Temperature Sensing Crystal IC Frequency Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crystal oscillators experience frequency instabilities due to temperature variations, leading to operational issues in electronic systems, as the resonant frequency of the crystal can change over time, causing hysteresis and affecting the accuracy of reference signals used in circuits.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing crystal integrated circuit (TSCIC) that includes a memory and a crystal oscillator, capable of generating signals indicative of measured temperature, allowing for data storage and configuration of coupled circuits to compensate for frequency variations over time and temperature, using data points and polynomial coefficients for spline interpolation to adjust frequency outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional crystal oscillator is used to generate reference signals, then the circuit can operate with a simple design, but the frequency stability deteriorates due to temperature variations and time drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the crystal oscillator's output frequency is continuously monitored and compared against a reference. The detected frequency deviations are fed back to adjust the oscillator's operation, compensating for temperature-induced drift and time variations. This closed-loop feedback system maintains frequency stability without requiring a completely redesign of the oscillator architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the crystal oscillator based on detected frequency deviations. By adjusting parameters such as drive level, load capacitance, or compensation voltages in response to temperature and time variations, the system maintains stable frequency output while preserving the fundamental simplicity of the crystal oscillator design.
2Reliability
If temperature compensation mechanisms are added to stabilize frequency, then frequency stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the crystal oscillator system automatically monitors its own frequency output and performs self-correction. The system uses internal resources to detect temperature effects and time drift, then automatically adjusts its operation without requiring external intervention or complex external compensation circuits. This self-regulating mechanism achieves frequency stability while minimizing additional circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature sensing, frequency detection, and compensation functions into an integrated system that works in conjunction with the existing crystal oscillator. By combining these functions into a unified control mechanism rather than adding separate independent circuits, the patent achieves frequency stability with minimal increase in overall device 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
The TSCIC effectively stabilizes frequency outputs by compensating for temperature-induced changes, improving the accuracy and reliability of reference signals in electronic devices, such as GPS systems, by dynamically adjusting frequency synthesizers and transceivers, thereby enhancing signal acquisition and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
A crystal oscillator is an electronic circuit that uses mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electrical signal with a relatively precise frequency
Implementation Method 2
uses mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments involving correction of signals generated by a crystal oscillator. An age of an integrated circuit or a time of use of the integrated circuit may be determined. A signal generated from a crystal of the integrated circuit may be modified based at least in part on the determined age of the integrated circuit or the determined time of use of the integrated circuit.