TCXO Stabilization via Adjacent Circuitry Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) receivers face interference issues due to thermal microshocks and electromagnetic interference, which affect the accuracy of the GNSS clock signal, leading to errors in determining position.

Innovation Solution

The system stabilizes the oscillation frequency of a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) by configuring adjacent circuitry at a constant power level, reducing thermal microshocks and electromagnetic interference, thereby maintaining accurate time synchronization with satellite time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the TCXO is integrated with adjacent circuitry on the same chip, then device integration is improved, but thermal microshocks and electromagnetic interference increase affecting clock stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidclock signal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the chip into distinct functional regions: a first region containing the TCXO and a second region containing adjacent circuitry. This spatial segmentation reduces thermal microshocks and electromagnetic interference between the TCXO and other circuits while maintaining overall device integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (such as a ground shield or isolation circuit) between the TCXO and adjacent circuitry. This intermediary acts as a buffer to reduce electromagnetic coupling and thermal interference, protecting the clock signal stability while allowing both components to coexist on the same chip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If adjacent circuitry operates at variable power levels, then power efficiency is improved, but thermal fluctuations increase affecting TCXO frequency stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidoscillation frequency stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary thermal compensation by configuring adjacent circuitry to operate at a predetermined power level during specific time periods before critical measurements. This preliminary action pre-stabilizes the thermal environment around the TCXO, ensuring frequency stability during important operations while allowing power efficiency optimizations at other times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the power level parameter of adjacent circuitry based on operational requirements. During critical periods when clock stability is essential, the circuitry operates at a constant predetermined power level. During non-critical periods, the power level can be adjusted for optimal power efficiency, thus balancing stability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the TCXO is isolated from adjacent circuitry, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but device area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclock signal accuracyVSAvoidchip area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the isolation function into the existing chip layout by strategically placing ground shields and isolation structures within the available space between the TCXO and adjacent circuitry. This approach achieves effective electromagnetic isolation without requiring separate isolation chips or significantly increasing the overall device area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the stability of the GNSS clock signal, improving the accuracy of position determination and reducing power consumption by isolating the TCXO from thermal fluctuations and electromagnetic noise.

Implementation Method 1

stabilizing an oscillation frequency of a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature compensation:

Implementation Method 2

reducing thermal microshocks and electromagnetic interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal microshock reduction: Thermal Shock

Data Source

PatentUS8305267B2Method and system for stabilizing a GNSS clock by reducing interference

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

Methods and systems for stabilizing a GNSS clock by reducing interference are disclosed and may include stabilizing a frequency of a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) on a chip in a GNSS device. A clock signal may be generated for the device by temporarily configuring circuitry adjacent to the TCXO at a constant power level. Temperature and electromagnetic interference of the TCXO may be stabilized by the constant power level of the adjacent circuitry, which may be on the chip or external to the chip. The frequency of the TCXO may be stabilized by temporarily disabling the adjacent circuitry. A GNSS clock signal may be stabilized by the configuring of the constant power level while a GNSS location may be calibrated. A GNSS location of a fixed wireless device, such as a wireless access point, may be calibrated utilizing the configured constant power level and shared with other wireless devices.