Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a display portion and a plurality of oscillators, one of which is a quartz crystal oscillator comprising: a quartz crystal oscillating circuit comprising; an amplification circuit and a feedback circuit. For example, the feedback circuit is constructed by a quartz crystal resonator comprising vibrational arms and a base portion, and having novel shape and electrode construction. Also, the quartz crystal resonator is housed in a package. In addition, from a relationship of an amplification rate of the amplification circuit and a feedback rate of the feedback circuit, an output signal of the quartz crystal oscillating circuit having an oscillation frequency of a fundamental mode of vibration for the quartz crystal resonator can be provided with a frequency of high stability.

Abstract: The electronic apparatus comprises a display portion and a quartz crystal oscillator at least, and said electronic apparatus comprises at least two quartz crystal oscillators. Also, each of two quartz crystal oscillators of the at least two oscillators comprises a quartz crystal oscillating circuit having an amplification circuit and a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit is constructed by a flexural mode, quartz crystal tuning fork resonator or a width-extensional mode quartz crystal resonator or a thickness shear mode quartz crystal resonator and for example, the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator comprising tuning fork tines and tuning fork base that are formed integrally, is shown with novel shape and electrode construction. Also, the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator, capable of vibrating in a fundamental mode and having a high frequency stability can be provided with a small series resistance and a high quality factor, even when the tuning fork resonator is miniaturized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning fork shaped oscillator, an angular velocity sensor element, and an angular velocity sensor with improved breaking strength with respect to CI and drive power, CI stability, and frequency stability. The present invention relates to a tuning fork shaped crystal oscillator of a configuration wherein two tuning fork shaped crystal elements that have been formed by wet etching during the process of forming the external shape of a tuning fork, in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the tuning fork is aligned on the Y-axis of the crystalline axes (XYZ) and also the lateral direction thereof is aligned on the X-axis, are bonded together with the ±X-axis directions thereof oriented in opposite directions; and the right side surface of each of the two tuning fork shaped crystal elements is the +X face of the crystal when the two tuning fork shaped crystal elements are viewed in an upright attitude.

Abstract: A quartz crystal resonator has a quartz crystal tuning fork base and quartz crystal tuning fork tines connected to the quartz crystal tuning fork base. Each of the quartz crystal tuning fork tines has opposite main surfaces, a groove formed in at least one of the main surfaces, and an electrode disposed in the groove formed in at least one of the main surfaces so that a merit value M1 of a fundamental mode of vibration of the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is greater than a merit value M2 of a second overtone mode of vibration thereof. The merit values M1 and M2 are defined by the ratios Q1/r1 and Q2/r2, respectively, where Q1 and Q2 represent a quality factor of the fundamental mode of vibration and the second overtone mode of vibration, respectively, of the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator and r1 and r2 represent a capacitance ratio of the fundamental mode of vibration and the second overtone mode of vibration, respectively, of the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator.

Abstract: A frequency-multiplying circuit generates a multiple of the fundamental frequency of a crystal that oscillates. A first differential multiplier is coupled to the crystal nodes and generates a frequency-doubled output. The frequency-doubled output is applied to an op amp that buffers the output and compares it to a reference to generate a pair of differential buffered signals. The differential buffered signals are applied to a second differential multiplier that generates a final quadrupled-frequency output. The differential multipliers can each have a pair of differential transistors that receive signals that oscillate out-of-phase to each other by 180 degrees. The drains of the differential transistors connect together at a summing node to sum the transistor currents, producing the frequency-doubled output. A crystal driver circuit using cross-coupled and direct-coupled transistors may also be attached to the crystal nodes.

Abstract: A circuit, including: a capacitor coupled between a first circuit node and a second circuit node and that leaks a leakage current from the first circuit node to the second circuit node; and a compensation circuit adapted to supply a compensatory current to compensate for the leakage current to the first circuit node.

Abstract: A vibrating reed which includes a base; and a vibration arm section formed so as to protrude from this base wherein a through groove is formed in the vibration arm section, and a rigidity reinforcing section is provided in the through groove, and thus the frequency is not decreased and the CI value is not increased.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a display portion and quartz crystal oscillators having different modes of vibration. Each of the quartz crystal oscillators has a quartz crystal oscillating circuit having a quartz crystal resonator. The quartz crystal resonator of one of the quartz crystal oscillating circuits is a width-extensional mode quartz crystal resonator capable of vibrating in a width-extensional mode. The width-extensional mode quartz crystal resonator has a vibrational portion, connecting portions disposed at ends of the vibrational portion, supporting portions connected to the vibrational portion through the connecting portions, and electrodes disposed on upper and lower surfaces of the vibrational portion. The quartz crystal oscillating circuit having the width-extensional mode quartz crystal resonator outputs a clock signal for operating the electronic apparatus to display time information at the display portion.

Abstract: A drive device for generating oscillations, especially for the blade of a microtome, with a power generator and a power transmission element, which with the power generator is movable in a predetermined oscillation direction (S), whereby the power generator includes a combination of a permanent magnet part and a coil part, whereof one part is fixed stationary on a holder and the other part on the power transmission element, respectively, and the power transmission element is formed by a vibrational arm, which is fixed at one end to the holder and which is elastically bendable in the oscillation direction and still in all other directions.

Abstract: A mechanical oscillator is provided for use in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) for application in radio frequency filters and oscillators, motion and pressure sensors and other micro applications. The oscillator is of monolithic construction and has a high Q with little energy loss because of teeth attached to the oscillating member which contain energy and prevent losses.

Abstract: A tuning fork vibrator includes a long plate-shaped vibration unit having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, a base disposed at one end of the second principal surface of the vibration unit in the longitudinal direction, and a slit for dividing the vibration unit into two legs defining a tuning fork along the longitudinal direction symmetrically in the width direction of the vibration unit. The slit is formed so as to include a portion of the base in the vicinity to the vibration unit.

Abstract: A quartz oscillator includes a base, a quartz thin-film formed on the base by epitaxial growth, a vibrating reed portion formed by processing the quartz thin-film, and excitation electrodes for vibrating the vibrating reed portion. At least one of the excitation electrodes may be formed by depositing a metal. The material for the base may include a single-element semiconductor, a compound semiconductor, and an oxide. When a semiconductor is used for the base, a semiconductor circuit may be provided to the base to form a module including a quartz oscillator.

Abstract: A vibrating reed includes a base; and a vibration arm section formed so as to protrude from this base wherein a through groove is formed in the vibration arm section, and a rigidity reinforcing section is provided in the through groove, and thus the frequency is not decreased and the CI value is not increased.

Abstract: A mechanical oscillator is provided for use in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) for application in radio frequency filters and oscillators, motion and pressure sensors and other micro applications. The oscillator is of monolithic construction and has a high Q with little energy loss because of teeth attached to the oscillating member which contain energy and prevent losses.

Abstract: A vibrating reed is provided which includes a base; and a vibration arm section formed so as to protrude from this base wherein a through groove is formed in the vibration arm section, and a rigidity reinforcing section is provided in the through groove, and thus the frequency is not decreased and the CI value is not increased.

Abstract: A clock signal generator in an integrated circuit semiconductor device and a method of generating a clock signal, the clock signal generator comprising: a semiconductor substrate (2); an oscillator unit (4) which comprises at least one support member (10, 12) which is fixed relative to the substrate (2), an oscillator arm (6) which is oscillatably disposed to the at least one support member (10, 12) with regard a reference position, which oscillator arm (6) includes first and second conductive sections (6a, 6b) at positions extended from the at least one support member (10, 12), and at least one biasing element (14, 16) for biasing the oscillator arm (6) towards the reference position; a driver (18) which is disposed at the substrate (2) in spaced relation adjacent one of the conductive sections (6a) of the oscillator arm (6), which driver (18) is configured in use to drive the one of the conductive sections (6a) of the oscillator arm (6) towards or away therefrom when an electrical signal is applied thereto;

Abstract: A contour mode resonator such as a flexural mode, quartz crystal tuning fork resonator, a width-extensional mode quartz crystal resonator, a length-extensional mode quartz crystal resonator and a Lame mode quartz crystal resonator, a quartz crystal unit and a quartz crystal oscillator, and their manufacturing methods are described. As an example, a plurality of individual quartz crystal tuning fork resonators capable of vibrating in a flexural mode are formed in a quartz crystal wafer, with resonance frequency higher than 32.768 kHz, and are capable of vibrating in a fundamental mode, respectively, and also metal films are formed on said tuning fork tines in the quartz crystal wafer by a spattering method or an evaporation method to get said individual quartz crystal tuning fork resonators whose resonance frequency is lower than 32.

Abstract: The electronic apparatus comprises a display portion and a quartz crystal oscillator at least, and said electronic apparatus comprises at least two quartz crystal oscillators. Also, each of two quartz crystal oscillators of the at least two oscillators comprises a quartz crystal oscillating circuit having an amplification circuit and a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit is constructed by a flexural mode, quartz crystal tuning fork resonator or a width-extensional mode quartz crystal resonator or a thickness shear mode quartz crystal resonator and for example, the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator comprising tuning fork tines and tuning fork base that are formed integrally, is shown with novel shape and electrode construction. Also, the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator, capable of vibrating in a fundamental mode and having a high frequency stability can be provided with a small series resistance and a high quality factor, even when the tuning fork resonator is miniaturized.

Abstract: A circuit and method for assuring rapid initiation of resonant oscillation of an electromechanically oscillatory system driven by phase lock loop circuits. An open loop starting signal commences driving of the object at a starting frequency above the resonant frequency. The starting signal reduces the drive frequency until the resonant frequency of the system is reached and the starting signal is removed.

Abstract: Phase-reset circuits provide first and second frequency-divided input signals to a phase/frequency detector (PFD) used in a phase-locked loop (PLL). The phase-reset circuits receive first and second input signals, with the first input signal usually serving as a reference signal against which the PLL adjusts the second input signal. The PFD generates control signals based on the phase difference between the frequency-divided input signals. Normally, the phase-reset circuits frequency divide the first and second input signals using divisors N and M, respectively. If other circuitry detects that the PFD has missed a clock cycle in the first or second clock-divided input signals, the corresponding phase-reset circuit alters its divider so that the next clock edge on the corresponding input signal clocks through to the PFD. This causes the PFD to quickly set its affected control signal to what it would have been had the clock cycle not been missed.

Abstract: The oscillator of the present invention generally comprises a resonating device that is directly coupled to ground and a circuit portion. The circuit portion is operably coupled to the resonating device and includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor provides DC feedback to the second transistor and enables a temperature independent bias current through said second transistor.

Abstract: A mechanical resonator has an electronically adjustable resonance frequency and is especially adapted to be used as a tunable vibration absorber. The mechanical resonator includes an inertial mass mounted on a free end of a spring, which is secured at its other end to the structure that is to be vibrationally damped. In order to vary the resonant frequency of the resonator, an electromechanical converter such as a piezoelectric element is connected to the spring and/or the inertial mass, and a displacement and/or acceleration sensor provides a sensor signal that is dependent on the respective displacement and/or acceleration of the spring and/or the inertial mass. An electronic control circuit generates an actuating signal based on the sensor signal. The actuating signal is applied to the electro-mechanical converter, which responsively exerts an adjusting force onto the spring and/or the inertial mass.

Abstract: An improvement to a phase controlled mechanical oscillator consists of a balancing network which generates a feedback signal from two different input signals with adjustable weights. One of these input signals is directly derived from the oscillator signal, the other is derived from a phase tracking loop. Using the balancing network, adjustments can be made to adapt the feedback to the mechanical properties, in particular to the Q factor, of the oscillator. In a preferred embodiment, all major components are working at an intermediate frequency level, generated by mixing the oscillator frequency with a reference frequency. As a major advantage of this (heterodyne) mixing, the bandwidth of any applied frequency detector can be narrowed, thus increasing the achievable signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: Micromachined, thermally insensitive silicon resonators are provided having accuracy equivalent or superior to that of quartz resonators, and are fabricated from a micromechanical, silicon-on-glass process. In one embodiment, such a resonator is realized using a tuning fork gyroscope. Radiation-hard precision voltage references (PVRs) are enabled using the silicon resonators. Thermal sensitivity is reduced relative to that of a silicon-on-silicon process oscillator, providing a thermal sensitivity comparable to that of a quartz oscillator. By employing a micromechanical device based upon a tuning fork gyroscope, resonators are made from either or both of the gyro drive and sense axes. A resonator constructed as an oscillator loop whose resonant frequency is compared to a frequency standard provides a bias voltage as a reference voltage.

Abstract: A vibratory structure and a method for controlling the natural frequency thereof are provided. The device has at least one elastic member supported by a first support end, an inertial object which vibrates by the elastic force of the elastic member, a moving electrode coupled to the inertial object, at least one effective stiffness controlling electrode supported by a second support end, and a power supplier for applying a voltage to generate an electric force between the moving electrode and the effective stiffness controlling electrode. This vibratory structure can contribute to controlling and improving the performance of a sensor, an actuator or a gyroscope, which employs the vibratory structure.

Abstract: At least one microbeam situated on a substrate, having a resonant frequency dependent on the strain on the microbeam which may be affected by the bending of the substrate. The beam or beams have sense and drive electrodes proximate to the beam or beams and form capacitors with a beam being the other electrode. The capacitance varies as the beam moves in vibration. The sense electrode is connected to an input of a transistor, such as the gate or base, and the drive electrode is connected to an output of the transistor. The transistor has a load impedance with a capacitive component to aid in the sustaining of vibration of the beam at a resonant frequency. A high ohm resistor is connected between the gate and the drain of the transistor to appropriately bias the gate. The bending of the substrate may be caused by a magnitude of a physical stimulus being measured. However, the bending of the substrate is not utilized nor desired in the filter and temperature sensing configurations of the invention.

Abstract: A tuning fork type piezoelectric resonator constructed by forming tuning fork arm portions on both sides of a first slit provided for a piezoelectric substrate, forming resonance electrodes on both major surfaces of the piezoelectric substrate in a region around the first slit, and forming steps in outer edges of the tuning fork arm portions.

Abstract: An angular velocity detector circuit composed of: an oscillator circuit including an inverting amplifier connected between a driving electrode of a quartz crystal and an electrode for detecting an electric field generated in the quartz crystal by a Corioli's force when the quartz crystal is rotated; a differential amplifier circuit connected at its input terminals to the detecting electrode of the quartz crystal; a detector circuit which receives the output from the differential amplifier circuit and using the output from the oscillator circuit as detection signals; and an output amplifier circuit which receives the output from the detector circuit.

Abstract: An electrostatic measuring apparatus for measuring unknowns such as the electrostatic potential of a surface in a non-contacting manner, including a tuning fork and a sensing electrode, and in which the frequencies of two different vibration modes of the fork are separated by a slotted supporting structure which is united with the fork, and in which harmful amplitudes of vibration of the fork are avoided by an amplitude limiting structure integral with the sensing electrode. The amplitude limiting structure includes arms extending around the ends of the tines.

Abstract: A vibrating crystal transducer for measuring temperature is disclosed. The crystal includes a single elongated vibrating beam that has a torsional mode resonant frequency that is a function of the temperature of the crystal. The torsional moments of the crystal are reverse symmetric with respect to a nodal line on the beam. The beam is contained in a frame that is secured to a sensor frame member. The beam is attached to the frame by a pair of opposed mounting posts that are in line with the nodal line on the beam. The beam, the beam frame (16) and the mounting posts are formed out of an integral section of crystalline material. When the beam is vibrated, the reverse symmetrically opposed torsional moments along the beam cancel each other out and, consequently, no torsional energy is transmitted through the mounting posts to the beam frame or the sensor frame.

Abstract: To excite a resonator so that it oscillates at its resonant frequency, a self-oscillating system is used having a digital delay element (such as a digital memory) or an analog delay element (such as a bucket-brigade device) inserted in a feed-back loop. Detecting the oscillation signal and exciting the resonator is done periodically and alternately. Thus, the oscillation signal is detected while the resonator oscillates freely. In the embodiment disclosed, a coil (1) serves both to detect the oscillation signal and to excite the resonator which is in the form of a string (2). A switch (3) is controlled so as to apply the detected signal to a delay circuit (7) during each first period and to supply the delayed signal as an exciting signal to the coil (1) during each second period.

Abstract: A vibrating type transducer wherein an H-shaped vibrator, formed integrally with a silicon substrate and having a hollow chamber provided therearound, is kept self oscillating at its natural resonance frequency together with an amplifier. A physical quantity, such as force, pressure, differential pressure, or the like, which is applied to the silicon substrate is detected by a change in the natural frequency arising at the vibrator corresponding to the physical quantity. The invention also includes a method for manufacturing such transducer using a semiconductor technique, including steps for keeping a vacuum internally in the hollow chamber, imparting an initial tension to the vibrator, and then operating the amplifier to have stable self oscillation.

Abstract: Light to be measured is input to a diffraction grating after is has been oscillated by a wavelength modulation device with a constant frequency F. The light is incident to the diffraction grating at an angle of incidence, .theta., and is oscillated with a frequency F with a center angle of incidence, .theta..sub.0, as a center. An output spectrum of said diffraction grating is received by a photoelectric converter. An electric signal from the photoelectric converter is oscillated with a frequency F over a wavelength range of .lambda..sub.0 .+-..DELTA..lambda. where .lambda..sub.0 is a center wavelength measured at the center angle of incidence .theta..sub.0. The oscillated spectrum signal is synchronously detected, by a synchronous detector, with a frequency 2F through a high-pass filter, obtaining a variation spectrum at the measured center wavelength .lambda..sub.0.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the proportion of a given gas component in a gas mixture, comprising a piezoelectric crystal provided with a surface layer containing a substance capable of selectively and reversibly adsorbing said gas component, and being so arranged that the gas mixture can be brought into contact with said surface layer. The crystal is incorporated in an oscillator circuit which produces an output signal representing the oscillating frequency of the crystal, and therewith the proportion of the given gas component in the gas mixture. For compensating the temperature dependency of the surface-layer adsorption of the relevant gas component, a thermistor (R.sub.T) is arranged to be influenced by the same temperature variations as the piezoelectric crystal. Further, the output signal (S) of the oscillator circuit is connected to the input of an amplifying circuit, which incorporates the thermistor (R.sub.

Abstract: A microminiature oscillator that uses the movement of a mechanical structure placed on an etched silicon chip to control the frequency of a pulse used as a time base in electronic applications.

Abstract: The resonator (10) includes a monocrystal (11) of a nonpiezoelectric matel with low attenuation of elastic bulk waves, such as corundum, means of supporting the monocrystal fastened to the monocrystal at points corresponding to the vibration nodes, thermal means (40) for directly causing a proper excitation of the monocrystal (11) and optical means (50) for detecting the periodic motion of the resonator without contact. Application in particular in oscillator construction.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor system is disclosed, consisting of a balanced resonant sensor. The sensor consists of a tuning fork of a piezoelectric material, preferably of quartz. The tines of the tuning fork are caused to vibrate electromechanically, for example, by impressing an alternating voltage on a pair of electrodes on each tine. This will cause the tines to vibrate. Any component of angular motion around the axis of the sensor causes a cyclic deflection of the tines at right angles to the normal driven vibration of the tines. If the rotational input to the handle of the sensor is applied through a torsion element, the resulting tine deflection is directed to cyclically rotate the entire sensor along the input/output axis. This deflection can be used for changing the capacitance of a capacitance bridge, or for generating an electric signal, due to the piezoelectric effect resulting from the deflection. Finally, the output signal may consist of a frequency-modulated signal or an optical pick-up may be used.

Abstract: There is disclosed a drive regulation and control circuit for a tuning fork resonator also adaptable to other electrical devices wherein an approximately sine wave signal from a motion sensor is applied to an instantaneous level detector which causes a variable width pulse signal to be on during that portion of the sine wave signal where the instantaneous level exceeds an adjustable reference level; a control signal is generated with a magnitude varying as a moving average of the width of the variable width pulses; the control signal causes the reduction of current to the tuning fork drive to cause reduction of motion amplitude. An optional feature provides rapid response by activating a motion braking signal having a duration approximately equal to the variable width pulse "on" period.

Abstract: A resonator device comprises an elastic beam driven electrostatically at its natural frequency, or an harmonic thereof, by voltage pulses applied to an integral paddle member. The voltage pulses are derived from optical pulses fed via an optical fibre and reflected from the paddle member to a photodiode array. There is thus minimal coupling between the beam and the drive system. A positive feedback loop is provided in which light retroreflected from the paddle member is recaptured by the optical fibre and electronically detected, amplified and fed back in phase with the beam oscillations by modulating the optical pulses.

Abstract: There is disclosed a driving and control circuit for a tuning fork resonator also adaptable to rotary motor control wherein an approximately sine wave signal from a motion sensor is applied to an instantaneous level detector which causes a control signal to be generated during that portion of the sine wave signal where the instantaneous level exceeds an adjustable reference level; the control signal causes the application of a current to the tuning fork drive which is in a direction to cause braking and reduction of motion amplitude. A distinctive feature of the instantaneous level detector is the fact that the sine wave signal is not rectified but is rather converted to a fluctuating direct current signal with a DC level accurately determined by an internal semiconductor voltage reference element.

Abstract: A slide switch is movable in the direction of oscillation of the reed of a magnetic circuit. A resilient arm is attached at one of its ends to the switch. The slide switch drives the arm in the direction of the oscillation of the reed, the motion of the arm being in a plane parallel to the oscillation path of the reed but removed from it. A ramp is located adjacent the opposite end of the arm and intersects the plane of the oscillation path of the reed, one end of the ramp engaging the opposite arm end at its equilibrium position and the other end of the ramp extending well into the plane of the oscillation path of the reed.

Abstract: A co-axial magnetron in which the microwave output frequency can be rapidly altered within a particular frequency band. A movable tuning plate is coupled to a mechanical tuning fork which is set into vibration by an alternating voltage applied to a solenoid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering energy to an oscillatory system in a signal transmitter to maintain the system in a state of oscillation. A component of the oscillatory system that affects the oscillation frequency is influenced by the magnitude of a measured condition which is to be transmitted by the signal transmitter. The oscillatory state of the system is sensed through a signal path, and energy is delivered to the system through substantially the same signal path, said energy being delivered in the form of pulses at time intervals longer than a whole period of oscillation of the system to maintain the system in a state of oscillation.

Abstract: An oscillator circuit including a flexural quartz crystal vibrator of the tuning fork type having an electromechanical coupling factor within the range of 2.5% to 3.5%. The vibrator is comprised of a quartz crystal element including a base portion and a pair of vibratable legs extending therefrom, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the quartz element for receiving alternating electrical signals of opposite polarity for effecting flexural vibration of the legs in response to the electrical signals. The quartz element is defined by a cutting angle within the range of zytw (0.degree.-10.degree.)/(10.degree.-30.degree.).

Abstract: Method and system for the constant amplitude control of an electromechanical oscillator utilizing a phase locked oscillator to generate a secondary a-c setpoint which is compared to the oscillator output to provide a difference signal which is passed as a fast-acting negative feedback signal to stabilize the amplitude.

Abstract: Through the practice of this invention there is achieved control of the vibrational frequency of an electromechanical oscillator. This is achieved by utilizing the change in Young's modulus of elasticity which occurs for certain materials with applied magnetic field, known as the .DELTA.E-effect. By selective annealing in the presence of specially directed magnetic field, the .DELTA.E-effect is selectively altered along specific directions in the vibrational member. Additionally, by control of the .DELTA.E-effect of a sonic delay line, there is achieved control of the delay time for an acoustic pulse propagating therein.

Abstract: A combined encoder and decoder circuit which uses a single frequency selective resonant reed in a closed loop oscillator configuraion permitting simultaneous encoder and decoder operation. A closed loop oscillator has a resonant reed connected in series between an input and output terminal and produces a signal at the resonant frequency of the reed. Positive signal feedback from the output to input terminal is provided by an amplifier, operated between saturation and cut-off, and a controllable attenuator. A level detector and the attenuator effectively form a limited range negative feedback loop which effectively maintains the signal magnitude at the output terminal at a substantially constant level.