JP7503683B2 - Integrated Circuits - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a circuit system and an integrated circuit.

Conventionally, integrated circuits have been known that generate a clock based on a reference signal from an external oscillator and operate based on the generated clock (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-24061 A

However, unlike the integrated circuit of Patent Document 1, technology has also been proposed that generates a clock using only the internal circuitry of an integrated circuit, without using a reference signal from an external oscillator.

However, in technology that generates a clock using only the internal circuitry of an integrated circuit, since an oscillator is not used, there is a possibility that the accuracy of the generated clock may decrease due to various factors (for example, factors that occur over time, or environmental factors such as temperature, etc.).

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a circuit system and an integrated circuit capable of correcting the operation related to a reference clock signal.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the integrated circuit described in claim 1 is an integrated circuit that operates based on a reference clock signal, and comprises a generating means for generating the reference clock signal, and a correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit relative to the reference clock signal by using the non-correction signal received from another integrated circuit that transmits to the integrated circuit a non-correction signal having a higher accuracy than the reference clock signal and a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction, which performs a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit relative to the reference clock signal, as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit relative to the reference clock signal, wherein the integrated circuit comprises a designation means for designating a frequency of the non-correction signal, and the other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal at a frequency designated by the designation means of the integrated circuit.

In addition, the integrated circuit according to claim 2 is the integrated circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, performs processing to correct the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal.

In addition, the integrated circuit of claim 3 is the integrated circuit of claim 2 , wherein the correction means acquires temperature information specifying an ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit, and determines whether the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information.

Further, an integrated circuit according to claim 4 is an integrated circuit that operates based on a reference clock signal, comprising: a generating means for generating the reference clock signal; and a correcting means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit regarding the reference clock signal by using a non-correction signal, which is more accurate than the reference clock signal and is received from another integrated circuit that transmits a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction to the integrated circuit, as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit regarding the reference clock signal, to perform a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit regarding the reference clock signal, wherein the generating means comprises at least a first generating means for generating a first reference clock signal which is the reference clock signal of a first frequency, and a second generating means for generating a second reference clock signal which is the reference clock signal of a second frequency different from the first frequency, and the correction means performs a process of correcting the operation of the first generating means regarding the first reference clock signal based on the correction signal, and then performs a process of correcting the operation of the second generating means regarding the second reference clock signal based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generating means.

In addition, an integrated circuit according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the integrated circuit according to the fourth aspect, wherein the correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, performs processing to correct the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal.

Furthermore, an integrated circuit according to claim 6 is the integrated circuit according to claim 4 , wherein the integrated circuit is provided with a designation means for designating a frequency of the non-correction signal, and the other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal at a frequency designated by the designation means of the integrated circuit.

In addition, an integrated circuit according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the integrated circuit according to the fifth aspect, wherein the correction 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.

Furthermore, an integrated circuit according to claim 8 is the integrated circuit according to claim 7 , wherein the integrated circuit comprises a designation means for designating a frequency of the non-correction signal, and the other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal at a frequency designated by the designation means of the integrated circuit.

Further, an integrated circuit according to claim 9 is an integrated circuit that operates based on a reference clock signal, comprising: a generating means for generating the reference clock signal; and a correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit regarding the reference clock signal by using, as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit regarding the reference clock signal, a non-correction signal that is more accurate than the reference clock signal and that is received from another integrated circuit that transmits a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction to the integrated circuit, the non-correction signal being a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction, ...

Furthermore, an integrated circuit according to claim 10 is an integrated circuit according to claim 9 , wherein the generating means includes at least a first generating means for generating a first reference clock signal which is the reference clock signal of a first frequency, and a second generating means for generating a second reference clock signal which is the reference clock signal of a second frequency different from the first frequency, and the correction means performs a process of correcting the operation of the first generating means with respect to the first reference clock signal based on the correction signal, and then performs a process of correcting the operation of the second generating means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generating means.

According to the integrated circuit 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, and processing is performed to correct the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, thereby making it possible to correct, for example, the operation with respect to the reference clock signal. In particular, it becomes possible to correct the operation of the integrated circuit even if, for example, a correction signal is not easily obtainable.

1 is a block diagram of a circuit system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a flowchart of a correction process.

Below, embodiments of the circuit system and integrated circuit according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[Basic Concept of the Embodiment]
First, a basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a circuit system.

A "circuit system" is a system of electrical circuits implemented in a target device, and includes, for example, an integrated circuit and other integrated circuits. A "target device" is a device in which a circuit system is implemented, and is a concept that includes, for example, disaster prevention devices including residential fire alarms, sensor transmitters, and lock confirmation sensor devices, or security devices, or any device other than those for disaster prevention or security purposes.

An "integrated circuit" is an electronic component that operates based on a reference clock signal, and is a concept that includes, for example, an integrated circuit that generates its own reference clock signal without using a reference signal from an external oscillator, and is, for example, equipped with a generating means, a correcting means, and optionally a designating 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, an integrated circuit that is generated internally.

The "generating means" is a means for generating a reference clock signal, and is a concept that includes, for example, a clock generating circuit built into an integrated circuit. The specific type and configuration of this "generating means" are arbitrary, and is a concept that includes, for example, a single circuit that generates only one type of reference clock signal, or multiple circuits that generate two or more types of reference clock signals. The "generating means" includes, for example, a first generating means and a second generating means.

The "first generating means" is a concept that includes, for example, a means that generates a first reference clock signal that is a reference clock signal of a first frequency. The "second generating means" is a concept that includes, for example, a means that generates a second reference clock signal that is a reference clock signal of a second frequency that is different from the first frequency.

The term "correction means" refers to a means for performing a process to correct 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, the concept includes a means for determining whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and performing a process to correct the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied. The concept also includes a means for acquiring temperature information that specifies the ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from another integrated circuit, and determining whether or not the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information. The concept also includes a means for performing a process to correct the operation of the first generation means with respect to the first reference clock signal based on the correction signal, and then performing a process to correct the operation of the second generation means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generation means.

The "designation means" refers to a means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal.

"Another integrated circuit" refers to an integrated circuit different from the integrated circuit described above, specifically one that is connected to the integrated circuit, and is a concept that includes, for example, a non-correction signal with higher accuracy than the reference clock signal that transmits to the integrated circuit a non-correction signal for purposes other than correction, which performs processing to correct the operation of the integrated circuit relative to the reference clock signal, and also includes a concept that includes transmitting a non-correction signal of a frequency specified by the designation means of the integrated circuit. An integrated circuit for wireless communication, or any integrated circuit other than an integrated circuit for wireless communication, can be used as this "other integrated circuit."

The accuracy of the "non-correction signal" here can be any as long as it is higher than the accuracy of the reference clock signal, but it may be confirmed through experiments or simulations that the accuracy is adequate for performing processing to correct the operation of the integrated circuit related to the reference clock signal, and the confirmed accuracy may be applied to the present invention.

Note that "purposes other than correction purposes, such as performing processing to correct the operation of an integrated circuit with respect to a reference clock signal" refers to a concept corresponding to the original purpose of using a signal output from another integrated circuit not for the purpose of performing processing to correct the operation of an integrated circuit with respect to a reference clock signal, and as an example, refers to a concept indicating that the original purpose is to perform synchronous communication, etc.

In the following embodiment, the "circuit system" is implemented in disaster prevention equipment, and an integrated circuit for wireless communication is used as the "other integrated circuit."

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

(composition)
First, the configuration of the circuit system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1, which is a block diagram of the circuit system according to the present embodiment.

The circuit system 100 is, for example, a system of electrical circuits implemented in disaster prevention equipment, and includes, as an example, an oscillator 1, a wireless communication integrated circuit (hereinafter, the integrated circuit is also referred to as "IC") 2, and a control IC 3.

(Configuration - Oscillator)
The oscillator 1 is an output unit that generates a reference signal that is the basis of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 output by the wireless communication IC 2 and outputs the reference signal to the wireless communication IC 2. The specific type and configuration of the oscillator 1 are arbitrary, but it can be configured, for example, using a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO).

(Configuration: Wireless Communication IC)
The wireless communication IC 2 is another integrated circuit as described above. The specific type and configuration of the 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 since the electrical connection with the antenna side is well known, a description thereof will be omitted. The synchronous communication with the control IC 3 is performed, for example, by generating and outputting a synchronous communication clock signal S1 based on a reference signal received from an oscillator 1, and transmitting and receiving a data signal S2 based on the synchronous communication clock signal S1.

The "synchronous communication clock signal" S1 is the aforementioned non-correction signal, and is, for example, a signal with higher accuracy than the high-speed reference clock signal generated and output by the high-speed clock generating unit 32 and the low-speed reference clock signal generated and output by the low-speed clock generating unit 33, which will be described later.

(Configuration - Control IC)
The control IC 3 is the integrated circuit described above. The specific type and configuration of the control IC 3 are arbitrary, but for example, it is a microcomputer for controlling disaster prevention equipment and is configured to perform synchronous communication with the wireless communication IC 2. The control IC 3 includes, for example, a communication unit 31, a high-speed clock generating unit 32, a low-speed clock generating unit 33, a first counter 34, a second counter 35, and a control unit 36. The control IC 3 may include various configurations other than those shown in FIG. 1, but here, only the configurations characteristic of the present application will be illustrated and described.

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

(Configuration - Control IC - High-speed clock generation unit)
The high-speed clock generating unit 32 is a generating means for generating a high-speed reference clock signal. The specific type and configuration of the high-speed clock generating unit 32 are arbitrary, but for example, it generates a signal without using an oscillator (for example, a circuit including a crystal oscillator, etc.), and can be configured using an oscillation circuit built into a microcomputer. The "high-speed reference clock signal" is the above-mentioned reference clock signal, and is a signal of an arbitrary frequency (for example, 4 MHz, etc.).

(Configuration - Control IC - Low-speed clock generation unit)
The low-speed clock generating unit 33 is a generating means for generating a low-speed reference clock signal. The specific type and configuration of the low-speed clock generating unit 33 are arbitrary, but for example, it can be configured in the same manner as the high-speed clock generating unit 32. The "low-speed reference clock signal" is the above-mentioned reference clock signal, and is also a signal of any frequency (e.g., 15 KHz) lower than the high-speed reference clock signal.

Note that one of the high-speed clock generating unit 32 or the low-speed clock generating unit 33 corresponds to the "first generating means", and the other corresponds to the "second generating means". In addition, one of the high-speed reference clock signal or 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 a counting means for counting the number of pulses of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 received from the wireless communication IC 2. The specific type and configuration of the first counter 34 are arbitrary, but it can be configured, for example, using a known frequency counter circuit or the like.

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

(Configuration - Control IC - Control Unit)
The control unit 36 is a control means for controlling the control IC 3, specifically, a correction means for performing a process 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 the synchronous communication clock signal S1 received from the wireless communication IC as a correction signal 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, and also, a designation means for designating the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1. The specific type and configuration of the control unit 36 are arbitrary, but it can be configured, for example, using a known arithmetic circuit, memory, etc.

(process)
Next, the correction process executed by the circuit system 100 configured as above will be described. Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the correction process (in the following description of each process, steps are abbreviated as "S"). 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. The timing for executing this correction process is arbitrary, but for example, it starts when the power supply of the circuit system 100 is turned on, and it is executed repeatedly, and the description will begin from the point where execution starts.

In SA1 of FIG. 2, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 determines whether or not to perform correction. The specific method is arbitrary, but for example, a correction start condition is recorded in a memory (not shown) of the control unit 36, and the determination is made based on this correction start condition.

The "correction start condition" is a condition for starting correction, and is a concept that includes, for example, periodic conditions, time conditions, and temperature conditions. The "periodic condition" is a condition related to the period for which correction is performed, such as a condition that correction is performed when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 15 minutes) has elapsed since the most recent correction. The "time condition" is a condition related to the time for which correction is performed, such as a condition that correction is performed at 1:00 a.m. The "temperature condition" is a condition related to temperature, such as a condition that correction is performed when there has been a temperature change of a predetermined temperature (e.g., 5 to 6 degrees) or more since the most recent correction. Here, it is assumed that each of these conditions is recorded in the memory of the control unit 36.

More specifically, SA1's processing involves accessing memory to obtain period conditions, time conditions, and temperature conditions, and making a judgment regarding each of these conditions.

For example, the periodic condition is that the most recently corrected time (hereinafter, the most recently corrected time) is recorded in memory, and the current time (hereinafter, the current time) is identified using any method (e.g., a method of accessing a clock function, etc.), and the most recently corrected time is obtained. It is then determined whether the identified current time is a predetermined time after the most recently corrected time. If it is determined that the current time is a predetermined time after the most recently corrected time, it is determined that the periodic condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time is not a predetermined time after the most recently corrected time, it is determined that the periodic condition is not satisfied. Here, for example, a case where the "most recently corrected time" = "9:00" and the "current time" = "9:01" is explained as an example. In this case, since the current time has not been a predetermined time after the most recently corrected time, it is determined that the periodic condition is not satisfied.

For the time condition, for example, the current time is identified using the method described above, and it is then determined whether the identified current time corresponds to a specified time (for example, 1:00 AM as described above). If it is determined that the identified current time corresponds to the specified time, it is determined that the time condition is met. If it is determined that the identified current time does not correspond to the specified time, it is determined that the time condition is not met. Here, for example, if the "current time" = "9:01", this does not correspond to the specified time (for example, 1:00 AM as described above), and so it is determined that the time condition is not met.

Regarding the temperature condition, for example, the ambient temperature of the control IC 3 when the most recent correction was performed (hereinafter, the most recent temperature) is recorded in the memory, and the current ambient temperature of the control IC 3 (hereinafter, the current temperature) is identified by any method (for example, a method in which the wireless communication IC 2 is provided with a temperature measurement function, and communication is performed with the wireless communication IC 2 via the communication unit 31 to receive (acquire) temperature information from the wireless communication IC 2 that identifies the temperature measured by the wireless communication IC 2, and the temperature identified by the received temperature information is identified as the ambient temperature of the control IC 3), and the most recent temperature is acquired, and it is determined whether the identified current temperature has changed by a predetermined temperature or more (for example, 5 to 6 degrees) compared to the most recent temperature. If it is determined that the current temperature has changed by the 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 by the predetermined temperature or more compared to the most recent temperature, it is determined that the temperature condition is not satisfied. Here, for example, a case where the "most recent temperature" is "35 degrees" and the "current temperature" is "45 degrees" is illustrated. In this case, the current temperature has changed by a specified amount compared to the most recent temperature, so it is determined that the temperature condition is met.

If, after each of these determinations, it is determined that all of the conditions are not met (i.e., it is determined that the periodic condition is not met, the time condition is not met, and the temperature condition is not met), it is determined that no correction will be made (NO in SA1) and the process ends. If it is determined that at least one of the conditions is met (i.e., it is determined that the periodic condition is met, or the time condition is met, or the temperature condition is met), it is determined that correction will be made (YES in SA1) and the process moves to SA2.

2, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 accesses the wireless communication IC 2 to start outputting the synchronous communication clock signal S1. Specifically, the control unit 36 transmits to the wireless communication IC 2 a signal output command including information specifying the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 to be output, which is arbitrary, for example. Note that the frequency specified here is arbitrary, but for example, in consideration of performing correction for both the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal, an arbitrary frequency having a period longer than twice that of the clock signal to be corrected based on the sampling theorem is selected, and a frequency sufficiently lower than the frequency of the low-speed reference clock signal is specified. In this case, the wireless communication IC 2 starts outputting the synchronous communication clock signal S1 of the frequency specified in 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.

In SA3 of FIG. 2, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 performs the matching. Although the specifics are arbitrary, for example, the high-speed clock generating unit 32 and the low-speed clock generating unit 33 of the control IC 3 are implemented with a function for adjusting the pulse timing of the generated high-speed reference clock signal and low-speed reference clock signal (i.e., a function for fine-tuning the frequency) by changing the adjustment setting value, and an example of a case where the correction process described below is performed using this function will be described. In this case, more specifically, the process here is performed by determining the above-mentioned adjustment setting value using the synchronous communication clock signal S1, which is more accurate than the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal, so that the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal have the frequencies that they should originally be output (for example, 4 MHz and 15 KHz, as described above).

More specifically, first, the number of pulses of the synchronous communication clock signal S1, whose output is started at SA2 in Fig. 2, within a predetermined measurement time is counted by the first counter 34, and the number of pulses of the high-speed reference clock signal generated by the high-speed clock generating unit 32 within the predetermined measurement time is counted by the second counter 35. Then, noting that the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 is specified at SA2 and that the accuracy of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 is high, the adjustment setting value of the high-speed clock generating unit 32 is changed while determining whether the counting result of the second counter 35 is the frequency at which the high-speed reference clock signal should be output based on the counting result of the first counter 34, so that the adjustment setting value of the high-speed clock generating unit 32 is set to the frequency at which the high-speed reference clock signal should be output (for example, 4 MHz) (actually, the frequency is within the allowable accuracy). Here, for example, the adjustment is performed by determining the setting value for adjusting the high-speed clock generating unit 32 so that the high-speed reference clock signal has a frequency of 4 MHz, which is the frequency that should be output.

Next, in a similar manner, the adjustment setting value of the low-speed clock generating unit 33 is determined. Here, for example, the adjustment setting value of the low-speed clock generating unit 33 is determined so that the high-speed reference clock signal has a frequency of 15 KHz, which is the frequency that should be output.

At SA4 in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 accesses the wireless communication IC 2 to stop the output of the synchronous communication clock signal S1. The specific method is arbitrary, but for example, a signal stop command is sent to the wireless communication IC 2. In this case, the wireless communication IC 2 stops the output of the synchronous communication clock signal S1. Here, for example, the output of the 100 Hz synchronous communication clock signal S1 is stopped.

In SA5 of FIG. 2, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 performs correction for both the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal. The specific method is arbitrary, but for example, the adjustment setting value for the high-speed clock generating unit 32 and the adjustment setting value for the low-speed clock generating unit 33 determined by the adjustment in SA3 are set in the high-speed clock generating unit 32 and the low-speed clock generating unit 33 to perform correction for both the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal. In this case, the high-speed clock generating unit 32 and the low-speed clock generating unit 33 will output the high-speed reference clock signal and the low-speed reference clock signal at the frequency that they should originally be output. Then, the current time and minute and the current temperature are stored in memory. This ends the correction process.

(Effects of the embodiment)
Thus, according to this 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, and processing is performed to correct the operation of the control IC 3 with respect to the reference clock signal, thereby making it possible to correct, for example, the operation with respect to the reference clock signal. In particular, even if the correction signal is not easily obtainable, for example, it becomes possible to correct the operation of the control IC 3.

In addition, by correcting the operation of the control IC3 when it is determined that the correction start condition is met, it is possible to perform correction only when necessary, for example.

In addition, by determining whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the temperature information acquired from the wireless communication IC 2, it becomes possible to perform correction at an appropriate timing, for example, when there is a possibility that the operation of the control IC 3 may deviate from the specifications. In addition, by acquiring the temperature information from the wireless communication IC 2, for example, there is no need to provide a dedicated element for acquiring the temperature information, which makes it possible to reduce costs.

In addition, by specifying the frequency of the non-correction signal, correction can be performed at an appropriate frequency, for example, which can improve the accuracy of correction.

[Modifications to the embodiment]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the specific configuration and means of the present invention can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical ideas of each invention described in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

(About the problem to be solved and the effects of the invention)
First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above, and may vary depending on the implementation environment of the invention and the details of the configuration, and may solve only some of the problems described above or achieve only some of the effects described above.

(Regarding decentralization and integration)
In addition, the above-mentioned configuration is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each part is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit. In addition, the "device" in this application is not limited to one configured by a single device, but includes one configured by multiple devices.

(Regarding the start of correction)
In the above embodiment, whether or not to perform correction is determined based on three conditions in SA1 in Fig. 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to determine whether or not to perform correction based on only one, only two, or four or more conditions including other conditions. In the above embodiment, the "temperature condition" is, for example, a condition in which correction is performed when there has been a temperature change of a predetermined temperature (e.g., 5 to 6 degrees) or more since the most recent correction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the "temperature condition" may be a condition in which correction is performed when the current temperature deviates from a predetermined temperature range.

(Regarding temperature information acquisition)
In the above embodiment, the temperature information is obtained from the wireless communication IC 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the temperature information may be obtained from an IC or element other than the wireless communication IC 2, or a temperature measurement function may be implemented in the control IC 3 and the temperature information may be obtained using the function.

(Regarding frequency designation)
In the above embodiment, the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 is specified in SA2 in Fig. 2, but this is not limiting. For example, since the frequency of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 is predetermined for data communication, the synchronous communication clock signal S1 may be configured to output the predetermined frequency without specifying the frequency.

(Regarding corrections (part 1))
In the above embodiment, the case where the SA3 adjustment process is performed using the synchronous communication clock signal S1 of one frequency designated by SA2 in Fig. 2 has been described, 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, different frequencies may be designated for each, and the SA3 adjustment process may be performed using the synchronous communication clock signal S1 of the different frequencies.

(Regarding corrections (part 2))
In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a frequency lower than the frequencies of the respective reference clock signals is specified to output the synchronous communication clock signal S1 in SA2 of FIG. 2. However, depending on the configuration of each IC employed, a frequency higher than the frequencies of the respective reference clock signals 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 corrections (part 3))
2 in the above embodiment, the case where the high-speed clock generating unit 32 and the low-speed clock generating unit 33 are adjusted using the synchronous communication clock signal S1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the adjustment may be performed by determining a set value for adjustment of one of the high-speed clock generating unit 32 or the low-speed clock generating unit 33 using the synchronous communication clock signal S1, and the adjustment may be performed by setting the determined set value for adjustment to the one of the clock generating units where the adjustment has been performed, and then the adjustment may be performed by determining a set value for adjustment of the other of the high-speed clock generating unit 32 or the low-speed clock generating unit 33 using a reference clock signal generated by the corrected clock generating unit, and the adjustment may be performed by setting the determined set value for adjustment to the other of the clock generating units where the adjustment has been performed. In this case, the control IC 3 may be provided with a number of counters, and the adjustment and correction may be performed by performing a process of counting the number of pulses of each signal using these counters in the same manner as described in the embodiment.

(Regarding corrections (part 4))
2 in the above embodiment, the case where the adjustment set value is changed for correction has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation of the control IC 3 may be corrected by adjusting the value of the timer counter of the control IC 3, correcting the baud rate for external communication according to a predetermined standard, or adjusting the unit time (for example, one second) to be measured accurately.

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, the low-speed clock generating unit 33 is assumed to output 100,000 pulses per second, and the configuration is described as being configured to measure time using the count value of the pulses. In this case, the control unit 36 measures the unit time (here, 1 second) using the variable A as the time measurement standard. The "variable A" is the count value of the pulses for measuring 1 second, and for example, when the low-speed clock generating unit 33 is assumed to output 100,000 pulses per second as described above, "100,000" is set as the initial value. In other words, the control unit 36 measures 1 second when it counts the number of pulses of the signal from the low-speed clock generating unit 33 corresponding to the variable A. However, when configured in this way, any factor (such as a factor related to temperature) may cause the frequency of the signal output from the low-speed clock generating unit 33 to shift, causing the number of pulses output per second to deviate from 100,000. In this case, since the control unit 36 is configured to measure one second when it has counted the number of pulses corresponding to variable A, it may not be possible to accurately measure one second. In such a case, however, the following correction may be performed to allow one second to be accurately measured.

Specifically, for example, the control unit 36 of the control IC 3 first counts the number of pulses output from the low-speed clock generating unit 33 during 100 cycles of the synchronous communication clock signal S1 (i.e., a 100 Hz signal) input from the wireless communication IC 2. Here, for example, 100 cycles of the highly accurate synchronous communication clock signal S1 are taken as 1 second, and the number of pulses output from the low-speed clock generating unit 33 during that 1 second is counted. For example, a case in which 100005 pulses are counted will be described. Next, the control unit 36 sets the number of counted pulses to "variable A". Here, for example, the correction is performed by setting the number of counted pulses, 100005, to "variable A". When configured in this way, the control unit 36 will measure one second when it counts 100005 pulses output from the low-speed clock generating unit 33, so that even if the number of pulses in the signal from the low-speed clock generating unit 33 deviates from 100,000 per second to 100,005 per second, as described above, it will be possible to accurately measure one second. Note that the technology described here may also be used to configure the high-speed clock generating unit 32 to make corrections to its signal.

(Circuit configuration)
In the above embodiment, the features of the present invention have been described in terms of a case where the control IC 3 is provided with two clock generating units, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the features of the present invention may be applied to a case where the control IC 3 is provided with only one clock generating unit, or may be applied to a case where three or more clock generating units are provided.

(Features)
Furthermore, the features of the embodiments and the features of the modifications may be combined in any manner.

(Additional Note)
The circuit system of Appendix 1 is a circuit system comprising an integrated circuit that operates based on a reference clock signal and another integrated circuit connected to the integrated circuit, wherein the other integrated circuit transmits to the integrated circuit a non-correction signal that is more accurate than the reference clock signal and has a purpose other than correction, which performs processing to correct the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, and the integrated circuit comprises a generating means that generates the reference clock signal and a correcting means that uses 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 performs processing to correct the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal.

The circuit system of Supplementary Note 2 is the circuit system described in Supplementary Note 1, in which the correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, performs processing to correct the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal.

The circuit system of Supplementary Note 3 is the circuit system described in Supplementary Note 2, in which the correction means acquires temperature information specifying the ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit, and determines whether the correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information.

The circuit system of Supplementary Note 4 is the circuit system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, in which the integrated circuit includes a designation means for designating the frequency of the non-correction signal, and the other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal at the frequency designated by the designation means of the integrated circuit.

The circuit system of Supplementary Note 5 is the circuit system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, in which the generating means includes at least a first generating means for generating a first reference clock signal that is the reference clock signal of a first frequency, and a second generating means for generating a second reference clock signal that is the reference clock signal of a second frequency different from the first frequency, and the correcting means performs a process of correcting the operation of the first generating means with respect to the first reference clock signal based on the correction signal, and then performs a process of correcting the operation of the second generating means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generating means.

The circuit system of Supplementary Note 6 is the circuit system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, in which 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 a generating means for generating the reference clock signal, and a correcting means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, using the non-correction signal, which is a non-correction signal with higher accuracy than the reference clock signal and is received from another integrated circuit that transmits to the integrated circuit a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction, which performs a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal, as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal.

(Effect of supplementary notes)
According to the circuit system described in Supplementary Note 1 and the integrated circuit described in Supplementary Note 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, thereby making it possible to correct the operation with respect to the reference clock signal, for example. In particular, even if the correction signal is not easily available, it becomes possible to correct the operation of the integrated circuit.

According to the circuit system described in Appendix 2, by correcting the operation of the integrated circuit when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, it becomes possible to perform correction only when necessary, for example.

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 another integrated circuit, it becomes possible to perform correction at an appropriate timing, for example, when the temperature changes relatively greatly or becomes relatively high or low, and there is a possibility that the operation of the integrated circuit may deviate from the specifications. In addition, by acquiring temperature information from another integrated circuit, for example, there is no need to provide a dedicated element for acquiring temperature information, which makes it possible to reduce costs.

According to the circuit system described in Appendix 4, by specifying the frequency of the non-correction signal, for example, correction can be performed at an appropriate frequency, thereby improving the accuracy of correction.

According to the circuit system described in Appendix 5, a process is performed to correct the operation of the first generating means with respect to the first reference clock signal based on the correction signal, and then a process is performed to correct the operation of the second generating means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generating means. This makes it possible to reduce the time that other integrated circuits are operated for correction, for example, thereby achieving low power consumption.

According to the circuit system described in Appendix 6, since the other integrated circuit is an integrated circuit for wireless communication, for example, the correction can be performed using a signal from the integrated circuit for wireless communication, which has a relatively high accuracy, and therefore the accuracy of the correction can be improved.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1: oscillator 2: wireless communication integrated circuit 3: control integrated circuit 31: communication section 32: high-speed clock generating section 33: low-speed clock generating section 34: first counter 35: second counter 36: control section 100: circuit system S1: clock signal for synchronous communication S2: data signal

Claims (10)

An integrated circuit that operates based on a reference clock signal,
A generating means for generating the reference clock signal;
a correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal by using a non-correction signal, which is more accurate than the reference clock signal and is received from another integrated circuit that transmits to the integrated circuit a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction, as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal,
the integrated circuit includes a designation means for designating a frequency of the non-correction signal;
the other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal having a frequency designated by the designation means of the integrated circuit.
Integrated circuits. the correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, performs a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal.
10. The integrated circuit of claim 1 . the correction 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.
3. The integrated circuit of claim 2 . An integrated circuit that operates based on a reference clock signal,
A generating means for generating the reference clock signal;
a correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal by using a non-correction signal, which is more accurate than the reference clock signal and is received from another integrated circuit that transmits to the integrated circuit a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction, as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal,
the generating means includes at least a first generating means for generating a first reference clock signal which is the reference clock signal of a first frequency, and a second generating means for generating a second reference clock signal which is the reference clock signal of a second frequency different from the first frequency;
the correction means performs a process of correcting an operation of the first generating means with respect to the first reference clock signal based on the correction signal, and thereafter performs a process of correcting an operation of the second generating means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generating means.
Integrated circuits. the correction means determines whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied, performs a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal.
5. The integrated circuit of claim 4 . the integrated circuit includes a designation means for designating a frequency of the non-correction signal;
the other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal having a frequency designated by the designation means of the integrated circuit.
5. The integrated circuit of claim 4 . the correction 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.
6. The integrated circuit of claim 5 . the integrated circuit includes a designation means for designating a frequency of the non-correction signal;
the other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal having a frequency designated by the designation means of the integrated circuit.
8. The integrated circuit of claim 7 . An integrated circuit that operates based on a reference clock signal,
A generating means for generating the reference clock signal;
a correction means for performing a process of correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal by using a non-correction signal, which is more accurate than the reference clock signal and is received from another integrated circuit that transmits to the integrated circuit a non-correction signal for a purpose other than correction, as a correction signal for correcting the operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal,
the other integrated circuit is an integrated circuit for wireless communication,
the correction means acquires temperature information specifying an ambient temperature of the integrated circuit from the other integrated circuit, judges whether or not a correction start condition is satisfied based on the ambient temperature specified by the acquired temperature information, and performs a process of correcting an operation of the integrated circuit with respect to the reference clock signal when it is determined that the correction start condition is satisfied;
the integrated circuit includes a designation means for designating a frequency of the non-correction signal;
the other integrated circuit transmits the non-correction signal having a frequency designated by the designation means of the integrated circuit.
Integrated circuits. the generating means includes at least a first generating means for generating a first reference clock signal which is the reference clock signal of a first frequency, and a second generating means for generating a second reference clock signal which is the reference clock signal of a second frequency different from the first frequency;
the correction means performs a process of correcting an operation of the first generating means with respect to the first reference clock signal based on the correction signal, and thereafter performs a process of correcting an operation of the second generating means with respect to the second reference clock signal based on the first reference clock signal generated by the first generating means.
10. The integrated circuit of claim 9 .

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