Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator with VCO-Based Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature compensated crystal oscillators face increased costs and power consumption due to the large area and high number of elements required for temperature compensation, which degrades the reliability of electronic circuits by not accurately calibrating frequency changes caused by temperature variations.

Innovation Solution

A temperature compensated oscillation controller that uses a thermistor and a voltage controlled oscillator-based sensing operation to convert input voltage into a temperature code, adjusting the frequency of the clock signal, thereby reducing the need for additional temperature sensors and minimizing area and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional temperature sensors and voltage controlled oscillators are used for temperature compensation, then frequency stability is improved, but device area and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency stabilityVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature sensing function and the oscillation function into a single integrated circuit. The temperature sensor, voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) are merged into one device, eliminating the need for separate external components. This integration directly reduces the overall device area while maintaining temperature compensation capability and frequency stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it senses temperature through the temperature sensor, generates the oscillation signal through the VCO, converts digital control signals to analog voltages through the DAC, and provides temperature compensation all in one device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device area while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple temperature compensation elements are added, then frequency accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature sensing, signal generation, and control functions into a single integrated circuit. By integrating the temperature sensor, VCO, and DAC, the patent reduces the total power consumption that would otherwise be required by multiple separate components, while maintaining frequency accuracy through coordinated operation of the integrated elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit performs self-compensation by using its own internal temperature sensor to detect temperature changes and automatically adjusting the oscillation frequency through the VCO and DAC. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external compensation circuits, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining frequency accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional temperature compensation circuits are used, then frequency drift is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency drift reductionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions (temperature sensing, oscillation generation, digital-to-analog conversion, and temperature compensation) into a single device. This integration reduces the total component count and assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to reduce frequency drift through effective temperature compensation.

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 solution effectively compensates for temperature-induced frequency changes with reduced costs and increased performance by utilizing a thermistor and voltage controlled oscillator-based sensing, offering a more accurate and efficient temperature detection and compensation mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a thermistor and a voltage controlled oscillator-based sensing operation to convert input voltage into a temperature code

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermistor: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

voltage controlled oscillator-based sensing operation to convert input voltage into a temperature code

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage controlled oscillator-based sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS10483984B2Temperature compensated oscillation controller and temperature compensated crystal oscillator including the same

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A temperature compensated oscillation controller includes a temperature compensation circuit configured to provide a reference voltage through a first terminal and to receive an input voltage including temperature information through a second terminal, and an oscillation circuit configured to be connected to an external crystal resonator through third and fourth terminals and to output a clock signal in response to an oscillation signal from the external crystal resonator. The temperature compensation circuit is configured to perform a voltage controlled oscillator-based sensing operation to convert the input voltage into a temperature code and to adjust a frequency of the clock signal using the temperature code.