Abstract: A family of resonators and other devices which employ virtual electrodes using pixel based projection across a gap onto a material. In many embodiments, the pixel is projected onto a piezoelectric material, such as quartz crystal, by an integrated circuit die placed opposite a face of the crystal. The die projects a single pixel of electromagnetic energy onto the crystal, which vibrates and produces its own electromagnetic energy which is received by the pixel. Pixel projection onto other materials, including non-resonant materials, is also disclosed. The pixel based projected electrodes may be used in combination with, or in lieu of, conventional metal electrodes. The single pixel may be controlled in gain and phase in order to achieve specific desired resonator response characteristics. Many types of devices using pixel based electrode projection are disclosed—including resonators having one or more single-pixel virtual electrodes, and other types of devices.

Abstract: A family of resonators and other devices which employ virtual electrodes using pixel based projection across a gap onto a material. In many embodiments, the pixels are projected onto a piezoelectric material, such as quartz crystal, by an integrated circuit die placed opposite a face of the crystal. The die projects individual pixels of electromagnetic energy onto the crystal, which vibrates and produces its own electromagnetic energy which is received by the pixels. Pixel projection onto other materials, including non-resonant materials, is also disclosed. The pixel based projected electrodes may be used in combination with, or in lieu of, conventional metal electrodes. Individual pixels may be turned on and off, and gain- and phase-controlled, in order to achieve specific desired resonator response characteristics. Many types of devices using pixel based electrode projection are disclosed—including resonators having one or more electrodes, oscillators, filters, delay lines, antennas and others.

Abstract: A family of composite resonator devices having improved performance properties for use in electronic circuits. Each composite device includes two or more resonator electrodes on a single crystal or other resonant material. The two resonators may be connected in series or parallel, based on application requirements. The two resonators have different surface areas or some other type of asymmetry, causing the response of the composite device to have suppressed spurious modes, reduced insertion loss, or both. This is accomplished by designing the electrodes to have different frequency response curves, where the responses can be tuned and combined to reduce undesirable modes. Improvements in acceleration sensitivity and temperature sensitivity are also achieved. Both physically-applied and projected electrode types are disclosed, along with several crystal shapes. The family of composite resonator devices includes both passive and active devices, such as resonators, filters and oscillators.

Abstract: A family of resonators and other devices which employ virtual electrodes using pixel based projection across a gap onto a material. In many embodiments, the pixel is projected onto a piezoelectric material, such as quartz crystal, by an integrated circuit die placed opposite a face of the crystal. The die projects a single pixel of electromagnetic energy onto the crystal, which vibrates and produces its own electromagnetic energy which is received by the pixel. Pixel projection onto other materials, including non-resonant materials, is also disclosed. The pixel based projected electrodes may be used in combination with, or in lieu of, conventional metal electrodes. The single pixel may be controlled in gain and phase in order to achieve specific desired resonator response characteristics. Many types of devices using pixel based electrode projection are disclosed—including resonators having one or more single-pixel virtual electrodes, and other types of devices.

Abstract: A family of resonators and other devices which employ virtual electrodes using pixel based projection across a gap onto a material. In many embodiments, the pixels are projected onto a piezoelectric material, such as quartz crystal, by an integrated circuit die placed opposite a face of the crystal. The die projects individual pixels of electromagnetic energy onto the crystal, which vibrates and produces its own electromagnetic energy which is received by the pixels. Pixel projection onto other materials, including non-resonant materials, is also disclosed. The pixel based projected electrodes may be used in combination with, or in lieu of, conventional metal electrodes. Individual pixels may be turned on and off, and gain- and phase-controlled, in order to achieve specific desired resonator response characteristics. Many types of devices using pixel based electrode projection are disclosed—including resonators having one or more electrodes, oscillators, filters, delay lines, antennas and others.

Abstract: A worldwide logistics network includes a processing center for receiving customer orders for crystal oscillators over communications links, processing the orders, and generating work orders that are selectively disseminated over communications links to programming centers at strategic locations around the world. Each of the programming centers carries an inventory of generic programmable crystal oscillators. Upon receipt of a work order, a programming center withdraws quantity of programmable crystal oscillators from inventory sufficient to fill the customer order, and, using automated parts handling equipment, the oscillators are successively directed to an interface position with a computer. There, the unique crystal frequency of each oscillator is read and each oscillator is uniquely programmed on the basis of its crystal frequency to generate an output frequency meeting customer specification.

Abstract: A programmable crystal oscillator is provided having a memory for storing frequency-defining parameters. Typically, one of these parameters is used to program an adjustable capacitive load circuit coupled to a crystal to thereby adjust the crystal source frequency. Additional parameters are used to program the output frequency of a phase locked loop circuit coupled to receive the adjusted source frequency. A further parameter can also be used to divide the output frequency of the phase locked loop circuit to supply a specified output frequency. The oscillators can be manufactured as generic programmable crystal oscillators without regard for output frequency and then quickly programmed to produce customer-specified output frequencies with a high degree of accuracy.