IP Library Granted Patent US 8,183,937
Granted Patent B2
US 8,183,937 · App. 12/658,766 · Granted May 22, 2012

Integrated circuit frequency generator

Assignee: Silego Technology, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,183,937
App. No.
12/658,766
Granted
May 22, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

An integrated circuit frequency generator is disclosed. In some embodiments, the frequency generator comprises an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency and calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source. When a primary power source is unavailable, an output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency, and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

Claims (296)

1. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency comprises a low frequency and wherein the reference frequency comprises a high frequency.

2. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency comprises a real time clock frequency and wherein the reference frequency comprises a megahertz frequency.

3. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the reference frequency source comprises a quartz crystal.

4. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency is one of a plurality of output frequencies generated by the frequency generator integrated circuit.

5. The frequency generator integrated circuit of claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of output frequencies is based on or generated from the reference frequency source.

6. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator is calibrated at a low duty cycle to conserve power.

7. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency is generated at very low power consumption when the primary power source is unavailable.

8. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein an accuracy of the output frequency is comparable to an accuracy of the reference frequency.

9. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the calibration circuitry comprises one or more counters.

10. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the calibration circuitry comprises a frequency-locked loop.

11. The frequency generator integrated circuit of claim 10 , wherein the calibration circuitry comprises a sigma-delta modulator.

12. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the calibration circuitry comprises circuitry to trim the electronic oscillator.

13. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the calibration circuitry comprises circuitry for compensating an error.

14. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency;

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

further comprising spread spectrum circuitry to reduce electromagnetic interference;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

15. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency;

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

further comprising circuitry for reducing jitter in the reference frequency;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

16. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency;

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

further comprising circuitry for enabling and disabling the calibration circuitry;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

17. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein a calibration frequency for calibrating the electronic oscillator is dithered.

18. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the primary power source comprises a wall power unit or main battery.

19. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein when the primary power source is unavailable, essential circuitry is powered using a secondary power source.

20. The frequency generator integrated circuit of claim 19 , wherein the secondary power source comprises a back-up battery.

21. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency;

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

regulator circuitry comprising an alternately enabled and disabled bandgap regulator and a low power sample-and-hold circuit;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

22. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency;

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

circuitry for switching between power supplies having different, non-zero values;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

23. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency;

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

a frequency divider for generating the output frequency from the reference frequency when a primary power source is available;

wherein when the primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

24. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency;

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

one or more integrated phase-locked loops to generate one or more output frequencies including the output frequency from the reference frequency when a primary power source is available;

wherein when the primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

25. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator includes one or more external components that are not integrated into the frequency generator integrated circuit.

26. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency;

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

integrated battery charger circuitry;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

27. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency;

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

integrated non-volatile memory;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

28. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the frequency generator integrated circuit is included in a watch or clock.

29. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the frequency generator integrated circuit is included in a device that includes real time clock circuitry.

30. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency drives a plurality of clock inputs in an associated system.

31. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the frequency generator integrated circuit is packaged with the reference frequency source in a single package.

32. A frequency generator integrated circuit for generating an output frequency, comprising:

an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator frequency; and

calibration circuitry configured to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

wherein when a primary power source is unavailable, the output frequency is generated from the oscillator frequency and the reference frequency source is periodically pulse powered-on to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the frequency generator integrated circuit is packaged using chip scale packaging.

33. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency comprises a low frequency and wherein the reference frequency comprises a high frequency.

34. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency comprises a real time clock frequency and wherein the reference frequency comprises a megahertz frequency.

35. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the reference frequency source comprises a quartz crystal.

36. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency is one of a plurality of generated output frequencies.

37. The method of claim 36 , wherein each of the plurality of generated output frequencies is based on or generated from the reference frequency source.

38. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator is calibrated at a low duty cycle to conserve power.

39. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency is generated at very low power consumption when the primary power source is unavailable.

40. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein an accuracy of the output frequency is comparable to an accuracy of the reference frequency.

41. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the calibration circuitry comprises one or more counters.

42. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the calibration circuitry comprises a frequency-locked loop.

43. The method of claim 42 , wherein the calibration circuitry comprises a sigma-delta modulator.

44. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the calibration circuitry comprises circuitry to trim the electronic oscillator.

45. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the calibration circuitry comprises circuitry for compensating an error.

46. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

configuring spread spectrum circuitry to reduce electromagnetic interference; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

47. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

configuring circuitry for reducing jitter in the reference frequency; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

48. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

configuring circuitry for enabling and disabling the calibration circuitry; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

49. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein a calibration frequency for calibrating the electronic oscillator is dithered.

50. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the primary power source comprises a wall power unit or main battery.

51. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein when the primary power source is unavailable, essential circuitry is powered using a secondary power source.

52. The method of claim 51 , wherein the secondary power source comprises a back-up battery.

53. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

configuring regulator circuitry comprising an alternately enabled and disabled bandgap regulator and a low power sample-and-hold circuit; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

54. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

configuring circuitry for switching between power supplies having different, non-zero values; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

55. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

configuring a frequency divider for generating the output frequency from the reference frequency when a primary power source is available; and

when the primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

56. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source;

configuring one or more phase-locked loops to generate one or more output frequencies including the output frequency from the reference frequency when a primary power source is available; and

when the primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator.

57. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator and the calibration circuitry comprise an integrated circuit and wherein the electronic oscillator includes one or more external components that are not integrated into the integrated circuit.

58. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator and the calibration circuitry are part of an integrated circuit and wherein the integrated circuit further comprises integrated battery charger circuitry.

59. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator and the calibration circuitry are part of an integrated circuit and wherein the integrated circuit further comprises integrated non-volatile memory.

60. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator and the calibration circuitry are part of an integrated circuit and wherein the integrated circuit is included in a watch or clock.

61. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator and the calibration circuitry are part of an integrated circuit and wherein the integrated circuit is included in a device that includes real time clock circuitry.

62. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the output frequency drives a plurality of clock inputs in an associated system.

63. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator and the calibration circuitry are part of an integrated circuit and wherein the integrated circuit is packaged with the reference frequency source in a single package.

64. A method for generating an output frequency, comprising:

configuring an electronic oscillator to generate an oscillator frequency;

configuring calibration circuitry to periodically calibrate the electronic oscillator with respect to a reference frequency source; and

when a primary power source is unavailable, generating the output frequency from the oscillator frequency and periodically pulse powering-on the reference frequency source to calibrate the electronic oscillator;

wherein the electronic oscillator and the calibration circuitry are part of an integrated circuit and wherein the integrated circuit is packaged using chip scale packaging.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 22, 2022
From: SILEGO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
To: RENESAS DESIGN TECHNOLOGY INC.
Reel/Frame 061987/0827 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 30, 2010
From: MCDONALD, JOHN OTHNIEL; LU, CRIST Y.; LEE, ILBOK
To: SILEGO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Reel/Frame 024319/0952 →
Continuity (3)
Provisional Application 61207647 · Feb 13, 2009
Provisional Application 61276184 · Sep 8, 2009
Related Publication 20100214029A1 · Aug 26, 2010