Universal Oscillator Circuit for Multi-Frequency Clock Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits require multiple oscillator circuits to support various clock frequencies, leading to increased pin count due to the incompatibility of oscillator circuits with different crystal or ceramic materials, limiting their ability to generate multiple clock signals efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A universal oscillator design featuring an amplifier array with a control logic unit and self-clock generating circuit that dynamically configures the oscillator to support multiple crystals and ceramic materials, allowing it to generate signals at desired frequencies and adapt to various process, temperature, and voltage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillator circuits are used to support multiple clock frequencies, then the integrated circuit can function at different clock frequencies, but the number of pins increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal oscillator circuit that can support multiple crystal frequencies (e.g., 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz) through a single circuit design. The oscillator includes an amplifier array with multiple amplifiers that can be selectively activated, and a control logic unit that dynamically configures the oscillator parameters based on the connected crystal type, enabling one oscillator to replace multiple dedicated oscillators and reduce pin count.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator circuit employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the control logic unit automatically adjusts amplifier selection, feedback network parameters, and operating conditions based on the detected crystal characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware circuit to optimize its performance for different crystal frequencies and types without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each frequency.
2Reliability
If oscillator circuits are designed for specific crystal types, then they can achieve optimal performance, but they are incompatible with other crystal or ceramic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal oscillator circuit capable of working with both crystal and ceramic resonator materials across multiple frequency ranges. The circuit includes selectable amplifier configurations and adjustable feedback networks that can be optimized for different material characteristics (Q-factor, impedance, frequency range), allowing a single oscillator design to replace multiple material-specific oscillators while maintaining reliable performance for each material type.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator circuit implements adjustable parameters including amplifier gain selection, feedback network configuration, and operating point control that can be dynamically modified based on the connected resonator type. The control logic unit detects the material type and automatically adjusts these parameters to optimize performance for crystals, ceramics, or other resonator materials, ensuring reliable operation across different material properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pads are provided to support multiple oscillator circuits, then different clock frequencies can be supported, but the pin count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal oscillator circuit that can support multiple integrated devices requiring different clock frequencies. The oscillator includes a crystal interface unit that can detect and adapt to different crystal frequencies, an amplifier array with selective activation, and a control logic unit that configures the circuit parameters accordingly. This universal design allows one oscillator to replace multiple dedicated oscillators, reducing the number of required pads from multiple separate oscillator connections to a single unified interface.
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 solution enables a single oscillator to support integrated circuits with multiple clock frequencies, reducing pin count and enhancing adaptability across different crystal and ceramic materials, while maintaining stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A crystal oscillator includes a crystal that implements a piezoelectric effect of converting mechanical vibrations to electrical impulses
Implementation Method 2
When alternating currents or voltages are applied to the crystal, it will vibrate at a resonant frequency, and harmonic modes thereof
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5D
AI summary
In described examples, a universal oscillator (200) includes an amplifier array (204) that includes one or more amplifiers. A control logic unit (220) is coupled to the amplifier array (204) and activates the one or more amplifiers. A self-clock generating circuit (230) is coupled to the control logic unit (220) and generates a fixed clock. A counter (232) receives the fixed clock from the self-clock generating circuit (230) and provides a controlled clock to the control logic unit (220).