Sensor Clock Signal Acquisition Using Delay Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits face data acquisition errors in temperature-dependent oscillator systems, particularly in watch applications, due to temperature-induced frequency variations, which affect timing accuracy and require lengthy measurement windows to mitigate errors.
Innovation Solution
A method for accurately acquiring data from a sensor clock signal using a delay element and multiple delayed signals to align and correct for errors, minimizing data acquisition errors by determining the length of non-full signal cycles and applying correction factors based on signal states, thereby improving timing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard data acquisition method is used to measure temperature sensor signals, then the measurement process is simple, but data acquisition errors occur due to misalignment between oscillator and sensor clock signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating multiple delayed versions of the sensor clock signal in advance, before the actual data acquisition process. These pre-generated delayed signals are then used to detect and correct timing misalignments, eliminating data acquisition errors without requiring complex real-time adjustments during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses delayed sensor clock signals as intermediary elements to mediate between the oscillator clock signal and the temperature sensor signal. By introducing these intermediate delayed signals, the system can accurately determine timing relationships and apply correction factors, resolving the synchronization issue without direct complex interaction between the original clock signals.
2Measurement precision
If the measurement window is extended to mitigate data acquisition errors, then measurement accuracy improves, but the data acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the measurement window length based on the detected timing relationship between clock signals. Instead of using a fixed long measurement window, the system determines the optimal window duration by analyzing signal alignment, thereby achieving high accuracy while minimizing unnecessary measurement time.
3Reliability
If temperature compensation is implemented to correct oscillator frequency drift, then timing accuracy improves, but the system requires accurate temperature measurement which is compromised by data acquisition errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the detected timing alignment information to generate correction factors that adjust the temperature measurement results. The system continuously monitors the relationship between oscillator and sensor clock signals, and uses this feedback to correct temperature readings, ensuring accurate temperature compensation for the oscillator while maintaining measurement efficiency.
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
The proposed solution significantly reduces data acquisition errors, enhancing the precision of temperature compensation in electronic circuits, such as those used in watches, by accurately accounting for both full and non-full signal cycles, leading to improved timing accuracy without increasing data acquisition time.
Implementation Method 1
generating, from the sensor clock signal, a number n of time delayed clock signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a method of acquiring data from a digital sensor clock signal in an electronic circuit. The method comprises: generating (21) a sensor clock signal; determining (29) the number of full signal cycles in the sensor clock signal during a given time period; saving (31) the number of full signal cycles in a register; generating (23) time delayed sensor clock signals; determining (29), based on the sensor clock signal and at least some of the delayed sensor clock signals, a correction factor defining the estimated length of the non-full signal cycle in the sensor clock signal during the given period; and updating (31) the register with the determined correction factor.