Stacked Oscillator Inductor Layout Avoids Metal Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oscillators with stacked resonators and integrated circuits, the integration of an inductor within the circuit leads to a magnetic field blockage by the metal member of the resonator, causing eddy currents and deterioration of the Q value and circuit function.
Innovation Solution
The resonator and integrated circuit are stacked such that the metal member does not overlap the inductor, reducing magnetic field blockage and eddy currents, and a guard ring is provided to maintain a safe distance, while the PLL circuit and filter are positioned to minimize area increase and optimize signal flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an inductor is built into the integrated circuit element for miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the Q value of the inductor deteriorates due to magnetic field blockage by the metal member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional arrangement by stacking the resonator and integrated circuit element vertically, and strategically positioning the inductor in the planar dimension to avoid overlap with the metal member. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows miniaturization through integration while preventing magnetic field blockage, thus maintaining the Q value of the inductor.
2Reliability
If the metal member is positioned to not overlap the inductor, then the Q value is maintained, but the area of the integrated circuit element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to separate the resonator (with metal member) and the integrated circuit element containing the inductor into different vertical layers. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the components to be integrated without requiring additional planar area, while simultaneously preventing the metal member from overlapping the inductor, thus maintaining the Q value.
3Reliability
If a guard ring is provided around the inductor to maintain distance from the metal member, then magnetic field blockage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guard ring acts as an intermediary element between the inductor and the metal member. It provides electromagnetic shielding and maintains a safe distance from the metal member, reducing magnetic field blockage and eddy current effects. Although it adds a component, the guard ring is a simple conductive structure that can be easily integrated into the existing circuit design.
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 configuration reduces the deterioration of the inductor's Q value, enhances circuit reliability, and achieves miniaturization by preventing magnetic field interference and eddy currents, while maintaining effective signal propagation and reducing parasitic capacitance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generated due to a current flowing into the inductor
Implementation Method 2
an eddy current is generated inside the metal member
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator includes a resonator and an integrated circuit element. The resonator includes a resonator element and a resonator element container accommodating the resonator element. The integrated circuit element includes an inductor. The resonator and the integrated circuit element are stacked on each other. The resonator includes a metal member, and the metal member does not overlap the inductor when viewed in a plan view.