Wireless Node Clock Synchronization Without Quartz Crystals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless systems rely on bulky quartz crystals for precise timing and frequency references, limiting miniaturization and increasing costs, necessitating improved methods for precise timing and frequency references in wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network architecture that includes a master node with a master clock and a slave node with a tunable RF receiver and oscillator, allowing the slave node to search for and synchronize with the master node's frequency using calibration signals, enabling communication without the need for quartz crystals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quartz crystals are used for precise timing and frequency references, then frequency accuracy and stability are improved, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing and frequency reference function from the bulky quartz crystal component and implements it using software-based algorithms running on the processor, combined with available on-chip oscillators. This removes the need for external quartz crystals while maintaining frequency accuracy through digital signal processing and synchronization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical quartz crystal oscillator system with an electronic/software-based frequency reference system. The processor executes timing algorithms and frequency synthesis software to generate accurate frequency references, substituting mechanical vibration-based timing with electronic signal processing.
2Measurement precision
If quartz crystals are used for precise timing and frequency references, then frequency accuracy and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive quartz crystal component from the bill of materials and replaces it with software-based frequency synthesis and timing algorithms. This eliminates the need to purchase and assemble external quartz crystal oscillators, reducing component costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive on-chip oscillators and digital signal processing to achieve frequency accuracy that previously required expensive quartz crystals. The software-based approach allows for easier updates and adjustments without hardware changes, reducing long-term costs.
3Measurement precision
If quartz crystals are used for precise timing and frequency references, then timing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing and frequency reference functions into the main processor and existing RF circuitry. By integrating these functions into the central processing unit and utilizing available on-chip oscillators, the patent eliminates separate quartz crystal modules and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining timing precision through software control.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless network includes a tunable RF transmitter in wireless communication with a master node to transmit at a first slave frequency; a tunable RF receiver in wireless communication with the master node to receive at a second slave frequency; and an RF oscillator to communicate with the RF receiver and the RF transmitter an RF oscillator frequency to determine and tune the first and second slave frequencies. The RF oscillator is configured to receive calibration information including time information or frequency information, or both, from a reference node. The RF oscillator frequency of the RF oscillator is tuned based on the calibration information from the reference node to enable communication between the slave node and the master node at the tuned RF oscillator frequency.