JP7333705B2 - circuit system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to circuit systems and integrated circuits.

Conventionally, there has been known an integrated circuit that generates a clock based on a reference signal from an external oscillator and operates based on the generated clock (see Patent Document 1, for example).

JP 2019-24061 A

By the way, unlike the integrated circuit of Patent Document 1, there has also been proposed a technique of generating a clock only by a circuit inside the integrated circuit without using a reference signal from an external oscillator.

However, in the technology that generates the clock only by the circuit inside the integrated circuit, since it does not use the oscillator, There was a possibility that the accuracy of the clock to be used would be degraded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a circuit system and an integrated circuit capable of correcting operations related to a reference clock signal.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the circuit system according to claim 1 comprises an integrated circuit operating based on a reference clock signal, another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit, wherein the other integrated circuit is a non-correction signal having higher accuracy than the reference clock signal, and a correction purpose for performing processing for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal A non-correction signal for a purpose other than the reference clock signal is transmitted to the integrated circuit, and the integrated circuit includes generating means for generating the reference clock signal and the non-correction signal received from the other integrated circuit as the reference clock signal. correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal using a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the signal, wherein the correction means sets a correction start condition. If it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, the correcting means corrects the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. The specified temperature information is acquired from the other integrated circuit, and it is determined whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information.

A circuit system according to claim 2 is a circuit system comprising an integrated circuit operating based on a reference clock signal, and another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit, wherein the other integrated circuit is connected to the integrated circuit. A circuit provides a non-correction signal having a higher accuracy than the reference clock signal, and a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. and the integrated circuit includes generating means for generating the reference clock signal; correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal using the reference clock signal as a signal, wherein the integrated circuit comprises designating means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal; Another integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal of the frequency specified by the specifying means of the integrated circuit.

The circuit system according to claim 3 is the circuit system according to claim 2 , wherein the correcting means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and determines that the correction start condition is satisfied. Then, a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal is performed.

The circuit system according to claim 4 is the circuit system according to claim 3 , wherein the correcting means obtains temperature information specifying the ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit. It is determined whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the temperature information.

A circuit system according to claim 5 is a circuit system comprising an integrated circuit operating based on a reference clock signal, and another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit, wherein the other integrated circuit is connected to the other integrated circuit. A circuit provides a non-correction signal having a higher accuracy than the reference clock signal, and a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. and the integrated circuit includes generating means for generating the reference clock signal; correction means for performing processing for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, wherein the generation means generates at least a first reference clock signal which is the reference clock signal at a first frequency. and a second generating means for generating a second reference clock signal, which is the reference clock signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency, wherein the correcting means comprises: A process for correcting the operation of the first generation means with respect to the first reference clock signal is performed based on the correction signal, and thereafter, the first generation means based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generation means is performed. A process of correcting the operation of the second generating means with respect to the two reference clock signals is performed.

The circuit system according to claim 6 is the circuit system according to claim 5 , wherein the correcting means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and determines that the correction start condition is satisfied. Then, a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal is performed.

Further, the circuit system according to claim 7 is the circuit system according to claim 5, wherein the integrated circuit comprises designating means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal, and the other integrated circuit: The non-correction signal having a frequency specified by the specifying means of the integrated circuit is transmitted.
In the circuit system according to claim 8, in the circuit system according to claim 6, the correcting means acquires temperature information specifying the ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit and acquires the temperature information. It is determined whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the temperature information.
Further, the circuit system according to claim 9 is the circuit system according to claim 8, wherein the integrated circuit comprises designating means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal, and the other integrated circuit: The non-correction signal having a frequency specified by the specifying means of the integrated circuit is transmitted.
A circuit system according to claim 10 is a circuit system comprising an integrated circuit operating based on a reference clock signal, and another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit, wherein the other integrated circuit is connected to the integrated circuit. A circuit provides a non-correction signal having a higher accuracy than the reference clock signal, and a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. and the integrated circuit includes generating means for generating the reference clock signal; correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, using the reference clock signal as a signal, wherein the other integrated circuit is an integrated circuit for wireless communication.
The circuit system according to claim 11 is the circuit system according to claim 10, wherein the correcting means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and determines that the correction start condition is satisfied. Then, a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal is performed.
In the circuit system according to claim 12, in the circuit system according to claim 11, the correcting means acquires temperature information specifying the ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit and acquires the temperature information. It is determined whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the temperature information.
The circuit system according to claim 13 is the circuit system according to claim 12, wherein the integrated circuit comprises designating means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal, and the other integrated circuit: The non-correction signal having a frequency specified by the specifying means of the integrated circuit is transmitted.
Further, the circuit system according to claim 14 is the circuit system according to claim 13, wherein the generation means is a first generation circuit that generates at least a first reference clock signal that is the reference clock signal of a first frequency. and second generation means for generating a second reference clock signal, which is the reference clock signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency, wherein the correction means is based on the correction signal. to correct the operation of the first generating means with respect to the first reference clock signal, and then, based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generating means, the second reference clock signal with respect to the A process for correcting the operation of the second generating means is performed.

According to the circuit system of claim 1, a non-correction signal received from another integrated circuit is used as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, thereby By performing processing for correcting the operation of , for example, it is possible to correct the operation related to the reference clock signal. In particular, for example, it is possible to correct the operation of the integrated circuit even if the correcting signal cannot be obtained easily.
Further, by correcting the operation of the integrated circuit when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, for example, correction can be performed only when necessary.
Further, by determining whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the temperature information acquired from another integrated circuit, for example, the temperature changes relatively greatly, or the temperature changes relatively high. Alternatively, it is possible to perform correction at appropriate timing, such as when there is a possibility that the operation of the integrated circuit deviates from the regulation due to low temperature. Further, for example, by acquiring temperature information from another integrated circuit, there is no need to provide a dedicated element for acquiring temperature information, making it possible to reduce costs.

According to the circuit system of claim 2, a non-correction signal received from another integrated circuit is used as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, thereby By performing processing for correcting the operation, for example, it is possible to correct the operation related to the reference clock signal. In particular, for example, it is possible to correct the operation of the integrated circuit even if the correcting signal cannot be obtained easily.
Moreover, by specifying the frequency of the non-correction signal, for example, correction can be performed at an appropriate frequency, so it is possible to improve the accuracy of correction.

According to the circuit system of claim 3, by correcting the operation of the integrated circuit when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, for example, correction can be performed only when necessary.

According to the circuit system of claim 4, based on the ambient temperature specified by the temperature information obtained from another integrated circuit, it is determined whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied. Correction can be performed at appropriate timing when there is a possibility that the operation of the integrated circuit deviates from the regulation due to a large change or a relatively high or low temperature. Further, for example, by acquiring temperature information from another integrated circuit, there is no need to provide a dedicated element for acquiring temperature information, making it possible to reduce costs.

According to the circuit system of claim 5, a non-correction signal received from another integrated circuit is used as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, thereby By performing processing for correcting the operation, for example, it is possible to correct the operation related to the reference clock signal. In particular, for example, it is possible to correct the operation of the integrated circuit even if the correcting signal cannot be obtained easily.
Further, processing for correcting the operation of the first generation means with respect to the first reference clock signal is performed based on the correction signal, and then the second reference clock signal is generated based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generation means. By performing the process of correcting the operation of the second generation means for , for example, the time for operating other integrated circuits for correction can be shortened, so that power consumption can be reduced.

According to the circuit systems of claims 6 and 11, by correcting the operation of the integrated circuit when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, for example, correction can be performed only when necessary. .
According to the circuit systems of claims 7, 9, and 13, by designating the frequency of the non-correction signal, for example, correction can be performed at an appropriate frequency, so that the accuracy of correction can be improved. It becomes possible.
According to the circuit systems of claims 8 and 12, based on the ambient temperature specified by the temperature information acquired from another integrated circuit, it is determined whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied. It is possible to perform correction at appropriate timing when there is a possibility that the operation of the integrated circuit deviates from the regulation due to a relatively large change or a relatively high or low temperature. Further, for example, by acquiring temperature information from another integrated circuit, there is no need to provide a dedicated element for acquiring temperature information, making it possible to reduce costs.
According to the circuit system of claim 10, a non-correction signal received from another integrated circuit is used as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, thereby By performing processing for correcting the operation, for example, it is possible to correct the operation related to the reference clock signal. In particular, for example, it is possible to correct the operation of the integrated circuit even if the correcting signal cannot be obtained easily.
Further, since the other integrated circuit is an integrated circuit for wireless communication, for example, it is possible to perform correction using a signal from the integrated circuit for wireless communication with relatively high accuracy, thereby improving the accuracy of correction. becomes possible.
According to the circuit system of claim 14, the process of correcting the operation of the first generation means with respect to the first reference clock signal is performed based on the correction signal, and then the first reference generated by the first generation means is corrected. By performing the process of correcting the operation of the second generation means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on the clock signal, for example, the time for operating other integrated circuits for correction can be shortened, resulting in low consumption. Electrification can be achieved.

1 is a block diagram of a circuit system according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a flowchart of correction processing;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of a circuit system and an integrated circuit according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[Basic concept of the embodiment]
First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be explained. Embodiments generally relate to circuit systems.

A "circuit system" is a system of electrical circuits implemented in a target device, including, for example, integrated circuits and other integrated circuits. "Applicable equipment" means equipment in which the circuit system is implemented, for example, disaster prevention equipment including residential fire alarms, sensor transmitters, and lock confirmation sensor equipment, or security equipment, or for disaster prevention purposes and security It is a concept that includes any equipment other than the intended purpose.

An “integrated circuit” is an electronic component that operates based on a reference clock signal. includes generating means, correcting means, and optionally specifying means. A "reference clock signal" is an electrical signal that serves as a reference for operating an integrated circuit, and is a concept that includes, for example, signals generated inside the integrated circuit.

The “generating means” is a concept that generates a reference clock signal, and includes, for example, a clock generating circuit incorporated in an integrated circuit. The specific type and configuration of this "generating means" are arbitrary, and for example, one circuit that generates only one type of reference clock signal, or a plurality of circuits that generate two or more types of reference clock signals. It is a concept that includes "Generating means" includes, for example, first generating means and second generating means.

The "first generation means" is a concept that includes, for example, those that generate a first reference clock signal that is a reference clock signal of a first frequency. "Second generating means" is a concept including those that generate a second reference clock signal, which is a reference clock signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency.

"Correction means" means a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal by using a non-correction signal received from another integrated circuit as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. For example, it includes means for determining whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied, and performing processing for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal when it is determined that the correction start condition is met. Means for acquiring temperature information specifying the ambient temperature of an integrated circuit from another integrated circuit, and determining whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information Also, based on the correction signal, a process for correcting the operation of the first generation means with respect to the first reference clock signal is performed, and then the first reference clock signal generated by the first generation means is corrected. This is a concept including means for correcting the operation of the second generation means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on the reference clock signal.

The 'designating means' is means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal.

"Other integrated circuits" are integrated circuits different from the aforementioned integrated circuit, specifically those connected to the integrated circuit, e.g. It is a concept that includes a non-correction signal to an integrated circuit for a purpose other than correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, and the designation of the integrated circuit. This is a concept including means for transmitting a non-correction signal of a specified frequency. Any integrated circuit other than the wireless communication integrated circuit and the wireless communication integrated circuit can be used as the “other integrated circuit”.

The accuracy of the "non-correction signal" here is arbitrary as long as it is higher than the accuracy of the reference clock signal. It may be confirmed by experiments, simulations, or the like, and the confirmed accuracy may be applied to the present invention.

It should be noted that "a purpose other than the correction purpose of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal" means, for example, that the original purpose of using the signal output from another integrated circuit is integration with respect to the reference clock signal. This concept corresponds to the fact that the purpose is not to correct the operation of the circuit, and as an example, the concept to indicate that the original purpose is to perform synchronous communication.

In the following embodiments, a case will be described in which the "circuit system" is mounted on the disaster prevention equipment and an integrated circuit for wireless communication is used as the "other integrated circuit".

[Specific contents of the embodiment]
Next, specific contents of the embodiment will be described.

(composition)
First, the configuration of the circuit system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a circuit system according to this embodiment.

The circuit system 100 is, for example, a system of electric circuits mounted in disaster prevention equipment, and includes an oscillator 1, a wireless communication integrated circuit (hereinafter, the integrated circuit is also referred to as an “IC”) 2, and a control circuit. IC3 is provided.

(Configuration - Oscillator)
The oscillator 1 is output means for generating a reference signal that serves as a reference for the synchronous communication clock signal S1 output by the wireless communication IC 2 and outputting it to the wireless communication IC 2 . Although the specific type and configuration of this oscillator 1 are arbitrary, it can be configured using, for example, a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO).

(Configuration - IC for wireless communication)
The radio communication IC 2 is the other integrated circuit described above. The specific type and configuration of this wireless communication IC 2 are arbitrary, but for example, it is configured to perform synchronous communication with the control IC 3 . The wireless communication IC 2 is also electrically connected to the antenna side, but the electrical connection to the antenna side is well known, so the description is omitted. For synchronous communication with the control IC 3, for example, based on the reference signal received from the oscillator 1, a synchronous communication clock signal S1 is generated and output, and based on the synchronous communication clock signal S1 This is done by transmitting and receiving the data signal S2.

The "synchronous communication clock signal" S1 is the above-mentioned non-correction signal. It is a signal with higher accuracy than the low-speed reference clock signal that is generated and output.

(Configuration - control IC)
The control IC 3 is the aforementioned integrated circuit. Although the specific type and configuration of this control IC 3 are arbitrary, for example, it is a microcomputer for controlling disaster prevention equipment, and is configured to perform synchronous communication with the wireless communication IC 2. There is. The control IC 3 includes, for example, a communication section 31, a high-speed clock generation section 32, a low-speed clock generation section 33, a first counter 34, a second counter 35, and a control section . Although the control IC 3 can have various configurations other than the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, only the configuration that is characteristic of the present application will be illustrated and explained here.

(Configuration-control IC-communication section)
The communication unit 31 is communication means for communicating with the wireless communication IC 2 . Although the specific type and configuration of this communication unit 31 are arbitrary, for example, it can be configured using a known communication circuit.

(Configuration - control IC - high-speed clock generator)
The high-speed clock generator 32 is generating means for generating a high-speed reference clock signal. The specific type and configuration of the high-speed clock generator 32 are arbitrary. It can be configured using an oscillation circuit built into a computer. The "high-speed reference clock signal" is the aforementioned reference clock signal, and is a signal of any frequency (eg, 4 MHz).

(Configuration - control IC - low-speed clock generator)
The low-speed clock generator 33 is generating means for generating a low-speed reference clock signal. Although the specific type and configuration of the low-speed clock generator 33 are arbitrary, it can be configured in the same manner as the high-speed clock generator 32, for example. A "low-speed reference clock signal" is the aforementioned reference clock signal, and is a signal of any frequency (eg, 15 KHz, etc.) lower than the high-speed reference clock signal.

One of the high-speed clock generation unit 32 and the low-speed clock generation unit 33 described above corresponds to the "first generation means", and the other corresponds to the "second generation means". Also, one of the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal corresponds to the "first reference clock signal", and the other corresponds to the "second reference clock signal".

(Configuration-control IC-first counter)
The first counter 34 is counting means for counting the number of pulses of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 received from the wireless communication IC2. Although the specific type and configuration of the first counter 34 are arbitrary, for example, it can be configured using a known frequency counter circuit or the like.

(Configuration-control IC-second counter)
The second counter 35 is counting means for counting the number of pulses of the high-speed reference clock signal generated and output by the high-speed clock generator 32 or the low-speed reference clock signal generated and output by the low-speed clock generator 33. be. Although the specific type and configuration of the second counter 35 are arbitrary, for example, it can be configured using a known timer counter circuit or the like.

(Configuration-control IC-control unit)
The control unit 36 is control means for controlling the control IC 3. Specifically, the control IC 3 controls the synchronous communication clock signal S1 received from the wireless communication IC to control the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal. Correcting means for correcting the operation of the control IC 3 with respect to the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal by using it as a correction signal for correcting the operation, and also specifying the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1. It is a designation means. Although the specific type and configuration of the control unit 36 are arbitrary, for example, it can be configured using a known arithmetic circuit, memory, and the like.

(process)
Next, correction processing executed by the circuit system 100 configured in this manner will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of correction processing (steps are abbreviated as "S" in the following description of each processing). The "correction process" is a process for correcting the operation of the control IC 3, and is generally a process executed by the control IC 3. Although the timing of executing this correction processing is arbitrary, for example, execution is started when the power of the circuit system 100 is turned on, and is repeatedly executed.

At SA1 in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 determines whether or not to perform correction. Specifically, although it is arbitrary, for example, it is assumed that a correction start condition is recorded in a memory (not shown) of the control unit 36, and determination is made based on this correction start condition.

A “correction start condition” is a condition for starting correction, and is a concept including, for example, a period condition, a time condition, a temperature condition, and the like. The “periodic condition” is a condition related to the period of correction, for example, a condition that correction is performed when a predetermined time (eg, 10 to 15 minutes) has passed since the most recent correction. The "time condition" is a condition related to the time of correction, for example, a condition that correction is performed at 1:00 am. "Temperature condition" is a condition related to temperature. For example, it is a condition that correction is performed when there is a temperature change of a predetermined temperature (for example, 5 to 6 degrees) or more after the most recent correction. . Here, it is assumed that these conditions are recorded in the memory of the control unit 36, for example.

More specifically, the processing of SA1 accesses the memory to acquire the period condition, time condition, and temperature condition, and makes a determination regarding each of these conditions.

As for the periodic conditions, for example, the most recently corrected hour and minute (hereinafter referred to as the most recently corrected hour and minute) are recorded in the memory, and any method (for example, a method of accessing the clock function, etc.) After specifying the hour and minute (hereinafter referred to as the current hour and minute), the latest corrected hour and minute are acquired, and it is determined whether or not the specified current hour and minute has passed a predetermined time from the latest corrected hour and minute. When it is determined that the current hour and minute have passed the predetermined time since the most recent correction time, it is determined that the periodic condition is satisfied, and on the other hand, when it is determined that the current hour and minute have not passed the predetermined time since the most recent correction time. , it is determined that the period condition is not satisfied. Here, for example, a case in which the “most recent correction hour”=“9:00” and the “current hour”=“9:01” will be described as an example. In this case, since the current hour and minute have not passed the predetermined time since the latest corrected hour and minute, it is determined that the periodic condition is not satisfied.

As for the time condition, for example, the current hour and minute are identified by the method described above, and then it is determined whether or not the identified current hour and minute corresponds to a predetermined time (for example, 1:00 AM). When it is determined that the specified current hour and minute correspond to the predetermined time, it is determined that the time condition is satisfied. Also, when it is determined that the specified current hour and minute do not correspond to the predetermined time, it is determined that the time condition is not satisfied. Here, for example, when "current time"="9:01", it is determined that the time condition is not satisfied because it does not correspond to the predetermined time (for example, 1:00 am).

Regarding the temperature conditions, for example, the ambient temperature of the control IC 3 when the most recent correction was performed (hereinafter referred to as the most recent temperature) is recorded in the memory. A measurement function is provided, and temperature information specifying the temperature measured by the wireless communication IC 2 is received from the wireless communication IC 2 by communicating with the wireless communication IC 2 via the communication unit 31. (acquisition), and the temperature specified by the received temperature information is specified as the ambient temperature of the control IC 3). The most recent temperature is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the identified current temperature has changed by a predetermined temperature (eg, 5 to 6 degrees) or more compared to the most recent temperature. When it is determined that the current temperature has changed by a predetermined temperature or more compared to the most recent temperature, it is determined that the temperature condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the current temperature has not changed from the most recent temperature by a predetermined temperature or more, it is determined that the temperature condition is not satisfied. Here, for example, a case where "last temperature" = "35 degrees" and "current temperature" = "45 degrees" will be described as an example. In this case, it is determined that the temperature condition is satisfied because the current temperature is different from the most recent temperature by a predetermined temperature or more.

After each of these determinations, when it is determined that all the conditions are not satisfied (that is, it is determined that the cycle condition is not satisfied, the time condition is not satisfied, and the temperature condition is not satisfied). If it is determined that the conditions are not satisfied), it is determined that correction is not to be performed (NO in SA1), and the process ends. Also, when it is determined that at least one of the conditions is satisfied (that is, when it is determined that the periodic condition is satisfied, or when it is determined that the time condition is satisfied, or when it is determined that the temperature condition is satisfied) case), it is determined that correction is to be performed (YES in SA1), and the process proceeds to SA2.

At SA2 in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 accesses the wireless communication IC 2 and starts outputting the synchronous communication clock signal S1. Specifically, although it is arbitrary, for example, a signal output command including information designating the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 to be output is transmitted to the wireless communication IC 2 . Any frequency can be specified here, but for example, considering that both the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal are corrected, the frequency of the clock signal to be corrected is set to 2, based on the sampling theorem. A frequency sufficiently lower than the frequency of the low-speed reference clock signal is selected by selecting an arbitrary frequency whose period is at least twice as long. In this case, the wireless communication IC 2 starts outputting the synchronous communication clock signal S1 having the frequency specified by the signal output command. Here, for example, a signal output command specifying 100 Hz is transmitted to the wireless communication IC 2, and in this case, the wireless communication IC 2 starts outputting the synchronous communication clock signal S1 of 100 Hz to the control IC 3.

At SA3 in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 performs matching. Specifically, the high-speed clock generator 32 and the low-speed clock generator 33 of the control IC 3, for example, generate a high-speed reference clock signal and a low-speed reference clock by changing the setting values for adjustment. It is assumed that a function of adjusting the pulse timing of the signal (that is, a function of finely adjusting the frequency) is installed, and the case of performing correction processing, which will be described later, using this function will be described as an example. In this case, more specifically, the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal are originally output using the synchronous communication clock signal S1 having higher accuracy than the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal. Alignment is performed by determining the setpoints for the adjustments described above so that the frequencies to be adjusted (eg, 4 MHz and 15 KHz as described above) are obtained.

More specifically, first, the first counter 34 counts the number of pulses within a predetermined measurement time of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 whose output is started at SA2 in FIG. The second counter 35 repeatedly counts the number of pulses of the high-speed reference clock signal generated by the second counter 35 within the predetermined measurement time. Focusing on the fact that the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 is specified in SA2 and the fact that the accuracy of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 is high, the second counter 34 uses the counting result of the first counter 34 as a reference. 35 determines whether or not the frequency of the high-speed reference clock signal is the frequency at which the high-speed reference clock signal should be output. A set value for adjustment of the high-speed clock generator 32 is determined so that the frequency to be output (for example, 4 MHz) is obtained (in practice, the frequency is within the allowable accuracy). Here, for example, matching is performed by determining a set value for adjustment of the high-speed clock generation unit 32, which is 4 MHz, which is the frequency at which the high-speed reference clock signal should originally be output.

Next, similarly, a set value for adjustment of the low-speed clock generator 33 is determined. Here, for example, matching is performed by determining a set value for adjustment of the low-speed clock generator 33, which is 15 KHz, which is the frequency at which the high-speed reference clock signal should originally be output.

At SA4 in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 of the control IC3 accesses the wireless communication IC2 and stops outputting the synchronous communication clock signal S1. Specifically, although it is arbitrary, for example, a signal stop command is transmitted to the wireless communication IC 2 . In this case, the wireless communication IC 2 stops outputting the synchronous communication clock signal S1. Here, for example, the output of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 of 100 Hz is stopped.

At SA5 in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 corrects both the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal. Specifically, it is arbitrary, but for example, the set value for adjustment of the high-speed clock generator 32 and the set value for adjustment of the low-speed clock generator 33 determined by matching in SA3 are set to the high-speed clock generator 32 and the By setting in the low-speed clock generator 33, both the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal are corrected. In this case, the high-speed clock generation unit 32 and the low-speed clock generation unit 33 output the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal at the frequencies that should be output. After that, the current time and the current temperature are stored in the memory. This completes the correction process.

(Effect of Embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the synchronous communication clock signal S1 received from the wireless communication IC 2 is used as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the control IC 3 with respect to the reference clock signal, thereby controlling the reference clock signal. For example, by correcting the operation of the IC 3, it is possible to correct the operation related to the reference clock signal. In particular, for example, even if the correction signal cannot be obtained easily, the operation of the control IC 3 can be corrected.

Further, by correcting the operation of the control IC 3 when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, for example, correction can be performed only when necessary.

Further, by determining whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the temperature information acquired from the wireless communication IC 2, for example, when there is a possibility that the operation of the control IC 3 deviates from the regulation. It becomes possible to perform correction at an appropriate timing such as. Further, for example, by acquiring the temperature information from the wireless communication IC 2, there is no need to provide a dedicated element for acquiring the temperature information, and cost reduction can be achieved.

Moreover, by specifying the frequency of the non-correction signal, for example, correction can be performed at an appropriate frequency, so it is possible to improve the accuracy of correction.

[Modification to Embodiment]
Although the embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the specific configuration and means of the present invention can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical ideas of each invention described in the claims. can be done. Such modifications will be described below.

(Problem to be solved and effect of invention)
First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the contents described above, and may differ depending on the details of the implementation environment and configuration of the invention. or only part of the effects described above.

(Regarding decentralization and integration)
Moreover, the configuration described above is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the specific form of distribution or integration of each part is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units. In addition, the term "device" in the present application is not limited to one configured by a single device, but includes one configured by a plurality of devices.

(Regarding the start of correction)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not to correct based on three conditions in SA1 of FIG. It may be configured to determine whether or not to perform correction based on four or more conditions. Further, in the above embodiment, the "temperature condition" is, for example, a condition that the correction is performed when the temperature has changed by a predetermined temperature (eg, 5 to 6 degrees) or more since the most recent correction. Although the case has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the "temperature condition" may be a condition that correction should be made when the current temperature deviates from a predetermined temperature range.

(Regarding acquisition of temperature information)
Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the temperature information was acquired from IC2 for radio|wireless communications, it does not restrict to this. For example, temperature information may be obtained from another IC or element other than the wireless communication IC 2, or a temperature measurement function may be implemented in the control IC 3 to obtain temperature information using the function. It may be configured to

(Regarding frequency designation)
Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 is designated in SA2 of FIG. 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, since the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 is predetermined for data communication, the synchronous communication clock signal S1 having the predetermined frequency may be output without specifying the frequency. may

(Regarding the correction (Part 1))
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the matching process of SA3 is performed using the synchronous communication clock signal S1 of one frequency designated in SA2 of FIG. 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when adjusting the high-speed clock generating unit 32 and when adjusting the low-speed clock generating unit 33, mutually different frequencies are designated, and synchronous communication clock signals of mutually different frequencies are generated. It may be configured to perform matching processing of SA3 using S1.

(Correction (Part 2))
Further, in the above embodiment, the case where a frequency lower than that of each reference clock signal is specified in SA2 of FIG. 2 to output the synchronous communication clock signal S1 has been described. Depending on the frequency, a frequency higher than that of each reference clock signal may be specified, or a frequency higher than the frequency of one reference clock signal and lower than the frequency of the other reference clock signal. may be specified.

(Regarding the correction (Part 3))
Also, in SA3 and SA5 of FIG. 2 of the above embodiment, the case of matching the high-speed clock generator 32 and the low-speed clock generator 33 using the synchronous communication clock signal S1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. do not have. For example, using the clock signal S1 for synchronous communication, adjustment is performed by determining a set value for adjustment of one of the high-speed clock generator 32 and the low-speed clock generator 33, and matching is performed. By setting the determined setting value for adjustment in the one clock generation unit, the one clock generation unit is corrected, and then the reference clock signal generated by the corrected clock generation unit is used. , matching is performed by determining a set value for adjustment of the other clock generating unit of the high-speed clock generating unit 32 or the low-speed clock generating unit 33, and the determined adjustment is applied to the other clock generating unit that has undergone matching. By setting a set value for the other clock generator, the other clock generator may be corrected. In this case, the control IC 3 is provided with a large number of counters, and these counters perform processing such as counting the number of pulses of each signal in the same manner as described in the embodiment. It may be configured to perform matching and correction.

(Correction (Part 4))
Also, in SA5 of FIG. 2 of the above embodiment, the case where correction is performed by changing the set value for adjustment has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, adjust the value of the timer counter of the control IC 3, correct the baud rate for external communication according to a predetermined standard, or adjust to accurately measure the unit time (for example, 1 second). , a process for correcting the operation of the control IC 3 may be performed.

In particular, when adjusting to accurately measure a unit time (for example, 1 second), correction can be performed in an IC that cannot correct the clock itself, but the following processing may be performed. Here, for example, it is assumed that the low-speed clock generator 33 outputs 100,000 pulses per second, and it is assumed that the pulse count value is used to measure the time. In this case, the control unit 36 measures the unit time (here, one second) using the variable A as the reference for time measurement. “Variable A” is a count value of pulses for measuring one second. "100000" is set as the initial value. That is, the control unit 36 counts the number of pulses of the signal from the low-speed clock generation unit 33 corresponding to the variable A, and measures one second. By the way, in the case of such a configuration, the frequency of the signal output from the low-speed clock generator 33 may deviate due to an arbitrary factor (for example, a factor related to temperature, etc.), and the number of pulses output per second may be reduced. may deviate from 100,000. In this case, the control unit 36 is configured to measure one second when the number corresponding to the variable A is counted. Although there is a possibility that the measurement cannot be performed, in such a case, the following correction may be performed so that one second can be accurately measured.

Specifically, for example, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 corrects the low-speed clock during 100 cycles of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 (that is, a signal of 100 Hz) input from the wireless communication IC 2. The number of pulses output from the generator 33 is counted. Here, for example, 100 cycles of the highly accurate synchronous communication clock signal S1 is set to 1 second, and the number of pulses output from the low-speed clock generator 33 is counted during the 1 second. A case of counting the number of pieces will be described as an example. Next, the controller 36 sets the counted number of pulses to "variable A". Here, for example, correction is performed by setting 100005, which is the number of counted pulses, to "variable A". With this configuration, the control unit 36 measures one second when 100005 pulses output from the low-speed clock generation unit 33 are counted. Even if the number of pulses of the signal from 100000 per second deviates from 100005 per second, 1 second can be accurately measured. Note that the technique described here may be used to correct the signal of the high-speed clock generator 32 .

(Regarding circuit configuration)
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the feature of the present invention is described for the case where two clock generation units are provided in the control IC 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the features of the present invention may be applied when only one clock generation unit of the control IC 3 is provided, or may be applied when three or more are provided.

(About features)
Moreover, the features of the embodiment and the features of the modifications may be combined arbitrarily.

(Appendix)
The circuit system of appendix 1 is a circuit system comprising an integrated circuit operating based on a reference clock signal, and another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit, wherein the other integrated circuit operates according to the reference clock signal. transmitting to the integrated circuit a non-correction signal having a higher accuracy than the clock signal and having a purpose other than correction for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal; The integrated circuit uses generating means for generating the reference clock signal, and the non-correction signal received from the other integrated circuit as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, and correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal.

The circuit system according to Supplementary Note 2 is the circuit system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, the reference clock signal A process for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to is performed.

The circuit system according to Supplementary Note 3 is the circuit system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the correction means acquires temperature information specifying the ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit, and the acquired temperature information specifies Based on the ambient temperature, it is determined whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied.

The circuit system of Supplementary Note 4 is the circuit system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the integrated circuit includes specifying means for specifying the frequency of the non-correction signal, and the other integrated circuit includes: and transmitting the non-correction signal of the frequency specified by the specifying means of the integrated circuit.

The circuit system according to appendix 5 is the circuit system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the generating means is a first clock signal that generates at least a first reference clock signal that is the reference clock signal having a first frequency. generating means; and second generating means for generating a second reference clock signal, which is the reference clock signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency; processing for correcting the operation of the first generating means relating to the first reference clock signal based on the A process of correcting the operation of the second generating means is performed.

The circuit system of appendix 6 is the circuit system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the other integrated circuit is an integrated circuit for wireless communication.

The integrated circuit of appendix 7 is an integrated circuit that operates based on a reference clock signal, and includes generating means for generating the reference clock signal, and a non-correction signal having higher precision than the reference clock signal, The non-correction signal received from another integrated circuit that transmits to the integrated circuit a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal is the reference clock signal. correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, using the signal as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal.

(Effect of Supplementary Note)
According to the circuit system of appendix 1 and the integrated circuit of appendix 7, a non-correction signal received from another integrated circuit is used as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. For example, by correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, it is possible to correct the operation with respect to the reference clock signal. In particular, for example, it is possible to correct the operation of the integrated circuit even if the correcting signal cannot be obtained easily.

According to the circuit system described in Supplementary Note 2, by correcting the operation of the integrated circuit when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, for example, correction can be performed only when necessary.

According to the circuit system described in appendix 3, by determining whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the temperature information acquired from the other integrated circuit, for example, when the temperature is relatively high, Correction can be performed at appropriate timing when there is a possibility that the operation of the integrated circuit deviates from the regulation due to changes or relatively high or low temperatures. Further, for example, by acquiring temperature information from another integrated circuit, there is no need to provide a dedicated element for acquiring temperature information, making it possible to reduce costs.

According to the circuit system described in appendix 4, by designating the frequency of the non-correction signal, for example, correction can be performed at an appropriate frequency, so it is possible to improve the accuracy of correction.

According to the circuit system described in Supplementary Note 5, the process of correcting the operation of the first generation means with respect to the first reference clock signal is performed based on the correction signal, and then the first reference clock generated by the first generation means is performed. By correcting the operation of the second generating means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on the signal, for example, the time for operating other integrated circuits for correction can be shortened, resulting in low power consumption. It is possible to achieve

According to the circuit system described in appendix 6, since the other integrated circuit is an integrated circuit for wireless communication, for example, it is possible to perform correction using a signal from the integrated circuit for wireless communication with relatively high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of correction.

1 oscillator 2 wireless communication integrated circuit 3 control integrated circuit 31 communication unit 32 high-speed clock generation unit 33 low-speed clock generation unit 34 first counter 35 second counter 36 control unit 100 circuit system S1 synchronous communication clock signal S2 data signal

Claims (14)

A circuit system comprising an integrated circuit operating based on a reference clock signal and another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit,
The other integrated circuit is a non-correction signal having a higher accuracy than the reference clock signal, and is a non-correction signal for a purpose other than the correction purpose of performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. to the integrated circuit;
The integrated circuit comprises:
generating means for generating the reference clock signal;
correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal by using the non-correction signal received from the other integrated circuit as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal; and a correction means for
The correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, corrects the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal,
The correcting means acquires temperature information specifying an ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit, and determines whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information. determine the
circuit system. A circuit system comprising an integrated circuit operating based on a reference clock signal and another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit,
The other integrated circuit is a non-correction signal having a higher accuracy than the reference clock signal, and is a non-correction signal for a purpose other than the correction purpose of performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. to the integrated circuit;
The integrated circuit comprises:
generating means for generating the reference clock signal;
correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal by using the non-correction signal received from the other integrated circuit as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal; and a correction means for
The integrated circuit comprises designating means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal,
The other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal of the frequency specified by the specifying means of the integrated circuit.
circuit system. The correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and performs a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied.
3. The circuit system of claim 2 . The correcting means acquires temperature information specifying an ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit, and determines whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information. determine the
4. The circuit system of claim 3 . A circuit system comprising an integrated circuit operating based on a reference clock signal and another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit,
The other integrated circuit is a non-correction signal having a higher accuracy than the reference clock signal, and is a non-correction signal for a purpose other than the correction purpose of performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. to the integrated circuit;
The integrated circuit comprises:
generating means for generating the reference clock signal;
correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal by using the non-correction signal received from the other integrated circuit as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal; and a correction means for
The generating means includes at least first generating means for generating a first reference clock signal, which is the reference clock signal having a first frequency, and second generating means, which is the reference clock signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency. a second generating means for generating a reference clock signal;
The correction means performs a process of correcting the operation of the first generation means with respect to the first reference clock signal based on the correction signal, and then performs the first reference clock signal generated by the first generation means. performing a process of correcting the operation of the second generating means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on
circuit system. The correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and performs a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied.
6. The circuit system according to claim 5 . The integrated circuit comprises designating means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal,
The other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal of the frequency specified by the specifying means of the integrated circuit.
6. The circuit system according to claim 5 . The correcting means acquires temperature information specifying an ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit, and determines whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information. determine the
7. The circuit system of claim 6 . The integrated circuit comprises designating means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal,
The other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal of the frequency specified by the specifying means of the integrated circuit.
9. The circuit system of claim 8 . A circuit system comprising an integrated circuit operating based on a reference clock signal and another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit,
The other integrated circuit is a non-correction signal having a higher accuracy than the reference clock signal, and is a non-correction signal for a purpose other than the correction purpose of performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal. to the integrated circuit;
The integrated circuit comprises:
generating means for generating the reference clock signal;
correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal by using the non-correction signal received from the other integrated circuit as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal; and a correction means for
The other integrated circuit is an integrated circuit for wireless communication,
circuit system. The correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and performs a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied.
11. The circuit system of claim 10 . The correcting means acquires temperature information specifying an ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit, and determines whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information. determine the
12. The circuit system of claim 11 . The integrated circuit comprises designating means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal,
The other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal of the frequency specified by the specifying means of the integrated circuit.
13. The circuit system of claim 12 . The generating means includes at least first generating means for generating a first reference clock signal, which is the reference clock signal having a first frequency, and second generating means, which is the reference clock signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency. a second generating means for generating a reference clock signal;
The correction means performs a process of correcting the operation of the first generation means with respect to the first reference clock signal based on the correction signal, and then performs the first reference clock signal generated by the first generation means. performing a process of correcting the operation of the second generating means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on
14. The circuit system of claim 13 .

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