Very low power frequency divider - using field effect transistors for switching is used for timing mechanism of wristwatches

摘要

Two essential configurations, each containing two Field Effect Transistors, are used. The first is an inverter unit and the second a double gating unit. A clock frequency is provided from some primary source - e.g. a crystal oscillator - and these units are connected in a series ring configuration which divides the clock frequency by 2, 4, 8 etc. as required. Certain additional elements are required when a large divisor is designed for, to overcome noise problems. The output is suitable for driving a very small electronic stepping motor. Voltages of the order of 1.5V and very low power consumption are features of this system.