EP2299337B1 - Radiosynchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, and method for controlling the receiver - Google Patents

Radiosynchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, and method for controlling the receiver Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2299337B1
EP2299337B1 EP09170980A EP09170980A EP2299337B1 EP 2299337 B1 EP2299337 B1 EP 2299337B1 EP 09170980 A EP09170980 A EP 09170980A EP 09170980 A EP09170980 A EP 09170980A EP 2299337 B1 EP2299337 B1 EP 2299337B1
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Prior art keywords
frequency
signals
antenna
receiver
oscillator
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EP09170980A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2299337A1 (en
Inventor
Arnaud Casagrande
Carlos Velasquez
Emil Zellweger
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Swatch Group Research and Development SA
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Swatch Group Research and Development SA
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Priority to EP09170980A priority Critical patent/EP2299337B1/en
Priority to KR1020100091770A priority patent/KR101238950B1/en
Priority to TW099131871A priority patent/TWI489228B/en
Priority to CN201010291944.0A priority patent/CN102025385B/en
Priority to JP2010210585A priority patent/JP5627090B2/en
Priority to US12/887,137 priority patent/US8630151B2/en
Publication of EP2299337A1 publication Critical patent/EP2299337A1/en
Priority to HK11111199.3A priority patent/HK1157084A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R20/00—Setting the time according to the time information carried or implied by the radio signal
    • G04R20/08—Setting the time according to the time information carried or implied by the radio signal the radio signal being broadcast from a long-wave call sign, e.g. DCF77, JJY40, JJY60, MSF60 or WWVB
    • G04R20/10—Tuning or receiving; Circuits therefor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a radio-synchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, in particular for a timepiece, such as a watch.
  • the receiver comprises a radio-synchronous signal receiving antenna, at least one low-noise amplifier for amplifying and filtering the signals picked up by the antenna, a frequency converting unit for frequency conversion of the filtered and amplified picked-up signals and a unity of processing receiving data signals from the conversion unit for setting the time base.
  • a frequency selection circuit is controlled by a processing unit to adapt to the frequency of the received radio-synchronous signals, whose frequency may be at 40 kHz, 50 kHz or 60 kHz.
  • the signals received are frequency converted in a mixer by oscillating signals provided by a crystal oscillator. With a frequency of the crystal oscillator set at 50 kHz, it is possible to pick up radio waves at 40 kHz or 60 kHz by having at the output of the mixer intermediate signals at the frequency of the order of 10 kHz.
  • An automatic frequency controller is also provided to adapt the frequency of the oscillating signals of the local oscillator to ensure a constant frequency of the intermediate signals at the output of the mixer.
  • this receiver of complex realization does not make it possible to correct the time of a base of time of a watch.
  • this receiver is not intended to perform an automatic adjustment of the frequency of the intermediate signals in the frequency band of the band-pass filter as a function of the frequency of captured radio-synchronous signals.
  • a switch is provided as input to switch two ferrite core antennas.
  • the input stage also comprises, following the antenna, an amplifier, a 77.5 kHz quartz filter, a mixer for mixing the signals picked up by the antenna with the signals, which are at a frequency of order of 77.283 kHz, provided by a quartz oscillator.
  • a band-pass filter is provided at the output of the mixer followed by a shaping unit to provide a time-correction signal to a microcontroller connected to a clock quartz (32.768 kHz).
  • a disadvantage of this receiver circuit is that it also comprises several antennas selectable input. In addition, nothing is provided to adapt the receiver circuit according to the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals to be picked up.
  • the invention relates to a radio-synchronous signal receiver, which comprises the features mentioned in independent claim 1.
  • the frequency conversion unit 7 comprises a local oscillator stage 10 for providing frequency-determined oscillating signals Sm, at least one mixing block 4 for mixing the filtered and amplified captured signals with the oscillating signals supplied by the local oscillator stage so as to producing IF intermediate signals, a bandpass filter 5 for filtering the intermediate signals and a demodulator 6 for demodulating time data of the filtered intermediate signals to provide the data signals to the processing unit.
  • the frequency of the intermediate signals supplied by the mixer unit 4 is equal to the difference between the frequency of the oscillating signals and a carrier frequency of the captured radio-synchronous signals.
  • the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals S R picked up by the antenna 2 of the receiver 1 can be, for example, between 66 and 80 kHz, preferably at 77 kHz.
  • the oscillating signals can be adapted to a frequency of the order of 67 kHz or 87 kHz to produce IF intermediate signals at a frequency of the order of 10 kHz, which in this case is the center frequency of the bandpass filter with a bandwidth that can be of the order of 2 kHz or less.
  • the bandpass filter 5 which is preferably a narrowband active filter, can be centered at a frequency of a few kHz lower for example at 10 kHz above.
  • the frequency of the oscillating signals must of course be adapted so that, after mixing in the mixer unit 4, the intermediate signals are at a frequency close to the central frequency of the bandpass filter in order to perform a good demodulation of the data. time.
  • the demodulator 6 may also include a signal strength indicator of the intermediate signals of the RSSI type.
  • This indicator is capable of providing, in particular, an indication of the amplitude level of the signals filtered by the bandpass filter at the processing unit 8.
  • the processing unit which comprises configuration software, can adapt in several successive steps the frequency of the oscillating signals Sm supplied by the local oscillator stage 10 by means of the control signal Cm. This adaptation of the frequency of the oscillating signals by frequency step is carried out until the amplitude of the intermediate signals detected by the indicator is at a level sufficient to be able to demodulate the time data by the demodulator 6.
  • the receiver 1 comprises a switchable capacitor network 21 placed in parallel with the antenna 2 to adapt the resonance frequency at the antenna as a function of the frequency of the captured radio-synchronous signals.
  • the excitation system can be disconnected to allow reception of radio-synchronous signals.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Circuits Of Receivers In General (AREA)
  • Superheterodyne Receivers (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones pour le réglage d'une base de temps notamment pour une pièce d'horlogerie, telle qu'une montre. Le récepteur comprend une antenne de réception de signaux radiosynchrones, au moins un amplificateur à faible bruit pour amplifier et filtrer les signaux captés par l'antenne, une unité de conversion de fréquence pour convertir en fréquence les signaux captés filtrés et amplifiés et une unité de traitement recevant des signaux de données de l'unité de conversion pour le réglage de la base de temps.The invention relates to a radio-synchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, in particular for a timepiece, such as a watch. The receiver comprises a radio-synchronous signal receiving antenna, at least one low-noise amplifier for amplifying and filtering the signals picked up by the antenna, a frequency converting unit for frequency conversion of the filtered and amplified picked-up signals and a unity of processing receiving data signals from the conversion unit for setting the time base.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de mise en action du récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones pour le réglage d'une base de temps d'une pièce d'horlogerie.The invention also relates to a method for activating the radio-synchronous signal receiver for setting a time base of a timepiece.

De manière à réaliser une opération de réglage automatique d'une base de temps notamment d'une pièce d'horlogerie, telle qu'une montre, un récepteur multifréquence du type VLF est cadencé généralement sur la base d'un quartz horloger. II en est de même pour le réglage de la fréquence de résonance de l'antenne du récepteur, qui doit être capable de capter des signaux radiosynchrones. L'antenne peut être composée d'un noyau de ferrite autour duquel est enroulé un fil métallique pour pouvoir capter de tels signaux radiosynchrones.In order to perform an automatic adjustment operation of a time base, in particular a timepiece, such as a watch, a multifrequency receiver of the VLF type is generally clocked on the basis of a watch quartz. It is the same for adjusting the resonant frequency of the receiver antenna, which must be capable of capturing radio-synchronous signals. The antenna may be composed of a ferrite core around which is wound a wire to be able to capture such radio-synchronous signals.

Un récepteur standard de signaux radiosynchrones, qui est incorporé dans une montre, est habituellement un récepteur direct pour capter des signaux, qui peuvent avoir une fréquence voisine de 77 kHz. Les avantages sont la simplicité et la faible consommation d'un tel récepteur. Cependant la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones à capter peut être différente de la fréquence susmentionnée. De ce fait à chaque fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones, qu'il est souhaité recevoir, le récepteur doit comprendre un filtre individuel sous la forme d'un quartz spécifique, qui est en dehors du circuit intégré principal du récepteur. Cela constitue un inconvénient d'un tel récepteur standard.A standard radio-synchronous signal receiver, which is incorporated in a watch, is usually a direct receiver for receiving signals, which may have a frequency of around 77 kHz. Advantages are the simplicity and low consumption of such a receiver. However, the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals to be picked up may be different from the aforementioned frequency. Therefore, at each frequency of the radio-synchronous signals which it is desired to receive, the receiver must comprise an individual filter in the form of a specific quartz, which is outside the main integrated circuit of the receiver. This is a disadvantage of such a standard receiver.

La demande de brevet US 2009/0185615 décrit un récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones, qui comprennent un code temporel pour la correction d'une base de temps d'une montre. Ce récepteur comprend une unité de réception pour capter lesdits signaux radiosynchrones, qui sont convertis en fréquence dans un mélangeur par des signaux oscillants fournis par un circuit oscillateur. Les signaux intermédiaires fournis par le mélangeur sont filtrés par au moins un filtre passe-bande. Les signaux intermédiaires filtrés et amplifiés sont fournis à un circuit de détection du code temporel pour fournir des données temporelles à une unité centrale de traitement, qui décode le temps des données temporelles pour corriger la base de temps. Une sélection de canal de réception de signaux radiosynchrones est effectuée dans le récepteur afin de configurer le circuit oscillateur. Le circuit oscillateur configuré fournit des signaux oscillants dont la fréquence dépend de la fréquence du canal sélectionné des signaux radiosynchrones à capter. Cependant la fréquence des signaux oscillants n'est pas automatiquement adaptée en fonction de la fréquence des signaux captés pour que la fréquence des signaux intermédiaires se trouve dans la bande de fréquence du filtre passe-bande.The patent application US 2009/0185615 discloses a radio-synchronous signal receiver, which includes a time code for the correction of a timebase of a watch. This receiver comprises a reception unit for sensing said radio-synchronous signals, which are frequency-converted in a mixer by oscillating signals provided by an oscillator circuit. The intermediate signals supplied by the mixer are filtered by at least one band-pass filter. The filtered and amplified intermediate signals are provided to a time code detection circuit for providing time data to a central processing unit, which decodes the time of the time data to correct the time base. A reception channel selection of radio-synchronous signals is performed in the receiver to configure the oscillator circuit. The configured oscillator circuit provides oscillating signals whose frequency depends on the frequency of the selected channel of the radio-synchronous signals to be sensed. However, the frequency of the oscillating signals is not automatically adapted according to the frequency of the signals picked up so that the frequency of the intermediate signals is in the frequency band of the band-pass filter.

La demande de brevet US 2006/023572 décrit comme le précédent document un récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones pour la correction d'une base de temps d'une montre. A l'entrée du récepteur, un circuit de sélection de fréquence est commandé par une unité de traitement pour s'adapter à la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones captés, dont la fréquence peut être à 40 kHz, 50 kHz ou 60 kHz. Les signaux captés sont convertis en fréquence dans un mélangeur par des signaux oscillants fournis par un oscillateur à quartz. Avec une fréquence de l'oscillateur à quartz établie à 50 kHz, il est possible de capter des ondes radio à 40 kHz ou 60 kHz en ayant en sortie du mélangeur des signaux intermédiaires à fréquence de l'ordre de 10 kHz. Un filtre passe-bande en sortie du mélangeur peut être centré sur 10 kHz pour filtrer les signaux intermédiaires. Les signaux filtrés et amplifiés sont ensuite fournis à un circuit de détection relié à un démodulateur pour la correction de la base de temps. Dans le cas où la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones est de même valeur que la fréquence des signaux oscillants, l'unité de traitement déconnecte momentanément le circuit oscillateur. Aucune adaptation de la fréquence des signaux oscillants n'est par contre prévue pour ajuster automatiquement la fréquence des signaux intermédiaires dans la bande de fréquence du filtre passe-bande en fonction de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones captés.The patent application US 2006/023572 described as the previous document a receiver of radio-synchronous signals for the correction of a time base of a watch. At the input of the receiver, a frequency selection circuit is controlled by a processing unit to adapt to the frequency of the received radio-synchronous signals, whose frequency may be at 40 kHz, 50 kHz or 60 kHz. The signals received are frequency converted in a mixer by oscillating signals provided by a crystal oscillator. With a frequency of the crystal oscillator set at 50 kHz, it is possible to pick up radio waves at 40 kHz or 60 kHz by having at the output of the mixer intermediate signals at the frequency of the order of 10 kHz. A bandpass filter at the output of the mixer can be centered on 10 kHz to filter the intermediate signals. The filtered and amplified signals are then supplied to a detection circuit connected to a demodulator for the correction of the time base. In the case where the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals is of the same value as the frequency of the oscillating signals, the processing unit momentarily disconnects the oscillator circuit. On the other hand, no adaptation of the frequency of the oscillating signals is provided to automatically adjust the frequency of the intermediate signals in the frequency band of the band-pass filter as a function of the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals picked up.

Le brevet US 6,704,554 décrit un récepteur à modulation de fréquence FM, qui peut être utilisé pour la réception de signaux du type RDS. Ce récepteur comprend une antenne pour capter des signaux dans la bande de transmission FM entre 88 et 108 MHz. La fréquence des signaux de données dans les signaux captés est de l'ordre de 57 kHz (sous-porteuse) pour des données RDS ou 38 kHz pour des données audio. Ces signaux de données ne permettent par contre pas de corriger le temps d'une base de temps. Un mélangeur est également prévu pour convertir en fréquence les signaux mis en forme par un étage RF d'entrée au moyen de signaux oscillants fournis par un oscillateur local. Des signaux intermédiaires à fréquence de l'ordre de 70 kHz sont fournis en sortie du mélangeur et sont filtrés dans un filtre passe-bande et amplifiés avant d'être fournis à un démodulateur. Un contrôleur de fréquence automatique est également prévu pour adapter la fréquence des signaux oscillants de l'oscillateur local afin de garantir une fréquence constante des signaux intermédiaires en sortie du mélangeur. Cependant ce récepteur de réalisation complexe ne permet pas de corriger le temps d'une base de temps d'une montre. De plus, ce récepteur n'est pas prévu pour effectuer un ajustement automatique de la fréquence des signaux intermédiaires dans la bande de fréquence du filtre passe-bande en fonction de la fréquence de signaux radiosynchrones captés.The patent US 6,704,554 describes an FM modulated receiver, which may be used for receiving RDS type signals. This receiver includes an antenna for receiving signals in the FM transmission band between 88 and 108 MHz. The frequency of the data signals in the received signals is of the order of 57 kHz (subcarrier) for RDS data or 38 kHz for audio data. These data signals do not make it possible to correct the time of a time base. A mixer is also provided for frequency conversion of the shaped signals by an input RF stage by means of oscillating signals provided by a local oscillator. Intermediate frequency signals of the order of 70 kHz are provided at the output of the mixer and are filtered in a bandpass filter and amplified before being supplied to a demodulator. An automatic frequency controller is also provided to adapt the frequency of the oscillating signals of the local oscillator to ensure a constant frequency of the intermediate signals at the output of the mixer. However this receiver of complex realization does not make it possible to correct the time of a base of time of a watch. In addition, this receiver is not intended to perform an automatic adjustment of the frequency of the intermediate signals in the frequency band of the band-pass filter as a function of the frequency of captured radio-synchronous signals.

La fréquence de l'antenne de ce récepteur standard doit être également accordée à la fréquence de réception. Cette opération est assurée par des condensateurs externes, qui sont normalement sélectionnés dans les étapes de fabrication en fonction de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones susceptibles d'être captés. L'accord de la fréquence de réception par ces condensateurs externes est également effectué lors de la mise en marche du récepteur avec une compensation des tolérances et ceux-ci peuvent être commutés selon l'application dans laquelle le récepteur est utilisé. Toutes ces étapes d'adaptation avec des composants externes sont longues et onéreuses, ce qui constitue un autre inconvénient d'un tel récepteur standard.The antenna frequency of this standard receiver should also be tuned to the receive frequency. This is done by external capacitors, which are normally selected in the manufacturing steps as a function of the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals that can be picked up. The tuning of the reception frequency by these external capacitors is also performed when the receiver is switched on with a tolerance compensation and these can be switched according to the application in which the receiver is used. All these steps of adaptation with external components are long and expensive, which constitutes another disadvantage of such a standard receiver.

Comme autre récepteur de l'état de la technique, on peut citer la demande de brevet EP 1 666 995 A2 , qui décrit une montre munie d'un récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones pour le réglage de l'heure de la montre. Pour ce faire, le récepteur comprend notamment une antenne, des moyens d'adaptation de la fréquence de réception en liaison avec l'antenne, des moyens de réception des signaux captés par l'antenne, des moyens de traitement reliés à une mémoire, et qui reçoivent un signal d'un code temporel des moyens de réception pour le réglage de l'heure.As another receiver of the state of the art, mention may be made of the patent application EP 1 666 995 A2 , which describes a watch provided with a radio-synchronous signal receiver for setting the time of the watch. To do this, the receiver notably comprises an antenna, means for adapting the reception frequency in connection with the antenna, means for receiving signals picked up by the antenna, processing means connected to a memory, and receiving a time code signal from the receiving means for setting the time.

Les moyens d'adaptation de la fréquence de résonance pour la réception de signaux radiosynchrones sont principalement constitués par un réseau de diodes à capacité variable. Ces diodes à capacité variable peuvent être placées sélectivement en parallèle de l'antenne sous forme de bobine par un signal de commande fourni par les moyens de traitement. Le signal de commande est fonction d'une valeur capacitive mémorisée dans la mémoire afin de permettre de sélectionner le nombre de diodes capacitives à placer en parallèle avec l'antenne en fonction de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones à capter. Uniquement un certain nombre de valeurs capacitives sont mémorisées pour adapter la fréquence de réception au niveau de l'antenne. Ceci constitue un inconvénient, car la fréquence de résonance au niveau de l'antenne n'est pas précisément déterminée pour recevoir dans de meilleures conditions des signaux radiosynchrones à fréquence déterminée.The means for adapting the resonance frequency for receiving radio-synchronous signals mainly consist of a network of diodes with variable capacitance. These variable capacitance diodes may be selectively placed in parallel with the coil antenna by a control signal provided by the processing means. The control signal is a function of a capacitive value stored in the memory to enable selection of the number of capacitive diodes to be placed in parallel with the antenna according to the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals to be sensed. Only a certain number of capacitive values are stored to adapt the reception frequency to the level of the antenna. This is a disadvantage because the resonance frequency at the antenna is not precisely determined to receive radio frequency signals at a predetermined frequency under better conditions.

Les demandes de brevet EP 1 630 960 et EP 1 698 950 décrivent également un réseau de condensateurs commutables susceptibles d'être placés en parallèle de l'antenne de réception de signaux radiosynchrones pour adapter la fréquence de résonance de l'antenne. Cette fréquence de résonance de l'antenne est donc adaptée sur la base de la fréquence connue des signaux radiosynchrones captés. Les signaux radiosynchrones ainsi captés fournissent des données temporelles pour corriger une base de temps d'une montre. Cependant l'adaptation de la fréquence de résonance n'est pas automatiquement opérée après une mesure de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones captés pour pouvoir effectuer une bonne démodulation des données temporelles.Patent applications EP 1630960 and EP 1 698 950 also disclose a switchable capacitor network capable of being placed in parallel with the radio-synchronous signal receiving antenna to adapt the resonance frequency of the antenna. This resonance frequency of the antenna is therefore adapted on the basis of the known frequency of the captured radio-synchronous signals. The radio-synchronous signals thus captured provide temporal data for correcting a time base of a watch. However, the adaptation of the resonant frequency is not automatically performed after a measurement of the frequency of the captured radio-synchronous signals in order to perform a good demodulation of the temporal data.

Les moyens de réception comprennent un amplificateur à gain variable pour amplifier les signaux radiosynchrones, un filtre pour filtrer les signaux amplifiés, et un circuit de détection recevant les signaux filtrés pour fournir un signal d'un code temporel aux moyens de traitement. Le filtre comprend plusieurs quartz qui peuvent être individuellement sélectionnés en fonction de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones captés. Le circuit de détection commande également le gain de l'amplificateur. Un inconvénient des moyens de réception est qu'il est nécessaire de le munir de plusieurs quartz pour le filtre afin d'opérer un bon filtrage en fonction de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones captés, ce qui rend le récepteur onéreux.The receiving means includes a variable gain amplifier for amplifying the radio-synchronous signals, a filter for filtering the amplified signals, and a detection circuit receiving the filtered signals to provide a time code signal to the processing means. The filter comprises a plurality of crystals that can be individually selected according to the frequency of the captured radio-synchronous signals. The detection circuit also controls the gain of the amplifier. A disadvantage of the receiving means is that it is necessary to provide several quartz for the filter in order to operate a good filter according to the frequency of the captured radio-synchronous signals, which makes the receiver expensive.

On peut citer également la demande de brevet WO 2006/054576 , qui décrit un récepteur de signaux radio VHF. Ce récepteur est agencé de manière très flexible pour le montage de différentes antennes de réception. Pour ce faire, il est prévu en entrée deux interrupteurs commandés par une logique de commande, qui sont prévus pour relier l'une ou l'autre des antennes de réception. Un réseau à capacités commutées est également placé en parallèle à l'une ou l'autre des antennes pour être utilisé à l'adaptation de la fréquence de résonance de l'antenne sélectionnée. Un inconvénient de ce récepteur est qu'il utilise plusieurs antennes pour la réception de signaux radiosynchrones. Un autre inconvénient est qu'une adaptation de la fréquence de résonance de l'antenne sélectionnée est commandée sur la base d'une valeur capacitive mémorisée ce qui ne permet pas de précisément adapter automatiquement cette fréquence de résonance en fonction de la fréquence des signaux captés.We can also mention the patent application WO 2006/054576 , which describes a VHF radio signal receiver. This receiver is arranged in a very flexible way for mounting different reception antennas. To do this, two switches controlled by a control logic are provided which are designed to connect one or the other of the reception antennas. A switched capacitor network is also placed in parallel with either of the antennas to be used to match the resonance frequency of the selected antenna. A The disadvantage of this receiver is that it uses several antennas for the reception of radio-synchronous signals. Another disadvantage is that an adaptation of the resonant frequency of the selected antenna is controlled on the basis of a stored capacitive value, which does not make it possible to precisely adapt this resonance frequency automatically as a function of the frequency of the signals picked up. .

Dans le document de brevet DE 35 40 380 , un circuit récepteur superhétérodyne est décrit. Un interrupteur est prévu en entrée pour commuter deux antennes à noyau de ferrite. L'étage d'entrée comprend également à la suite de l'antenne, un amplificateur, un filtre à quartz à 77.5 kHz, un mélangeur pour mélanger les signaux captés par l'antenne avec les signaux, qui sont à une fréquence de l'ordre de 77.283 kHz, fournis par un oscillateur à quartz. Un filtre passe-bande est prévu en sortie du mélangeur suivi par une unité de mise en forme pour fournir à un microcontrôleur relié à un quartz horloger (32.768 kHz) des signaux de correction de l'heure. Un inconvénient de ce circuit récepteur est qu'il comprend également plusieurs antennes sélectionnables en entrée. De plus, rien n'est prévu pour adapter le circuit récepteur en fonction de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones à capter.In the patent document DE 35 40 380 a superheterodyne receiver circuit is described. A switch is provided as input to switch two ferrite core antennas. The input stage also comprises, following the antenna, an amplifier, a 77.5 kHz quartz filter, a mixer for mixing the signals picked up by the antenna with the signals, which are at a frequency of order of 77.283 kHz, provided by a quartz oscillator. A band-pass filter is provided at the output of the mixer followed by a shaping unit to provide a time-correction signal to a microcontroller connected to a clock quartz (32.768 kHz). A disadvantage of this receiver circuit is that it also comprises several antennas selectable input. In addition, nothing is provided to adapt the receiver circuit according to the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals to be picked up.

L'invention a donc pour but de fournir un récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones de conception simple et capable d'être adapté de manière automatique pour la réception des signaux radiosynchrones à différentes fréquences avec un unique étage oscillateur local tout en palliant les inconvénients susmentionnés de l'état de la technique.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a radiosynchronous signal receiver of simple design and capable of being adapted automatically to receive the radio-synchronous signals at different frequencies with a single local oscillator stage while overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones, qui comprend les caractéristiques mentionnées dans la revendication indépendante 1.For this purpose, the invention relates to a radio-synchronous signal receiver, which comprises the features mentioned in independent claim 1.

Des formes d'exécution particulières du récepteur sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 2 à 10.Particular embodiments of the receiver are defined in dependent claims 2 to 10.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne également un procédé de mise en action du récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones, qui comprend les caractéristiques de la revendication indépendante 11.To this end, the invention also relates to a method of actuating the radio-synchronous signal receiver, which comprises the characteristics of the independent claim 11.

Des étapes particulières du procédé sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 12 à 14.Particular steps of the process are defined in dependent claims 12 to 14.

Les buts, avantages et caractéristiques du récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones et du procédé de mise en action du récepteur apparaîtront mieux dans la description suivante sur la base d'au moins une forme d'exécution non limitative illustrée par les dessins sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente de manière simplifiée une forme d'exécution d'une partie du récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones pour l'adaptation de la fréquence du signal fourni par l'étage oscillateur à quartz selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 2 représente de manière simplifiée une forme d'exécution d'une partie du récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones pour l'adaptation de la fréquence de résonance au niveau de l'antenne du récepteur selon l'invention.
The purposes, advantages and characteristics of the radio-synchronous signal receiver and the receiver activation method will appear better in the following description on the basis of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a simplified embodiment of a part of the radio-synchronous signal receiver for adapting the signal frequency provided by the crystal oscillator stage according to the invention, and
  • the figure 2 is a simplified embodiment of a part of the radio-synchronous signal receiver for the adaptation of the resonant frequency at the antenna of the receiver according to the invention.

Dans la description suivante, tous les composants du récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones pour le réglage d'une base de temps notamment d'une pièce d'horlogerie, qui sont bien connus d'un homme du métier dans ce domaine technique, ne sont décrits que de manière simplifiée. Ledit récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones peut être de préférence un récepteur superhétérodyne capable de capter des signaux radiosynchrones à différentes fréquences pour régler la base de temps. Le réglage de ladite base de temps peut être principalement prévu pour régler précisément l'heure d'une montre à tout endroit et en tenant compte des fuseaux horaires sans pour autant en limiter la portée uniquement à une telle pièce d'horlogerie.In the following description, all the components of the radio-synchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, in particular a timepiece, which are well known to a person skilled in this technical field, are only described in detail. in a simplified way. The said radio-synchronous signal receiver may preferably be a superheterodyne receiver capable of receiving radio-synchronous signals at different frequencies to adjust the time base. The setting of said time base can be mainly provided to precisely adjust the time of a watch in any place and taking into account the time zones without limiting the scope only to such a timepiece.

La figure 1 représente de manière simplifiée les différents composants du récepteur superhétérodyne multifréquence 1 susceptible de capter des signaux radiosynchrones. Le récepteur 1 comprend une antenne 2 de réception de signaux radiosynchrones SR, au moins un amplificateur à faible bruit LNA 3 pour amplifier et filtrer les signaux captés par l'antenne, une unité de conversion de fréquence 7 pour convertir en fréquence les signaux captés filtrés et amplifiés de l'amplificateur à faible bruit, et une unité de traitement 8 recevant des signaux de données data_out de l'unité de conversion. Ces signaux de données, qui peuvent être à quelques bits/sec ou également à 1 bit/sec, permettent un réglage de la base de temps par l'intermédiaire de l'unité de traitement notamment pour régler l'heure d'une montre dans laquelle le récepteur est placé.The figure 1 is a simplified representation of the various components of the multifrequency superheterodyne receiver 1 capture radio-synchronous signals. The receiver 1 comprises an antenna 2 for receiving radio-synchronous signals S R , at least one low-noise amplifier LNA 3 for amplifying and filtering the signals picked up by the antenna, a frequency conversion unit 7 for converting the signals picked up to frequency. filtered and amplified low noise amplifier, and a processing unit 8 receiving data signals data_out of the conversion unit. These data signals, which may be a few bits / sec or also 1 bit / sec, allow adjustment of the time base via the processing unit, in particular to adjust the time of a watch in which receiver is placed.

L'unité de conversion de fréquence 7 comprend un étage oscillateur local 10 pour fournir des signaux oscillants Sm à fréquence déterminée, au moins un bloc mélangeur 4 pour mélanger les signaux captés filtrés et amplifiés avec les signaux oscillants fournis par l'étage oscillateur local afin de produire des signaux intermédiaires IF, un filtre passe-bande 5 pour filtrer les signaux intermédiaires et un démodulateur 6 pour démoduler des données temporelles des signaux intermédiaires filtrés afin de fournir les signaux de données à l'unité de traitement. La fréquence des signaux intermédiaires fournis par le bloc mélangeur 4 est égale à la différence entre la fréquence des signaux oscillants et une fréquence porteuse des signaux radiosynchrones captés.The frequency conversion unit 7 comprises a local oscillator stage 10 for providing frequency-determined oscillating signals Sm, at least one mixing block 4 for mixing the filtered and amplified captured signals with the oscillating signals supplied by the local oscillator stage so as to producing IF intermediate signals, a bandpass filter 5 for filtering the intermediate signals and a demodulator 6 for demodulating time data of the filtered intermediate signals to provide the data signals to the processing unit. The frequency of the intermediate signals supplied by the mixer unit 4 is equal to the difference between the frequency of the oscillating signals and a carrier frequency of the captured radio-synchronous signals.

Comme la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones peut être différente selon le système de transmission utilisé par exemple d'un endroit géographique à un autre endroit, l'étage oscillateur local 10 est prévu pour être automatiquement configuré par un signal de commande Cm fourni par l'unité de traitement. La fréquence des signaux oscillants Sm de l'étage oscillateur local est adaptée sur la base de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones captés de telle manière que la fréquence des signaux intermédiaires IF en sortie du bloc mélangeur 4 se trouve dans la bande de fréquence du filtre passe-bande.Since the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals may be different depending on the transmission system used for example from one geographic location to another location, the local oscillator stage 10 is provided to be automatically configured by a control signal Cm provided by the unit. treatment. The frequency of the oscillating signals Sm of the local oscillator stage is adapted on the basis of the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals picked up in such a way that the frequency of the IF intermediate signals at the output of the mixer unit 4 is in the frequency band of the pass filter. -bandaged.

La fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones SR captés par l'antenne 2 du récepteur 1, peut être comprise par exemple entre 66 et 80 kHz, de préférence à 77 kHz. Les signaux oscillants peuvent être adaptés à une fréquence de l'ordre de 67 kHz ou 87 kHz afin de produire des signaux intermédiaires IF à fréquence de l'ordre de 10 kHz, qui est dans ce cas la fréquence centrale du filtre passe-bande avec une largeur de bande qui peut être de l'ordre de 2 kHz ou inférieure. Toutefois, le filtre passe-bande 5, qui est de préférence un filtre actif à bande étroite, peut être centré à une fréquence de quelques kHz inférieure par exemple au 10 kHz susmentionné. Dans ce cas, la fréquence des signaux oscillants doit bien entendu être adaptée pour qu'après le mélange dans le bloc mélangeur 4, les signaux intermédiaires soient à une fréquence voisine de la fréquence centrale du filtre passe-bande pour opérer une bonne démodulation des données temporelles.The frequency of the radio-synchronous signals S R picked up by the antenna 2 of the receiver 1 can be, for example, between 66 and 80 kHz, preferably at 77 kHz. The oscillating signals can be adapted to a frequency of the order of 67 kHz or 87 kHz to produce IF intermediate signals at a frequency of the order of 10 kHz, which in this case is the center frequency of the bandpass filter with a bandwidth that can be of the order of 2 kHz or less. However, the bandpass filter 5, which is preferably a narrowband active filter, can be centered at a frequency of a few kHz lower for example at 10 kHz above. In this case, the frequency of the oscillating signals must of course be adapted so that, after mixing in the mixer unit 4, the intermediate signals are at a frequency close to the central frequency of the bandpass filter in order to perform a good demodulation of the data. time.

Le démodulateur 6 peut également comprendre un indicateur de force des signaux intermédiaires du type RSSI. Cet indicateur est susceptible de fournir notamment une indication du niveau d'amplitude des signaux filtrés par le filtre passe-bande à l'unité de traitement 8. En fonction de cette indication, l'unité de traitement, qui comprend un logiciel de configuration, peut adapter en plusieurs étapes successives la fréquence des signaux oscillants Sm fournis par l'étage oscillateur local 10 par l'intermédiaire du signal de commande Cm. Cette adaptation de la fréquence des signaux oscillants par palier de fréquence est effectuée, jusqu'à ce que l'amplitude des signaux intermédiaires détectée par l'indicateur se trouve à un niveau suffisant pour pouvoir démoduler les données temporelles par le démodulateur 6.The demodulator 6 may also include a signal strength indicator of the intermediate signals of the RSSI type. This indicator is capable of providing, in particular, an indication of the amplitude level of the signals filtered by the bandpass filter at the processing unit 8. Depending on this indication, the processing unit, which comprises configuration software, can adapt in several successive steps the frequency of the oscillating signals Sm supplied by the local oscillator stage 10 by means of the control signal Cm. This adaptation of the frequency of the oscillating signals by frequency step is carried out until the amplitude of the intermediate signals detected by the indicator is at a level sufficient to be able to demodulate the time data by the demodulator 6.

L'étage oscillateur local 10, qui est adapté par le signal de commande Cm de l'unité de traitement 8, peut comprendre un oscillateur de référence 11 muni d'un seul quartz horloger 12. Cet oscillateur de référence 11 fournit traditionnellement des signaux de référence ref à une fréquence de l'ordre de 32.768 kHz. De préférence, l'étage oscillateur local est un synthétiseur de fréquence. Ce synthétiseur de fréquence comprend donc l'oscillateur de référence 11 à quartz horloger 12 pour fournir le signal de référence ref à un détecteur de phase et fréquence 13 dans une boucle à verrouillage de phase. Ce synthétiseur de fréquence comprend encore un oscillateur commandé en tension VCO 15, qui reçoit des signaux filtrés par un filtre passe-bas 14 provenant du détecteur de phase et fréquence, afin de fournir les signaux oscillants Sm, et un diviseur multi-mode 16 pour diviser la fréquence des signaux oscillants et fournir des signaux divisés au détecteur de phase et fréquence.The local oscillator stage 10, which is adapted by the control signal Cm of the processing unit 8, may comprise a reference oscillator 11 provided with a single clock quartz 12. This reference oscillator 11 traditionally provides signal signals. REF reference at a frequency of the order of 32.768 kHz. Preferably, the local oscillator stage is a frequency synthesizer. This frequency synthesizer thus comprises the clock quartz reference oscillator 11 for supplying the reference signal ref to a phase and frequency detector 13 in a phase-locked loop. This frequency synthesizer further comprises a voltage controlled oscillator VCO 15, which receives signals filtered by a low-pass filter 14 from the phase and frequency detector, to provide the oscillating signals Sm, and a multi-mode divider 16 for divide the frequency of the oscillating signals and provide divided signals to the phase and frequency detector.

Le diviseur multi-mode 16 de la boucle à verrouillage de phase du synthétiseur de fréquence est commandé par le signal de commande Cm de l'unité de traitement pour diviser la fréquence des signaux oscillants Sm par un facteur modifié dans le temps. Ainsi, la fréquence des signaux oscillants de l'oscillateur commandé en tension 15 est adaptée dans le temps jusqu'à ce que la fréquence des signaux intermédiaires IF se trouve dans la bande de fréquence du filtre passe-bande 5. Pour ce faire, il peut être prévu dans l'unité de traitement, un modulateur du type sigma-delta bien connu pour fournir un signal de commande Cm ayant une succession de modes égal à 0 ou à 1 pour définir un facteur de division modifié du diviseur multi-mode. L'unité de traitement 8 peut comprendre également un processeur pour le traitement des données et commandes, un convertisseur analogique-numérique, et au moins une mémoire pour enregistrer certaines fréquences de calibrage sous forme numérique et le logiciel de configuration.The multi-mode divider 16 of the phase lock loop of the frequency synthesizer is controlled by the control signal Cm of the processing unit to divide the frequency of the oscillating signals Sm by a factor modified in time. Thus, the frequency of the oscillating signals of the voltage-controlled oscillator 15 is adapted in time until the frequency of the intermediate signals IF is in the frequency band of the band-pass filter 5. To do this, it may be provided in the processing unit, a sigma-delta type modulator well known to provide a control signal Cm having a succession of modes equal to 0 or 1 to define a modified division factor of the multi-mode divider. The processing unit 8 may also comprise a processor for processing the data and commands, an analog-digital converter, and at least one memory for storing certain calibration frequencies in digital form and the configuration software.

Une fois que la fréquence des signaux oscillants Sm a été adaptée ou calibrée en fonction de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones captés SR, il peut être envisagé d'adapter également la fréquence de résonance au niveau de l'antenne en accord avec la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones à capter. Pour ce faire et comme montré à la figure 2, le récepteur 1 comprend un réseau à condensateurs commutables 21 placé en parallèle de l'antenne 2 pour adapter la fréquence de résonance au niveau de l'antenne en fonction de la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones captés.Once the frequency of the oscillating signals Sm has been adapted or calibrated as a function of the frequency of the captured radio-synchronous signals S R , it may be envisaged also to adapt the resonant frequency at the antenna in accordance with the frequency of the signals. radio-synchronous signals to be picked up. To do this and as shown in the figure 2 , the receiver 1 comprises a switchable capacitor network 21 placed in parallel with the antenna 2 to adapt the resonance frequency at the antenna as a function of the frequency of the captured radio-synchronous signals.

L'antenne 2 est habituellement définie par une mise en parallèle d'une inductance L, d'un condensateur C et d'une résistance R. Le réseau à condensateurs commutables 21, placé en parallèle de l'antenne, est traditionnellement composé de plusieurs condensateurs C1, C2 à Cn, dont la valeur capacitive de chaque condensateur du réseau peut être pondérée par puissance de 2. Un interrupteur, tel qu'un transistor de type MOS, est disposé en série avec chaque condensateur correspondant C1, C2 à Cn. Pour sélectionner tel ou tel condensateur à placer en parallèle de l'antenne, les interrupteurs sont commandés par un mot de configuration Cc à n bits, qui est fourni par un circuit logique 20. Dans le cas d'interrupteurs sous la forme de transistors MOS, le mot de configuration Cc est appliqué respectivement sur les grilles de ces transistors MOS, ce qui est bien connu. Ce circuit logique est également commandé par un mot de sélection de fréquence Sel fourni par l'unité de traitement 8 une fois que la fréquence des signaux oscillants a été adaptée dans l'unité de conversion 7.The antenna 2 is usually defined by a paralleling of an inductance L, a capacitor C and a resistor R. The switchable capacitor network 21, placed in parallel with the antenna, is conventionally composed of several capacitors C 1 , C 2 to C n , the capacitive value of each capacitor of the network can be weighted by power of 2. A switch, such as a MOS transistor, is arranged in series with each corresponding capacitor C 1 , C 2 to C n . To select one or another capacitor to be placed in parallel with the antenna, the switches are controlled by an n-bit configuration word Cc, which is provided by a logic circuit 20. In the case of switches in the form of MOS transistors, the configuration word Cc is applied respectively to the gates of these transistors MOS, which is well known. This logic circuit is also controlled by a frequency selection word Sel supplied by the processing unit 8 once the frequency of the oscillating signals has been adapted in the conversion unit 7.

Pour adapter la fréquence de résonance, il est avantageusement prévu de réaliser un oscillateur du type LC avec l'antenne 2. Pour ce faire, le récepteur 1 comprend un système d'excitation 22, qui est relié à une borne de l'antenne 2 et au réseau à condensateurs commutables 21. Le système d'excitation est commandé par un signal de mise en fonction Co fourni par le circuit logique 20. De préférence, ce système d'excitation se comporte comme une résistance négative -R pour réaliser un oscillateur du type LC avec l'antenne 2.To adapt the resonance frequency, it is advantageously planned to make an oscillator of the LC type with the antenna 2. To do this, the receiver 1 comprises an excitation system 22, which is connected to a terminal of the antenna 2 and the switchable capacitor network 21. The excitation system is controlled by a start-up signal Co supplied by the logic circuit 20. Preferably, this excitation system behaves like a negative resistor -R to make an oscillator LC type with antenna 2.

Une fois que le système d'excitation 22 est mis en fonction, la fréquence d'oscillation fm de l'oscillateur LC est mesurée par le circuit logique à la suite de l'amplificateur LNA 3. Le circuit logique est cadencé par un signal de référence ref d'un oscillateur de référence 11 à quartz 12, qui n'est autre que l'oscillateur à quartz de l'unité de conversion 7. Pour opérer la mesure de la fréquence d'oscillation pendant une période déterminée, le circuit logique compte un nombre d'impulsions de l'oscillateur LC, ainsi qu'un nombre d'impulsions de l'oscillateur de référence. Le rapport entre le nombre d'impulsions de l'oscillateur LC et le nombre d'impulsions de l'oscillateur de référence permet au circuit logique de déterminer la fréquence d'oscillation de l'oscillateur LC. Une comparaison peut être effectuée dans le circuit logique avec le mot de sélection de fréquence Sel fourni par l'unité de traitement de manière à établir un mot de configuration Cc qui tient compte de la fréquence de résonance relative à la fréquence des signaux radiosynchrones à capter. Ce mot de configuration bien établi est transmis au réseau à condensateurs commutables 21 pour placer un ensemble de condensateurs sélectionnés en parallèle de l'antenne.Once the excitation system 22 is turned on, the oscillation frequency f m of the oscillator LC is measured by the logic circuit following the amplifier LNA 3. The logic circuit is clocked by a signal ref reference of a reference oscillator 11 quartz 12, which is none other than the crystal oscillator of the conversion unit 7. To operate the measurement of the oscillation frequency for a given period, the circuit logic counts a number of pulses of the LC oscillator, as well as a number of pulses of the reference oscillator. The ratio between the number of pulses of the LC oscillator and the number of pulses of the reference oscillator allows the logic circuit to determine the oscillation frequency of the LC oscillator. A comparison can be made in the logic circuit with the frequency selection word Sel provided by the processing unit so as to establish a configuration word Cc which takes into account the resonance frequency relative to the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals to be picked up. . This well-established configuration word is transmitted to the capacitor network switchable 21 to place a set of selected capacitors in parallel with the antenna.

Une fois que les condensateurs ont été sélectionnés dans le réseau à condensateurs commutables 21 pour déterminer la fréquence de résonance au niveau de l'antenne, le système d'excitation peut être déconnecté afin de permettre une réception de signaux radiosynchrones.Once the capacitors have been selected in the switchable capacitor array 21 to determine the resonance frequency at the antenna, the excitation system can be disconnected to allow reception of radio-synchronous signals.

Il est à noter que tous les composants du récepteur excepté l'antenne 2, l'amplificateur à faible bruit 3, le quartz horloger 12, peuvent être intégrés dans un unique circuit intégré. Ce circuit intégré peut être réalisé dans une technologie CMOS à 0.18 µm par exemple.It should be noted that all the components of the receiver except the antenna 2, the low noise amplifier 3, the clock quartz 12, can be integrated in a single integrated circuit. This integrated circuit can be realized in a CMOS technology at 0.18 microns for example.

A partir de la description qui vient d'être faite, plusieurs variantes du récepteur de signaux radiosynchrones peuvent être conçues par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de l'invention définie par les revendications. L'étage oscillateur local peut être un oscillateur du type RC ou autre. II peut être prévu également d'adapter la largeur de bande du filtre passe-bande ou sa fréquence centrale.From the description that has just been given, several variants of the radio-synchronous signal receiver may be designed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. The local oscillator stage may be an oscillator of the RC type or the like. It may also be provided to adapt the bandwidth of the bandpass filter or its center frequency.

Claims (14)

  1. Radio-synchronous signal (SR) receiver (1) for adjusting a time base, particularly of a timepiece, said receiver including an antenna (2) for receiving radio-synchronous signals, at least one low noise amplifier (3) configured for amplifying and filtering the signals picked up by the antenna, a frequency conversion unit (7) configured for converting the frequency of the filtered and amplified incoming signals from the low noise amplifier, and a processing unit (8) receiving data signals (data_out) from the conversion unit for adjusting the time base, said conversion unit including:
    - a local oscillator stage (10) configured for supplying oscillating signals (Sm) at a determined frequency;
    - at least one mixer unit (4) configured for mixing the filtered and amplified incoming signals with the oscillating signals supplied by the local oscillator stage, so as to generate intermediate signals (IF) whose frequency is equal to the difference between the oscillating signal frequency and a carrier frequency of the incoming signals;
    - a band-pass filter (5) configured for filtering the intermediate signals (IF) and
    - a demodulator (6) receiving the filtered intermediate signals and supplying the data signals at output,
    said local oscillator stage being automatically configured by a control signal (Cm) from the processing unit so that the frequency of the oscillating signals (Sm) from the local oscillator stage is adapted in accordance with the frequency of the incoming radio-synchronous signals such that the intermediate signal (IF) frequency is within the band-pass filter frequency band,
    characterized in that the demodulator (6) includes a strength indicator for the intermediate signals (IF), which is able to provide an indication of the amplitude of the signals filtered by the band-pass filter to the processing unit (8), and in that the processing unit includes configuration software for adapting the frequency of the oscillating signals (Sm) supplied by the local oscillator stage (10), via the control signal (Cm), until the intermediate signal amplitude detected by the indicator is at a sufficient level to allow the demodulator (6) to demodulate the time data.
  2. Receiver (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the local oscillator stage (10) includes a reference oscillator (11) with a single timepiece quartz (12).
  3. Receiver (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the local oscillator stage (10) is a frequency synthesiser, which includes an oscillator (11) with a timepiece quartz (12) for supplying a reference signal (ref) to a phase and frequency detector (13) in a phase lock loop, a voltage controlled oscillator (15) receiving signals filtered by a lowpass filter (14) originating from the phase and frequency detector, so as to supply the oscillating signals (Sm), and a multi-mode divider (16) for dividing the oscillating signal frequency and supplying divided signals to the phase and frequency detector.
  4. Receiver (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the multi-mode divider (16) of the frequency synthesiser phase lock loop is controlled by the control signal (Cm) from the processing unit, so as to divide the frequency of the oscillating signals (Sm) by a time changed factor to adapt the frequency of the oscillating signals from the voltage controlled oscillator (15).
  5. Receiver (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the band-pass filter (5) is a narrow band active band-pass filter centred on a frequency of a few kHz.
  6. Receiver (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the band-pass of the active band-pass filter (5) is centred on a frequency close to 10 kHz with a bandwidth of around 2 kHz or less.
  7. Receiver (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes an array of switchable capacitors (21) placed in parallel to the antenna (2) for adapting the antenna resonant frequency in accordance with the incoming radio-synchronous signal frequency, selection of the capacitors from the array to be placed in parallel to the antenna being controlled by a configuration word (Cc) supplied by a logic circuit (20), and in that the logic circuit is controlled by a frequency selection word (Sel) supplied by the processing unit to adapt the antenna resonant frequency.
  8. Receiver (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it includes an excitation system (22), connected to a terminal of the antenna and to the switchable capacitor array (21), the excitation system being controlled by a power-on signal (Co) from the logic circuit (20) to form an LC oscillator with the antenna (2), the oscillation frequency (fm) of the LC oscillator being measured by the logic circuit, and in that the logic circuit (20) supplies a configuration word (Cc) to the switchable capacitor array (21) taking account of the frequency selection word (Sel) and the measured oscillation frequency, so as to adapt the antenna resonant frequency by placing a selected set of capacitors in parallel to the antenna.
  9. Receiver (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the logic circuit (20) is switched on by the processing unit (8), in that the logic circuit is clocked by a reference oscillator (11) with a timepiece quartz (12), in that the logic circuit is arranged for measuring, over a certain period of time, a number of the LC oscillator pulses and a number of the reference oscillator pulses to determine the oscillation frequency of the LC oscillator.
  10. Receiver (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the reference oscillator (11) with a timepiece quartz forms part of the local oscillator stage of the frequency conversion unit (7).
  11. Method of activating a radio-synchronous signal receiver (1) according to any of the preceding claims, for adjusting the time base in particular of a timepiece, the method including the initial step of converting the radio-synchronous signals (SR) picked up by the antenna into intermediate signals (IF) by mixing, in a mixer unit (4), the filtered and amplified incoming signals with oscillating signals (Sm) supplied by the local oscillator stage (10), the method comprising the steps consisting in:
    - automatically adapting the frequency of the oscillating signals (Sm) from the local oscillator stage (10) via a control signal (Cm) from the processing unit until the frequency of the intermediate signals (IF) is within the frequency band of the band-pass filter (5) of the conversion unit (7), and
    - demodulating the time data from the intermediate signals in the demodulator (6) so as to supply data signals (data_out) to the processing unit for adjusting the time base,
    characterized in that during the step of adapting the oscillating signal frequency, the demodulator (6) supplies an indication of the amplitude of the filtered intermediate signals (IF) to the processing unit (8) to enable said processing unit, which includes configuration software, to adapt the oscillating signal (Sm) frequency successively via the control signal (Cm), until the amplitude of the intermediate signals detected by the demodulator indicator is at a sufficient level for the demodulator (6) to demodulate the time data.
  12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that once the oscillating signal (Sm) frequency has been adapted in accordance with the frequency of the radio-synchronous signals picked up by the antenna to obtain intermediate signals with sufficient amplitude, the resonant frequency of the antenna (2) is adapted to the incoming radio-synchronous signal frequency by placing a selected set of capacitors of a switchable capacitor array (21) in parallel to the antenna, said array being controlled by a configuration word (Cc) from a logic circuit dependent upon a frequency selection word (Sel) supplied by the processing unit.
  13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the logic circuit supplies a power-on signal (Co) to an excitation system (22), which is connected to a terminal of the antenna and the switchable capacitor array to form an LC oscillator with the antenna (2), the oscillation frequency (fm) of the LC oscillator being measured by the logic circuit to supply a configuration word (Cc) to the switchable capacitor array (21) taking account of the frequency selection word (Sel) to adapt the resonant frequency automatically by placing the selected set of capacitors in parallel to the antenna.
  14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that while the resonant frequency is being adapted at the level of the antenna, the oscillation frequency is measured in the logic circuit by counting a number of the LC oscillator pulses and a number of pulses of a reference oscillator (11), which clocks the logic circuit, over a certain period of time, and the ratio between the number of the LC oscillator pulses and the number of the reference oscillator pulses determining the oscillation frequency of the LC oscillator to define the configuration word (Cc), taking account of the frequency selection word (Sel).
EP09170980A 2009-09-22 2009-09-22 Radiosynchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, and method for controlling the receiver Active EP2299337B1 (en)

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EP09170980A EP2299337B1 (en) 2009-09-22 2009-09-22 Radiosynchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, and method for controlling the receiver
KR1020100091770A KR101238950B1 (en) 2009-09-22 2010-09-17 Radio-Synchonous Signal Receiver For Adjusting a Time Base, and Method for Activating the Receiver
TW099131871A TWI489228B (en) 2009-09-22 2010-09-20 Radio-synchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, and method for activating the receiver
JP2010210585A JP5627090B2 (en) 2009-09-22 2010-09-21 Radio signal receiver for time base adjustment and method of operating the receiver
CN201010291944.0A CN102025385B (en) 2009-09-22 2010-09-21 Radio synchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, and method for activating the receiver
US12/887,137 US8630151B2 (en) 2009-09-22 2010-09-21 Radio-synchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, and method for activating the receiver
HK11111199.3A HK1157084A1 (en) 2009-09-22 2011-10-19 Radio-synchronous signal receiver for adjusting a time base, and method for activating the receiver

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KR101238950B1 (en) 2013-03-04
US8630151B2 (en) 2014-01-14
CN102025385A (en) 2011-04-20
JP5627090B2 (en) 2014-11-19
CN102025385B (en) 2014-07-30
US20110070851A1 (en) 2011-03-24
HK1157084A1 (en) 2012-06-22
TW201140263A (en) 2011-11-16
EP2299337A1 (en) 2011-03-23
TWI489228B (en) 2015-06-21
JP2011069822A (en) 2011-04-07

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