous external reference supplies.
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 stabilizes the oscillator output frequency, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for external references, thereby maintaining frequency stability across varying conditions while minimizing power usage and area requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a feedback controller that includes a differential amplifier coupled between the oscillator, the resistor and the regulator, wherein the feedback controller is configured to apply a control voltage to the regulator in response to a resistor voltage upon the resistor and an oscillator voltage upon the oscillator
Implementation Method 2
A closed-loop feedback control system is implemented, using a regulator and oscillator coupled with a resistor, where a feedback controller applies a control voltage to adjust the oscillator frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprises a regulator, and an oscillator and a resistor coupled to the regulator. The electronic device further comprises a feedback controller that includes a differential amplifier coupled between the oscillator, the resistor, and the regulator. The feedback controller is configured to apply a control voltage to the regulator in response to a resistor voltage upon the resistor and an oscillator voltage upon the oscillator. The feedback controller can be coupled to control a substantially equal voltage upon the resistor and the oscillator.