Trimmed Oscillator Counter Circuit for Accurate Timing in Small ICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timer circuits in electronic devices face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy due to variations in oscillation frequency caused by temperature and manufacturing variations, leading to increased circuit area requirements for adjustment, which hinders miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit with a trimming circuit that includes cuttable conductive elements, allowing for precise adjustment of the oscillation frequency by setting a predetermined count value in the counter circuit, thereby compensating for frequency deviations without the need for a large number of capacitors and resistors, thus maintaining accuracy while preventing circuit area expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of capacitors and resistors are prepared for frequency adjustment, then oscillation frequency accuracy is improved, but circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adjustment parameter from capacitor/resistor values to counter circuit count values. By adjusting the count value parameter in the counter circuit, the oscillation frequency accuracy is improved without requiring physical changes to capacitors or resistors, thereby avoiding area expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a trimming circuit that generates selection signals corresponding to different count values, effectively creating a virtual representation of frequency adjustment through digital signaling rather than physical component multiplication. This allows frequency compensation without duplicating physical adjustment components.
2Measurement precision
If temperature and manufacturing variations are compensated, then time measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the trimming circuit receives the oscillation signal, detects frequency deviations caused by temperature and manufacturing variations, and generates selection signals to adjust the counter circuit's count value accordingly. This closed-loop feedback compensates for variations while maintaining a relatively simple circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trimming circuit serves multiple functions: it monitors oscillation frequency, determines the appropriate compensation level, generates selection signals, and controls the counter circuit adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby limiting complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit is configured to output an output signal after elapse of a predetermined time from a received trigger signal, and includes an oscillator configured to output a pulse signal having a predetermined oscillation frequency; a counter circuit configured to count the pulse signal from the oscillator upon receiving the trigger signal and to output the output signal in response to a count value reaching a predetermined value; and a trimming circuit including a plurality of trimming elements which includes a cuttable conductive part and configured to output a selection signal corresponding to a trimming element having a cut conductive part. In the trimming circuit, the trimming element, which corresponds to the oscillation frequency of the pulse signal output from the oscillator among the plurality of trimming elements, is cut, and the counter circuit is configured to set the predetermined value according to the selection signal.