ERROR DETECTION AT AN OSCILLATOR

An error detection system employs a chain of delay elements connected in an open loop configuration. To determine whether the oscillator is operating within a specified set of parameters, the error detection system applies a start pulse to an input of the open-loop chain of delay elements. The error detection system compares the resulting output signal with the output of the oscillator. If the oscillator has locked onto a harmonic of the intended output frequency, the comparison of the output signals will indicate an error.