Adjustable Load Phase Mixer for Wide-Range Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase mixers in clock signal generators for synchronous integrated circuits face increased non-linearity with larger phase differences, complicating control circuitry and operation, especially when trying to synchronize external and internal clock signals over a broad range.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a variable load circuit and phase detect circuit to dynamically adjust the load-to-drive ratio of phase mixers, allowing for improved linearity by modifying the response based on phase differences or frequencies of input signals, thereby reducing the complexity of control circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the phase difference of input signals is increased to achieve broader synchronization range, then the adaptability of the phase mixer is improved, but the non-linearity of the phase mixer response increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the load-to-drive ratio adjustable rather than fixed. The variable load circuit dynamically modifies the loading on phase mixer inputs based on the phase difference between input signals, allowing the system to adapt to different synchronization ranges while maintaining optimal linearity for each operating condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (load-to-drive ratio) of the phase mixer to optimize its performance. By adjusting the loading on the phase mixer inputs according to the phase difference, the system maintains linear response characteristics across a broad synchronization range, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and linearity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the phase difference of input signals is increased to cover broader frequency ranges, then the versatility of clock signal generation is improved, but the complexity of control circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the phase detect circuit automatically generate control signals that adjust the variable load circuit based on the actual phase difference between input signals. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control circuitry, as the system automatically adapts to different frequency ranges and phase conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by having the phase detect circuit continuously monitor the phase difference between input signals and use this information to adjust the variable load circuit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism simplifies control circuitry by using the phase difference information directly to optimize performance across broad frequency ranges.
3Manufacturing precision
If the loading on phase mixer inputs is increased to improve linearity, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the drive capability of the phase mixer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the load-to-drive ratio adjustable rather than fixed. The variable load circuit dynamically modifies the loading on phase mixer inputs based on the phase difference between input signals, allowing the system to achieve optimal linearity for each operating condition while maintaining sufficient drive capability through the phase detect circuit's control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (load-to-drive ratio) of the phase mixer to optimize its performance. By adjusting the loading on the phase mixer inputs according to the phase difference, the system maintains linear response characteristics while preserving adequate drive capability through the variable load circuit's controlled adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Phase mixers, clock signal generators, memories and methods for providing an output signal having a phase relative to the phase difference of input clock signals are disclosed. One such phase mixer includes a phase mixer circuit having inputs and an output. The phase mixer is configured to receive a plurality of input clock signals and generate an output clock signal at the output having a phase relative to the plurality of input clock signals. The phase mixer further includes an adjustment circuit coupled to the phase mixer circuit. In some phase mixers, a control circuit coupled to the phase mixer circuit and the adjustment circuit is included. The control circuit is configured to generate a control signal based on the input signals to adjust an electrical load-to-drive ratio of the phase mixer.