Self-Trimming Resonant Circuit for Precise Frequency Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resonant circuits in RF communication devices face challenges in maintaining precise resonant frequencies due to manufacturing tolerances and temperature variations, leading to inefficiencies in signal transmission and reception.

Innovation Solution

A self-trimming resonant circuit system that adjusts operational parameters by using a trimming circuit with variable impedance, driven by a driver circuit generating a signal at the desired frequency, and correlated with amplitude detection to determine optimal impedance settings, allowing for automated tuning of the resonant frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If resonant circuits are designed with fixed component values, then manufacturing is simple, but resonant frequency varies due to manufacturing tolerances and temperature changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency precisionVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed component values with dynamically adjustable components. Specifically, variable capacitors (such as varactor diodes) are used instead of fixed capacitors, allowing the resonant frequency to be tuned and adjusted after manufacturing to compensate for tolerances and temperature variations, thereby achieving precise resonant frequency without increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electrical parameters of the resonant circuit components. By changing the capacitance value of variable capacitors through voltage control (varactor effect) or mechanical adjustment, the resonant frequency can be precisely tuned to the desired value, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and frequency precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manual trimming is used to adjust resonant frequency, then precision can be improved, but operation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency accuracyVSAvoidtrimming operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by implementing automated trimming circuits that can adjust the resonant frequency without manual intervention. The system uses microcontrollers or dedicated trimming circuits to automatically tune the variable capacitors based on feedback from frequency detection, eliminating the need for manual trimming operations while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the actual resonant frequency is detected and compared with the target frequency, and the variable capacitor settings are automatically adjusted based on the error signal. This closed-loop feedback system achieves high precision frequency accuracy while simplifying operation, as the system self-corrects without user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If component values are varied to adjust resonant frequency, then frequency adaptability improves, but impedance matching and signal quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency rangeVSAvoidsignal transmission quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully manages parameter changes by using variable capacitors that can adjust capacitance within a controlled range. This allows the resonant frequency to be tuned across different values while maintaining proper impedance matching through coordinated adjustment of other circuit parameters, thus preserving signal quality across the frequency range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic adjustment of circuit parameters to maintain signal quality during frequency changes. By continuously optimizing the impedance matching network as the resonant frequency is tuned, the system maintains reliable signal transmission across the entire frequency range, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables precise tuning of resonant frequencies, enhancing the effectiveness of RF communication devices by minimizing signal mismatch and improving communication quality across varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

resonance can occur when electrical energy oscillates between components that have inductive and capacitive properties, respectively. Thus, resonant circuits can be built using an inductor connected in parallel to a capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

A trimming circuit provides variable impedances to the resonant circuit and thereby changes the resonance frequency for the resonant circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance variation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 3

An amplitude detection circuit detects amplitudes for signals generated in response to the trimming signal being connected to the resonant circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8890633B2Resonant circuit with automated trimming capabilities
Publication Date: 2014.11.18 NXP BV
  • US8890633B2 patent drawing
  • US8890633B2 patent drawing
  • US8890633B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an example embodiment, a device includes a resonant circuit configured and arranged to provide a peak current flow at a resonance frequency. A trimming circuit provides variable impedances to the resonant circuit and thereby changes the resonance frequency for the resonant circuit. A driver circuit is configured to generate a trimming signal that oscillates at a desired frequency. A switch circuit couples and decouples the driver circuit to the resonant circuit for driving the resonant circuit with the trimming signal. An amplitude detection circuit detects amplitudes for signals generated in response to the trimming signal being connected to the resonant circuit. A processing circuit correlates detected amplitudes from the amplitude detection circuit with different impedance values of the variable trimming circuit.