Horology: time measuring systems or devices – Regulating means – For compensation
Reexamination Certificate
1997-08-05
2001-01-23
Roskoski, Bernard (Department: 2859)
Horology: time measuring systems or devices
Regulating means
For compensation
C368S119000, C368S066000, C368S203000, C368S010000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176611
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and system for low power precision timing, in general and to a method and a device for providing improved power consumption, while maintaining precise timing, of a communication system in waiting mode, in particular.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Methods and devices for providing precise timing and precise time counting are known in the art. Such devices conventionally include a crystal for providing a basic frequency and a controller for accumulating the clock signals generated by the crystal. When such a system attempts to increase the accuracy of the counting mechanism, it utilizes a high frequency crystal which increases the resolution in time.
It would be appreciated that frequency and energy are associated in a way that producing a higher frequency requires higher power to be provided thereto. The basic quantum rule is presented by the expression:
E=
h·f
wherein E represents energy, h represents Planck's coefficient and f represents frequency.
In CMOS design, the following expression is used:
P=C·V
2
·f
wherein P represents power, C represents capacity and V represents voltage.
Methods for managing power of a communication system in waiting mode are known in the art. A conventional communication system, in waiting mode has to detect hailing signals and open a communication channel when it detects a hailing signal which is addressed thereto.
Conventional communication protocols, such as TDMA, determine time periods in which hailing signals are transmitted. State of the art communication systems, attempt to shut down their receiver, when out of these time periods, so as to save power. Such systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,513 to Croft et al and U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,152 to Harte.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method and device for reducing power consumption of a communication unit in waiting mode.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel method and system for low powered timing.
According to the present invention there is thus provided a timer for measuring a time period including a high frequency generating unit, a low frequency generating unit and a controller connected to the high and low frequency generating units. The controller deactivates the high frequency generating unit during at least a portion of the time period. The controller further detects and counts predetermined portions of the signals provided by the high and low frequency generating units. Furthermore, the controller counts a plurality of the portions of the currently active frequency generating unit.
The timer can also include means, connected to the controller, for estimating the frequency of the low frequency generating unit.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing an indication of a time period T which commences at time t
1
and expires at time t
2
. the method including the steps of:
activating a high timing level at time t
1
;
counting a first predetermined number M of predetermined cycle portions of the high timing level for determining a first partial time period;
activating a low timing level at the end of the first partial time period; and
counting a second predetermined number N of predetermined cycle portions of the low timing level.
According to the invention, the method can further include a step of indicating the expiration of the time period at time t
2
.
For example, the first predetermined number M and the second predetermined number N satisfy the following equation:
T=N×T
L
+M×T
H
wherein T
H
represents a time period determined by the predetermined cycle portions of the high timing level and T
L
represents a time period determined by the predetermined cycle portions of the low timing level.
The method of the invention, can further include a step of deactivating the high timing level after the step of activating the low timing level.
For further accuracy, the method of the present invention, can further include a step of estimating the frequency of the low timing level.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system which includes a receiver, and a timer for measuring a time period. The timer includes a high frequency generating unit, a low frequency generating unit and a controller connected to the high and low frequency generating units. The controller is further connected to the receiver.
The controller deactivates the high frequency generating unit during at least a portion of the time period, deactivates the receiver during at least another portion of the time period, detects and counts predetermined portions of the signals provided by the high and low frequency generating units and counts a plurality of the portions of the currently active frequency generating unit.
The communication system of the invention, can further include means, connected to the controller and to the receiver, for estimating the frequency of the low frequency generating unit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4264967 (1981-04-01), Fujita et al.
patent: 5224152 (1993-06-01), Harte
patent: 5357490 (1994-10-01), Kashine
patent: 5416435 (1995-05-01), Jokinen et al.
patent: 5428638 (1995-06-01), Cioffi et al.
patent: 5444672 (1995-08-01), Kushita
patent: 5568513 (1996-10-01), Croft et al.
patent: 5596571 (1997-01-01), Gould et al.
CDMA ASIC Products Data Book, 80-22370-2 A, pp. 3-4 to 3-5 (2 pages total) Feb. 1998.
Leshets Yona
Schushan Asaf
D.S.P.C. Technologies Ltd.
McDermott & Will & Emery
Roskoski Bernard
LandOfFree
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