Adjustable Load Phase Mixer for Wide-Range Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase mixers in synchronous integrated circuits face increased non-linearity with larger phase differences, complicating control circuitry and operation, especially when synchronizing external and internal clock signals across a broad range of phase differences.
Innovation Solution
A phase mixer circuit with a variable load circuit and drive strength adjustment mechanism, which dynamically adjusts the load-to-drive ratio based on control signals to maintain linearity across varying phase differences, using a phase detect circuit to generate signals for adjusting the load and drive strength, thereby optimizing digital-to-time conversion.
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 phase mixer circuit dynamically adapts its electrical characteristics by changing the load capacitance values based on operating conditions, allowing it to maintain optimal linearity across different phase differences while achieving broad synchronization range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the phase mixer by adjusting the load-to-drive ratio. Different load capacitance values are selected depending on the phase difference between input signals, thereby transforming the phase mixer's response characteristics to maintain linearity across varying operating conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the load-to-drive ratio is adjusted to maintain linearity across broad phase differences, then the phase mixer linearity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load adjustment into discrete, predefined capacitance values rather than requiring continuous adjustment. This segmentation allows linearity maintenance through selected load values while reducing control circuitry complexity compared to fully continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase mixer circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate with different load-to-drive ratios to handle various phase differences, maintain linearity across broad ranges, and provide high-resolution digital-to-time conversion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate circuits for different operating conditions.
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.