Monolithic Clock Generator and Timing/Frequency Reference

Abstract

In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals. The output signal may be provided in any of various forms, such as differential or single-ended, and substantially square-wave or sinusoidal.

1 - 70 . (canceled) 
     
     
         71 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a reference resonator configured to generate a first periodic reference signal; and   a frequency controller electrically coupled to said reference resonator, said frequency controller configured to adjust a reactive load on said reference resonator to thereby change a frequency of the first periodic reference signal, said frequency controller comprising an array of switchable variable capacitance modules that determine a value of the reactive load, in response to a plurality of calibration coefficients.