Integrated Sensor Timing Monitoring for Runtime Clock Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors face deviations in clock frequency due to manufacturing non-idealities and aging, leading to deviations in sample rate from nominal values, which cannot be corrected at runtime without interrupting operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensor with a clock, digital detector, and timing monitoring stage that compares the reference digital signal with a nominal signal to provide an error signal for timing errors, allowing for real-time correction of clock frequency without interrupting operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external devices are used to detect timing errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing error detection function into the sensor device itself by integrating a digital detector and timing monitoring stage. This eliminates the need for external detection devices while maintaining measurement precision, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs self-diagnosis of timing errors through its internal digital detector and monitoring circuitry. The device monitors its own clock signal and detects timing deviations without requiring external intervention, achieving both high measurement precision and reduced system complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If clock trimming is performed during test steps, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements clock trimming during the manufacturing/test phase to establish accurate initial clock frequency, but the real innovation is enabling continuous autonomous trimming during operation. This preliminary action ensures manufacturing precision while the runtime capability eliminates productivity losses
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static clock trimming (performed only during manufacturing) to dynamic clock trimming (continuous adjustment during operation). The timing monitoring stage continuously detects errors and triggers corrective trimming actions, maintaining precision without interrupting production or operation
3Reliability
If clock frequency is corrected at runtime, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the timing monitoring stage continuously monitors the clock signal and digital detector output, compares actual timing against nominal values, and generates correction signals back to the clock circuit. This automatic feedback mechanism maintains sample rate accuracy while keeping the added complexity minimal and integrated
Solution Approach 2:
The digital detector serves as an intermediary element that bridges the clock signal and the main sensor processing. It detects timing errors in the clock signal without disrupting the main sensor operation, and the timing monitoring stage uses this information to generate subtle correction signals, maintaining reliability with minimal complexity increase
4Manufacturing precision
If sensor operation is interrupted for trimming, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous clock trimming during sensor operation without interrupting the sensing and data acquisition processes. The timing monitoring and correction occur in parallel with normal sensor operation, eliminating downtime and maintaining both precision and continuous productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary clock calibration during manufacturing, then uses the timing monitoring stage to make minor continuous adjustments during operation. This preliminary action establishes the baseline accuracy, while runtime adjustments maintain precision without requiring operational interruptions
Data Source
AI summary
The integrated sensor has a clock which provides a clock signal having a clock frequency; a digital detector which detects a power grid signal and generates a reference digital signal indicative of the power grid signal and having a sample rate which is a function of the clock frequency; and a timing monitoring stage which receives the reference digital signal and a nominal signal indicative of a nominal timing of the reference digital signal. The timing monitoring stage also compares the reference digital signal with the nominal signal and, in response, provides an error signal indicative of a timing error between the reference digital signal and the nominal signal.