Signal Generation Circuit for Precise SYNC Cycle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
CLK synchronous print heads face limitations in maintaining an ideal SYNC cycle due to restrictions on SYNC_CLK frequency, leading to increased color shift and suboptimal image formation.
Innovation Solution
A signal generation circuit that adjusts the SYNC cycle by modifying the length of half-cycle periods of the SYNC_CLK signal, allowing for closer alignment with the ideal SYNC cycle without increasing SYNC_CLK frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the SYNC_CLK frequency is increased to reduce the SYNC cycle error, then the manufacturing precision of the SYNC cycle improves, but the device complexity and power consumption increase due to IC operation speed restrictions and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the SYNC_CLK signal into multiple divided clock signals with different frequencies. By segmenting the clock signal generation, the system achieves fine-grained control over the SYNC cycle without requiring a single high-frequency clock, thus avoiding the complexity and power consumption issues associated with high-frequency IC operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically selects and switches between multiple divided clock signals based on the required SYNC cycle accuracy. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different precision requirements without permanently operating at maximum frequency, reducing overall complexity and power consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve high precision when needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If the SYNC_CLK frequency is increased to reduce color shift, then the image formation accuracy improves, but the power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock signal generation into multiple divided clocks, allowing the system to achieve the necessary SYNC cycle precision for accurate image formation without relying on a single high-frequency clock signal. This segmentation enables power-efficient operation by using lower-frequency divided clocks that still provide sufficient precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the clock signals by generating multiple divided clocks with different frequencies. This parameter variation allows the system to select the optimal frequency that balances image formation accuracy with power consumption, avoiding the need to continuously operate at high frequencies that would generate excessive heat and consume more power.
3Manufacturing precision
If the SYNC_CLK frequency is increased to reduce color shift, then the manufacturing precision of the SYNC cycle improves, but the heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock signal into multiple divided clocks, enabling the system to achieve high SYNC cycle precision without operating a single clock at high frequency. This segmentation distributes the operational load across multiple lower-frequency signals, reducing heat generation while maintaining the precision needed for accurate image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the frequency of divided clock signals to match the required SYNC cycle precision. This allows the system to operate at lower frequencies that generate less heat, while still achieving the necessary precision through selective use of appropriate divided clock frequencies.
4Ease of manufacture
If the SYNC_CLK frequency is decreased to reduce device complexity, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the SYNC cycle error and color shift increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the clock signal into multiple frequencies, allowing the use of simpler, lower-frequency ICs that are easier to manufacture while still achieving high SYNC cycle accuracy through the combined use of multiple divided clocks. This segmentation approach maintains circuit simplicity while overcoming the precision limitations of low-frequency operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the clock generation system multi-functional by creating divided clocks that can serve different precision requirements. This universal approach allows a single set of divided clocks to handle various SYNC cycle accuracy needs, maintaining ease of manufacture with simple ICs while providing the precision functionality required for accurate image formation.
5Device complexity
If the SYNC_CLK frequency is decreased to simplify the circuit, then the device complexity reduces, but the color shift amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock signal into multiple divided frequencies, enabling the use of simpler circuits with lower-frequency ICs while maintaining precise control over the SYNC cycle. This segmentation allows the system to achieve accurate color alignment without the complexity of high-frequency circuit design, thus reducing device complexity while controlling color shift.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically selects from multiple divided clock signals to optimize the balance between circuit complexity and color shift control. By dynamically switching between different divided clock frequencies, the system maintains precise SYNC cycle control for accurate color alignment while keeping the overall circuit design simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a signal generation circuit includes a generation unit configured to generate a second clock signal from division of a first clock signal and generate a timing signal with a cycle length that is a sum of a predetermined number of half-cycle periods of the second clock signal. A period changing unit of the signal generation circuit is configured to adjust the cycle length of the timing signal by changing a length of at least one half-cycle period of the second clock signal. An output unit of the signal generation circuit is configured to output the second clock signal and the timing signal.


