Abstract: A timepiece movement, including a mechanism including an inertial element arranged to oscillate or pivot about a first axis of pivoting relative to a structure of the movement, and arranged to cooperate directly or indirectly with an energy distribution wheel set that pivots relative to the structure about a second axis of pivoting parallel to or coincident with the first axis of pivoting and subjected to a torque exerted by an energy source, wherein the energy distribution wheel set meshes directly or indirectly with at least one inertia wheel set that pivots about a third axis of pivoting relative to the structure, each inertia wheel set is arranged to pivot in the opposite direction to the energy distribution wheel set, and the total inertia of the inertia wheel sets is between 60% and 140% of the inertia of the energy distribution wheel set.

Abstract: In a quartz crystal unit, the unit comprising a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator having a quartz crystal tuning fork base, and first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines, each of the first and second quartz crystal tuning fork tines having a first vibrational portion including a first width and a second vibrational portion including a second width greater than the first width, at least one groove being formed in at least one of opposite main surfaces of the first vibrational portion of each quartz crystal tuning fork tine, the first width of the first vibrational portion of each quartz crystal tuning fork tine being greater than 0.03 mm and less than 0.075 mm and the second width of the second vibrational portion of each quartz crystal tuning fork tine being greater than 0.04 mm and less than 0.23 mm.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a time display unit including a dial made from a non-conductive material, and hands; and a movement that drives the hands. The movement includes a circuit board, a planar antenna attached to the circuit board, a stepper motor that drives the hands, and a battery. The planar antenna, the stepper motor, and the battery are disposed to positions overlapping the time display unit in plan view, and not overlapping each other in plan view.

Abstract: In a quartz crystal unit, the unit comprising a case, a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator and a lid, the resonator having a tuning fork base, and first and second tuning fork tines, each of the first and second tuning fork tines having a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, the first side surface of the first tuning fork tine confronting the second side surface of the second tuning fork tine; at least one groove having a plurality of surfaces including a first surface being formed in at least one of first and second main surfaces of each of the first and second tuning fork tines so that only the first surface of the at least one groove is directly opposite the first side surface of the corresponding tuning fork tine and a width of the at least one groove is greater than or equal to a distance in the width direction of the at least one groove measured from an outer edge of the at least one groove to an outer edge of the corresponding one of the first and second tunin

Abstract: A method for adapting a timepiece movement includes measuring a loss of energy for each free oscillation of the balance at atmospheric pressure; measuring the loss of energy for each free oscillation at a given low pressure corresponding to a working pressure intended for a modified movement; using i) the measured loss of energy at atmospheric pressure and ii) the measured loss of energy at the given low pressure, determining a percentage of energy gain of the balance between respective i) measurements of the measured loss of energy at atmospheric pressure and ii) measurements of the measured loss of energy at the given low pressure; and reducing a torque delivered to the escapement by a value corresponding to the determined percentage of energy gain.

Abstract: The electronic module (1) includes a quartz or MEMS resonator (3), which is confined within a resonator case (5), which is provided with electrical contact pads (15) over at least one external surface for the electrical connection of the resonator. A printed circuit board (6) is also provided for carrying the resonator case (5) and it includes electrical connection terminals (18) for connection to the electrical connection pads (15) of the resonator case. The resonator case (5) is fixedly held inside a case structure (6, 9) of the electronic module (1), via at least one mechanical shock damping element (7). The damping element 7) may be an elastomer element, which includes metal wires (17) for the electrical connection of the resonator case (5) across the printed circuit board (6).

Abstract: A timepiece device includes a control unit for time keeping, which is synchronizable by a clock generator. The timepiece device has at least two crystal oscillators built respectively by at least one crystal unit, whereby a first crystal oscillator with a first crystal unit and with a predetermined nominal oscillation frequency is suitable for use as the clock generator of the control unit during a vehicle standby mode, and whereby the oscillation frequency of the first crystal oscillator is at least temporarily measured and adjustable by a second crystal oscillator with a second crystal unit whose nominal oscillation frequency is higher than that of the first crystal oscillator. In a method of operation of the timepiece device, the oscillation frequency of the second crystal oscillator is compensated against the temperature by the software inside the control unit.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibrating piece includes a pair of vibrating arm portions, a base portion which is arranged between a pair of vibrating arm portions, and connecting portions which connect proximal end portions of a pair of vibrating arm portions and a proximal end portion of the base portion. Narrow width portions are provided at the base of the base portion.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated resonator includes a body used in deformation, wherein the core (58, 58?, 18) of the body (3, 5, 7, 15, 23, 25, 27, 33, 35, 37, 43, 45, 47) is formed from a plate formed at a cut angle (??) in a quartz crystal determining the first and second orders temperature coefficients (?, ?, ??, ??). According to the invention, the body (3, 5, 7, 15, 23, 25, 27, 33, 35, 37, 43, 45, 47) includes a coating (52, 54, 56, 52?, 54?, 56?, 16) deposited at least partially on the core (58, 58?, 18) and having first and second orders Young's modulus variations (CTE1, CTE2, CTE1?, CTE2?) according to temperature of opposite signs respectively to the first and second orders temperature coefficients (?, ?, ??, ??) of the resonator so as to render compensated first and second orders temperature coefficients substantially zero.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic watch comprising an electric motor (5) for driving analogue display means (6), and a time base (1, 2) comprising an oscillator circuit (2) and a resonator (1), both mounted in the same case (9), characterized in that said case further comprises a control circuit (4) for said electric motor.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibration piece that can ensure good drive level characteristics and a piezoelectric vibrator, oscillator, electronic device and radio-controlled timepiece in which the piezoelectric vibration piece is used are provided. The width of the base-end side of the grooves 5 is narrower than that of the tip side of the grooves 5. The base 4 includes: a mount section 4a on the outer surface of which mount electrodes 12, 13 are formed to mount the piezoelectric vibration piece 1; and an intermediate section 4b that is connected to the mount section 4a and the pair of vibrating arms 3a, 3b so as to be positioned between the mount section 4a and the pair of vibrating arms 3a, 3b, on the outer surface of which leading electrodes 14a, 14b that connect the pair of excitation electrodes 10, 11 and the mount electrodes 12, 13 are formed. The width of the mount section 4a is wider than that of the intermediate section 4b.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-compensated resonator including a body used in deformation, wherein the core (58, 58?, 18) of the body (3, 5, 7, 15, 23, 25, 27, 33, 35, 37, 43, 45, 47) is formed from a plate formed at a cut angle (??) in a quartz crystal determining the first and second orders temperature coefficients (?, ?, ??, ??). According to the invention, the body (3, 5, 7, 15, 23, 25, 27, 33, 35, 37, 43, 45, 47) includes a coating (52, 54, 56, 52?, 54?, 56?, 16) deposited at least partially on the core (58, 58?, 18) and having first and second orders Young's modulus variations (CTE1, CTE2, CTE1?, CTE2?) according to temperature of opposite signs respectively to said first and second orders temperature coefficients (?, ?, ??, ??) of said resonator so as to render the latter substantially zero. The invention concerns the field of time and frequency bases.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator according to the invention includes the steps of: inserting a core portion of a conductive rivet member, which includes a planar base portion and the core portion extending in a direction vertical to the surface of a base portion, into a penetration hole of the base substrate and bringing the base portion of the rivet member into contact with a first surface of the base substrate; applying a paste-like glass frit on a second surface of the base substrate and moving a first squeegee which comes into contact with the second surface with an attack angle in one direction to thereby fill the glass frit in the penetration hole; and moving a second squeegee which comes into contact with the second surface with an attack angle in a direction opposite to the one direction to thereby fill the glass frit applied redundantly on the second surface in the penetration hole.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a package capable of forming a penetration electrode without conduction defects while maintaining the airtightness of a cavity, a piezoelectric vibrator manufactured by the manufacturing method, and an oscillator, an electronic apparatus, and a radio-controlled timepiece each having the piezoelectric vibrator. A penetration electrode forming step includes: a penetration hole forming step of forming a penetration hole in a base substrate wafer (first substrate); a first paste material filling step of filling a first paste material in the penetration hole and temporarily drying the first paste material; and a second paste material filling step of filling a second paste material in the penetration hole so as to be overlapped on the first paste material. The first paste material has a viscosity lower than the second paste material.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic watch comprising an electric motor (5) for driving analogue display means (6), and a time base (1, 2) comprising an oscillator circuit (2) and a resonator (1), both mounted in the same case (9), characterized in that said case further comprises a control circuit (4) for said electric motor.

Abstract: Mechanical clockwork assembly, comprising a drive mechanism, a mechanical control device comprising a mechanical oscillator and a first transmission device for providing a transmission between the drive mechanism and the mechanical oscillator, an electric generator and a second transmission device for providing a transmission between the drive mechanism and the generator, wherein the generator is spaced apart from the mechanical oscillator. In one embodiment the clockwork assembly comprises a sensor for determining a timing of the mechanical oscillator, an actuator for adapting a timing of the mechanical oscillator, an electronic control device connected to the sensor and the actuator, wherein the control device comprises an entry for a reference signal for controlling the timing of the mechanical oscillator on the basis of the reference signal, and wherein at least the control device is connected to the generator for supplying the control device with electric energy from the generator.

Abstract: The time base device for a watch includes at least one electric motor coil (30), an electronic module (1) that has at least one time base oscillator circuit mounted in a case of the module, and an electric power source (8). The electric motor coil (30), the electronic module (1) with an oscillator circuit and the voltage source (8), which is preferably a battery, are connected to each other mechanically and electrically without the use of a printed circuit board to form a compact unit. The electronic module includes four connection terminals (14, 15, 16, 17) on an external surface for connecting the voltage source on one side and the wires (31, 32) of a winding of the coil (30) on the other side.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a timing device that includes a resonator device to generate a resonator output signal at a frequency offset from a desired frequency, a counter configured to generate an extraction signal in accordance with the frequency offset, and a timing signal generator configured to track time with a count based on the resonator output signal and modified by the extraction signal downward to reach the desired frequency.

Abstract: A system for acquiring logging data comprises a controller for causing the generation of a signal in a formation surrounding a wellbore. The controller has a first clock for time-stamping a record of the generated signal. A receiver is deployed in the wellbore and is adapted for detecting the signal. A second clock comprises a double-oven surrounding a crystal oscillator. A controller is operatively coupled to the double-oven to maintain the crystal oscillator temperature substantially at the crystal oscillator turnover temperature. The second clock is synchronized with the first clock before deployment in the wellbore, and the receiver references the second clock in order to record a time-stamp associated with the detected signal.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for acquiring land seismic data includes acquiring seismic data with a first autonomous seismic data acquisition unit and a second autonomous seismic data acquisition unit wherein each acquisition unit comprises a plurality of digitally controlled temperature-compensated crystal oscillators. Oscillator-based timing signals are acquired that are associated with the plurality of digitally controlled temperature-compensated crystal oscillators and a time correction is determined to apply to the seismic data acquired with the first autonomous seismic data acquisition unit. The time correction is determined using the oscillator-based timing signals from the first and second autonomous seismic data acquisition units.

Abstract: A system for real time clock (RTC) calibration includes: a timer counter; a clock generator; and a clock calibration unit coupled between the clock generator and the timer counter. The clock calibration unit receives calibration parameters comprising an average calibration value, a remainder calibration value and a calibration period, counts a plurality of clock cycles generated by the clock generator, calibrates a number of the counted clock cycles according to the average calibration value and remainder calibration value in the calibration period, and increments the timer counter by one second when a predetermined number of clock cycles have been reached.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a display portion and at least one oscillating circuit comprising an amplifier, at least one resistor, a plurality of capacitors, and a unit having a case and a resonator. The resonator is vibratable in a flexural mode and has first and second vibrational arms, and at least one groove is formed in at least one of opposite main surfaces of each of the first and second vibrational arms, and at least one mounting arm protrudes from the base portion and extends in a common direction with at least one of the first and second vibrational arms. An output signal of the at least one oscillating circuit comprising the resonator is a clock signal for use in operation of the electronic apparatus to display time information at the display portion.

Abstract: To be able to promote oscillation start characteristic while having a simple constitution and maintaining low power consumption. In starting to oscillate an oscillation circuit, a capacitor for protecting from leakage is shortcircuited by bringing a switch of an oscillation stabilizing circuit 11 into a closed state and a constant voltage circuit starts to oscillate the oscillation circuit by supplying a drive voltage of a power source voltage to the oscillation circuit. After an elapse of a predetermined time period, oscillation is prevented from being stopped by leakage by inserting the capacitor into the oscillation circuit loop by bringing the switch into an open state, and an oscillation operation is continued by supplying a voltage lower than the power source voltage to the oscillation circuit by intermittently driving the constant voltage circuit.

Abstract: A sensor array made up of 2n piezoelectric oscillators (preferably paired quartz oscillators) is provided in which n equals the number of axes of interest and each one of the pairs of oscillators has a principle axis directed oppositely from the other of its pair. A controller which preferably includes a microprocessor, makes use of the dynamic relationships of the sensors in the array to adaptively assess the magnitude of weighting factors needed to correct the output signal from each oscillator for environmental and systematic effects to provide optimum frequency and phase output for computing position, velocity, and acceleration. Preferably, a seventh reference oscillator is provided in the center of the array which is canted relative to each of the three orthogonal axes by 45°. This adaptive sensor array is capable of determining position within one meter along any of the x, y, and z axes without the need for any external (e.g., GPS) signal.

Abstract: A compensated ensemble crystal oscillator clock system for use in a well borehohe system. The clock system includes preferably four quad compensated clocks, a compensated temperature sensor, and software for processing and correcting system response. Physical fabrication of elements of the quad compensated clocks, the compensated temperature sensor and cooperating software minimized drift in frequency of the oscillator clock system in harsh borehole environments encountered while drilling a borehole. The clock system exhibits a frequency stability of 2.8×10?9 or less over a temperature range of from 0° C. to 185° C. The compensated ensemble crystal oscillator clock system is particularly applicable to seismic-while-drilling operations wherein precise downhole measurements of time are required typically over a period of days.

Abstract: There is disclosed a differential oscillator circuit including first (10) and second (20) branches each including the series arrangement, between high (VDD) and low (VSS) supply potentials, of a first transistor (4, 5), a first current source (2, 3) and resistor means (8, 9, 18, 19; 18*, 19*). The first transistors are interconnected so as to form a crossed pair of transistors, the most positive current terminal of each transistor (on the “drain” side) being connected to the control terminal of the other transistor of the crossed pair. This differential oscillator circuit further includes an electro-mechanical resonator (6) connected to the crossed transistor pair on the “drain” side, as well as a capacitive element (7) connected to the crossed transistor pair on the “source” side. Advantageously, for high frequency applications, the electro-mechanical resonator can be of the bulk acoustic wave type.

Abstract: An oscillation circuit including an electrostatic protective circuit connected between a signal path and this constant voltage V.sub.reg. It comprises a first electrostatic protective circuit portion that causes any electrostatic voltage of a first polarity that invades the signal path to be selectively diverted through a diode to the constant voltage V.sub.reg side of the circuit, and any electrostatic voltage of a second polarity that invades the signal path to be selectively diverted through another diode to the ground side. This ensures that the oscillation circuit is not affected by fluctuations in the power voltage from the main power source, enabling it to oscillate at a stable frequency.

Abstract: An oscillation circuit is driven at reduced power by a constant voltage V.sub.reg having an absolute value that is lower than that of a power voltage V.sub.ss of a main power source. An electrostatic protective circuit provided in this oscillation circuit is connected between a signal path and this constant voltage V.sub.reg. It comprises a first electrostatic protective circuit portion that causes any electrostatic voltage of a first polarity that invades the signal path to be selectively diverted through a diode to the constant voltage V.sub.reg side of the circuit, and any electrostatic voltage of a second polarity that invades the signal path to be selectively diverted through another diode to the ground side. This ensures that the oscillation circuit is not affected by fluctuations in the power voltage from the main power source, enabling it to oscillate at a stable frequency.

Abstract: A microcomputer in which an oscillating circuit provided therein is activated both when the microcomputer is in an activated state and when it is in a disabled state is provided with a changeover circuit for changing over a supply voltage of the oscillating circuit between when the microcomputer is in the activated state and in the disabled state. The changeover circuit supplies to the oscillating circuit a high voltage when the microcomputer is in the activated state and a low voltage when the microcomputer is in the disabled state. As a result, the starting characteristic when the power is turned on is not deteriorated. Further, the power consumption of the oscillating circuit when the microcomputer is in the disabled state is reduced.

Abstract: A crystal controlled clock oscillator resin encapsulated in a surface mount device (SMD) package incorporates on a lead frame a crystal oscillator, an integrated circuit, a power supply filter capacitor and, optionally, a feedback resistor. In the fabrication of the device, resin is injected at a position and in a direction relative to the components so as to minimize disturbance of the lead frame and the components mounted thereon.

Abstract: A dual selection system for a reference frequency for use in a clock comprising a microcomputer for controlling the whole system and outputting a switching signal and frequency-demultiplying signals. A system oscillator produces an oscillation signal of 4.194304 MHz. A system frequency-demultiplier for frequency-dividing an output of a first buffer to apply a system clock signal to the microcomputer. A clock oscillator produces an oscillation signal of 32.768 KHz, and a clock frequency-demultiplier for frequency-dividing an output of a second buffer applies a clock signal of 1 Hz for clock to the microcomputer.When an option is selected, a system oscillation signal of 4.194304 MHz is selected and frequency-demultiplied by 2.sup.22 to a clock signal of 1 Hz for a clock. When that the option is not selected, the clock oscillation signal of 32.768 KHz is frequency-divided by 2.sup.15 to a clock signal of 1 Hz for the clock.

Abstract: The timepiece of this invention comprises an electromagnetic motor (100) the stator (2) of which is flat and at least partially covered by a reinforcement plate (68) of non-magnetic material or, if need be, of very low magnetic permeability which has been attached to it, preferably by welding, prior to subjecting it in bulk along with others, to reheating thereby to protect it during such operation against the risk of deformation or breakage which would render it thereafter unusable. In conformity with the invention and to avoid such plate becoming a useless extra part taking up space in the timepiece, it includes means which enable it to form at the same time another element of the timepiece. Such element may be for instance a trigger piece jumper spring (72) which cooperates with a trigger piece (212) in order to define stable positions of a manual control stem (184) which may be axially displaced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor for driving a clockwork. A rotatably supported rotor 1 has diametrically opposite permanent-magnet poles. A multi-phase coil arrangement is furthermore present to produce a magnetic field which deflects the rotor 1 out of its instantaneous position as a function of control signals present in each case on the coils 3 and 4 of the coil arrangement.The coil arrangement has a plurality of coils 3 and 4 arranged at an equiangular distance apart, surrounding the rotor 1, which coils can be controlled one after the other by sine voltages which are staggered a given angle apart.

Abstract: This invention describes an improved resin mounting structure for use with an integrated circuit. An integrated circuit chip is affixed to a circuit substrate which has a hole. Circuit patterns connect to the contact pads of the integrated circuit chip and are added along the circuit substrate. An epoxy resin material is gated through the hole to surround and enclose the integrated circuit chip. In this invention, circuit patterns which are added beneath the integrated circuit chip are positioned over the hole in the substrate to allow an unimpeded flow of resin material. In addition, conductive spacing pegs are provided at each integrated circuit contact pad to allow for a uniform spacing between the integrated circuit and the circuit substrate and to provide for a more electrically and mechanically secure connection between the IC chip and the circuit substrate. Also, the circuit substrate is formed from a flexible material to absorb the displacement caused by differential thermal expansion.

Abstract: A CMOS crystal controlled oscillator includes a CMOS inverter composed of series connected MOS FETs and a crystal connected between signal input an output nodes of the inverter. First and second capacitors are respectively connected between the signal input and output nodes of the inverter and a feedback resistor is connected between the signal input and output nodes of the inverter. A first current limiting circuit is connected between a MOS FET of the inverter and a power source potential and a second limiting circuit is connected between another MOS FET of the inverter and a ground potential. A control register is provided for controlling the first and second current limiting circuits based on data contained within an internal data bus.

Abstract: A reference pulse generator comprises a quartz crystal oscillator, a frequency divider connected to the oscillator for frequency dividing the oscillator output, and a constant current generator connected in series both with the oscillator and the frequency divider to control the current applied to the oscillator from a power source. The constant current generator comprises a current limiting element, such as a MOSFET, which is controlled by a reference voltage produced by a reference voltage generator.

Abstract: A one-pin crystal oscillator 20 is designed to be used as a clock generator for digital integrated circuits. Unlike the prior art, this oscillator requires only one package pin to connect the crystal as opposed to the usual two pin requirement and, except for the crystal, can be completely fabricated on a chip so as to require no other external components.

Abstract: A low current electronic oscillator system includes an oscillator tuning element, such as a piezoelectric crystal, operable at a predetermined frequency and an oscillator control circuit for cooperating with the tuning element to provide an oscillating electrical signal at the predetermined frequency. The control circuit includes first and second electrical charge storage devices coupled to a first portion of the tuning element; a first current drive device connectable to a first terminal of an applied electric potential and responsive to a first voltage on the first charge storage device for applying a first drive current to a second portion of the tuning element; and a second current drive device connectable to a second terminal of the electric potential and responsive to a second voltage on the second charge storage device for applying a second drive current to the second portion of the tuning element.

Abstract: A timekeeping signal source for an electronic timepiece produces a highly accurate timekeeping signal which is stable in frequency with respect to both temperature variations and long-term drift. The timekeeping signal is produced by phase lock control using a high frequency reference signal from a crystal-controlled high-frequency oscillator. Phase lock control can be performed continuously or on an intermittent basis, in order to reduce power consumption. In addition, the timekeeping rate can be adjusted with a resolution within one period of the high frequency reference signal, by variation of a numeric value stored in digital memory means.

Abstract: A C-MOS oscillator circuit having input and output terminals adapted to be connected to a resonator and two active MOS transistors of complementary types connected in series between the supply terminals of the circuit, which supply terminals are connected to the positive and negative poles of a source of d.c. voltage, the sources of the transistors being connected to a supply terminal and the drains being connected to the output terminal. The d.c. bias and the a.c. voltage control of each of the active transistors are ensured by a MOS transistor of the same type connected as a diode between its gate and its drain, a current source connected between its gate and the supply terminal to which the source of the other active transistor is connected, and a capacitive voltage divider which is connected between the supply terminal, to which its source is connected, and the input terminal, and the intermediate point of which is connected to its gate.

Abstract: A two transistor CMOS inverter has the two transistor gates coupled together by a coupling capacitor. D-C gate bias is supplied to each transistor through high value resistors. The P-channel transistor is biased one threshold below V.sub.DD and the N-channel transistor is biased one threshold above ground. The biasing voltages are developed through the use of a current mirror so that the biasing is independent of processing variables and temperature. This form of biasing renders the circuit class B regardless of the source to drain voltage and ensures low current operation. A crystal oscillator created using such an inverter and biasing will operate at voltages substantially below sum of P and N thresholds and at a current level about one-fifth of that of a conventional CMOS oscillator.

Abstract: A watch circuit arrangement for conserving battery power includes a feedback connection between the crystal oscillator of the watch circuit and the display voltage generator which is responsive to the crystal oscillator output to develop sufficient output voltage for the watch display. Specifically, the output of the display voltage generator, which may be a voltage multiplier, is sensed by a display voltage sensing circuit which controls the gain of the crystal oscillator. Initially, when battery power is applied to the watch circuit, the voltage multiplier has zero output voltage, which conditions the crystal oscillator to have a sufficiently high gain to start the oscillator. After several cycles of oscillator signal, the voltage multiplier output increases, which conditions the crystal oscillator to have a lower gain for reducing power consumption while sustaining oscillation.

Abstract: A very low current Pierce oscillator has two pairs of complementary field-effect transistors (FET's) and a two-terminal quartz crystal. The gates of the first complementary FET pair are coupled through individual capacitors to one terminal of the quartz crystal, their drains being connected together and to the other quartz crystal terminal. Current flow through the crystal oscillator is minimized by a novel oscillator bias loop connected between the gates of the first FET pair. Amplification is provided by the second FET pair which have a commonly connected drain comprising the oscillator output node. The gates of the second FET pair are each connected to a respective one of the gates of the first FET pair. The oscillator bias loop minimizes the source-to-drain current through the first FET pair by reducing the P-channel FET gate voltage in response to the source-to-drain current.

Abstract: An absolute digital clock system which is capable of counting absolute time despite the disruptive effects of a nuclear event, or other disturbance, on the electronic circuitry of the system. The clock system of the invention includes a master quartz crystal oscillator stage, and a string of counter stages connected thereto each including a binary counter for counting down from the frequency of the preceding stage to a lower frequency, and each including a crystal oscillator phase-locked with the binary counter and producing a signal at the lower frequency.

Abstract: A quartz crystal oscillator for a timepiece including a complementary field effect transistor (FET) pair, wherein one field effect transistor is constant current-biased and the other field effect transistor is self-biased, with high impedance negative feed back loop circuit. The gates of the field effect transistor pair are AC coupled by a condenser, and the drains of the field effect transistor pair are connected to cooperate for AC amplification. The constant current-biased field effect transistor assures a low constant mean current and low start voltage for the oscillator, and the self-biased field effect transistor assures a sure amplifying operation. The AC coupling of the gates assures a high amplification factor and high efficency in excitation of a quartz crystal resonator of an oscillator, whereby the constitution of this invention is simple and easy to form in a monolithic IC chip for a timepiece.

Abstract: Temperature compensating circuit for an electronic timepiece having two piezo electric resonators having different frequency-temperature characteristics.Two piezo electric resonators are a major resonator having smaller frequency variation rate in temperature variation and a subsidiary resonator having larger frequency variation rate in temperature variation.And also the temperature compensating circuit includes a variable counter for counting the output signal of the major oscillator having the major resonator, a gate time setting circuit controlled by both the outputs of subsidiary and the variable counter, and a counter for counting the output signal of the major oscillator.As a result, the temperature compensating circuit is able to improve the accuracy of the timepiece.

Abstract: A single-stage inverter forming a closed loop together with a crystal resonator fails to provide sufficient gain and hence, power consumption becomes high during stable oscillation. If inverters are coupled together in a three-stage cascade-connection, on the other hand, the gain becomes excessively high and undesired high frequency oscillation takes place at the start of oscillation. This invention provides a crystal oscillator circuit which, in order to solve these problems, uses a single-stage inverter to form a closed loop with a crystal resonator at the start of oscillation and uses three-stage inverters cascade-connected with each other during stable oscillation.

Abstract: An improved oscillator circuit utilizes an inverter which includes a pair of series connected MOS-FETs of differing conductivity types. A switching circuit is operable to supply the gate bias voltages from one of two separate sources, one of which is used during periods of start-up or unstable oscillation to decrease start-up time, and the other of which is used during periods of stable oscillation to decrease current consumption.

Abstract: Improved clocks and frequency standards are provided through the use of single crystals having a mass of the order of kilograms maintained at temperatures of the orders of few degrees Kelvin which are caused to vibrate freely at low modes of resonant vibration. The frequency stability of such vibrations is ultra-stable over long periods of time and provide frequency standards and clocks having stability orders of magnitude greater than clocks and standards based upon quartz crystal oscillators and equal or better than standards and clocks based upon atomic beams (cesium, rubidium and hydrogen masers).

Abstract: An electronic timepiece which includes a time .[.reference.]. .Iadd.base .Iaddend.signal generator, which generates a signal which is used to count time, and is compensated in its frequency in order to have the predetermined frequency value regardless of variations in ambient temperature.