Time-to-Digital Conversion Circuit with Phase-Synchronized Dual Clocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time-to-digital conversion circuits face challenges in improving precision and resolution due to complex circuit processing and lengthened conversion times, especially when using semiconductor elements and quartz crystal oscillators.
Innovation Solution
A circuit device that includes a time-to-digital conversion circuit and a synchronization circuit, where clock signals with different frequencies are used to synchronize phases, allowing for spontaneous generation of a first signal and calculation of time differences with high precision and resolution by comparing phase transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If semiconductor elements are used for time-to-digital conversion, then resolution is improved, but precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The time measurement is segmented into two parts: a coarse measurement using semiconductor delay elements for high resolution, and a fine measurement using quartz crystal oscillators for high precision. The total time difference is calculated by combining both measurements, allowing the system to achieve both high resolution and high precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A synchronization circuit acts as an intermediary to coordinate the operations of the semiconductor delay circuit and the quartz crystal oscillators. It generates synchronization signals that trigger the delay circuit and coordinates the counting of clock pulses, ensuring that both measurement mechanisms work together seamlessly to achieve both high resolution and precision.
2Measurement precision
If quartz crystal oscillators are used for time measurement, then precision is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quartz crystal oscillators serve multiple functions: they provide the high-precision time reference for measurement, generate synchronization signals for the semiconductor delay circuit, and provide clock pulses for the counter circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate circuits and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the quartz crystal oscillators and semiconductor delay elements into a unified time-to-digital conversion system. The synchronization circuit merges the operation of both components, allowing them to work together as an integrated system rather than separate independent circuits, thereby reducing overall complexity.
3Measurement precision
If edge matching detection is used to synchronize oscillators, then precision is improved, but conversion time is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization circuit performs preliminary synchronization of the quartz crystal oscillators before the actual time measurement begins. By pre-establishing the phase relationship between oscillators and generating synchronization signals in advance, the system avoids time-consuming edge matching detection during the measurement process, thereby reducing conversion time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit device includes: a time-to-digital conversion circuit to which a first clock signal with a first clock frequency and a second clock signal with a second clock frequency different from the first clock frequency are input and that converts a time difference in transition timings of first and second signals into a digital value; and a synchronization circuit that synchronizes phases of the first and second clock signals. The time-to-digital conversion circuit calculates the digital value corresponding to the time difference by transitioning a signal level of the first signal based on the first clock signal after a phase synchronization timing of the first and second clock signals and compares the phase of the second clock signal to a phase of the second signal having a signal level is transitioned to correspond to the first signal.