Switched-Capacitor Clock Generation for Voltage-Stable Resonator Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock generation systems face inefficiencies in power consumption and consistent charge delivery to resonators due to their reliance on continuous energization methods, which are energy inefficient and dependent on system voltage variations.
Innovation Solution
A clock generation circuit incorporating a switched capacitor circuit that provides discrete amounts of charge to a resonator during specific portions of the clock cycle, reducing power consumption and ensuring consistent energization by utilizing a capacitor bank to sustain the resonator's operation, allowing for flexible configuration and efficient energy use across varying system voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous energization method is used to sustain resonator operation, then the resonator can maintain consistent operation, but power consumption increases and charge delivery becomes dependent on system voltage variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a switched capacitor circuit that delivers charge to the resonator in discrete pulses synchronized with the clock cycle, rather than continuous energization. The capacitor switches are controlled to transfer charge at specific phases (e.g., rising and falling edges), creating periodic charge delivery that maintains resonator operation while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors during specific phases of the clock cycle before the resonator needs energization. The switched capacitor circuit charges capacitors in advance during non-critical phases, then delivers this stored charge to the resonator at precise moments when needed, ensuring consistent operation without requiring continuous power supply.
2Reliability
If continuous energization method is used to sustain resonator operation, then the resonator can maintain consistent operation, but charge delivery becomes dependent on system voltage variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors during specific phases of the clock cycle before the resonator needs energization. The switched capacitor circuit charges capacitors in advance during non-critical phases, then delivers this stored charge to the resonator at precise moments when needed, ensuring consistent operation without requiring continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by using a switched capacitor circuit that delivers charge to the resonator in discrete pulses synchronized with the clock cycle, rather than continuous energization. The capacitor switches are controlled to transfer charge at specific phases (e.g., rising and falling edges), creating periodic charge delivery that maintains resonator operation while reducing overall power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If discrete charge delivery is implemented using switched capacitor circuit, then power consumption is reduced and voltage independence is achieved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charge delivery function into multiple switched capacitor banks, where each capacitor or capacitor group is controlled independently by specific switch pairs. This segmentation allows precise control of charge delivery at different clock phases while using standard integrated circuit components, managing complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the switched capacitor circuit to perform multiple functions: frequency multiplication (generating higher frequency clock outputs from lower frequency resonator), power consumption reduction through pulsed charging, and voltage independence. The same basic switched capacitor topology handles all these functions simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity.
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 approach enhances energy efficiency by regulating the charge provided to the resonator, maintaining consistent operation across different voltages and offering flexibility in frequency tuning, thereby reducing power consumption and improving the precision of clock frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
A clock generation circuit includes a switched capacitor circuit for providing a discrete amount of charge to a resonator
Implementation Method 2
Some clock generation systems utilize a resonator such as a crystal resonator for providing a timing signal as a reference for a clock signal
Implementation Method 3
a crystal resonator for providing a timing signal
Data Source
AI summary
A clock generation circuit includes a switched capacitor circuit for providing a discrete amount of charge to a resonator for sustaining energization of the resonator at specific portions of the clock cycle.