Asynchronous Clock Sampling for Multi-Phase Signal Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-phase signal generators face challenges in accurately controlling phase differences between adjacent signals due to process variations, leading to uneven phase differences that do not correspond to the required one-fifth of the input signal period.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device and asynchronous clock signal generator that adjust delay amounts of multi-phase signals by comparing them using an asynchronous clock signal, with a detector generating a pulse signal for phase differences and a controller adjusting delays based on these comparisons, ensuring phase differences of 90, 180, and 270 degrees between signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional multi-phase signal generators use fixed delay circuits to generate multi-phase signals, then the device structure is simple, but the phase difference between adjacent signals becomes uneven due to process variation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase difference uniformityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the generated multi-phase signals are fed back to a phase detector that compares their phases. The phase difference information is then used to adjust the delay circuits dynamically, ensuring uniform phase differences despite process variations. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by automatically compensating for manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from fixed delay circuits to dynamically adjustable delay circuits controlled by feedback signals. The delay amount is no longer static but is continuously adjusted based on real-time phase difference measurements, enabling the system to adapt to process variations and maintain uniform phase differences across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If an asynchronous clock signal is used for sampling phase differences, then power consumption is reduced and cost-effectiveness is improved, but the sampling frequency must be sufficiently high to maintain accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidphase difference measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the sampling strategy by using an asynchronous clock signal with optimized timing parameters. The sampling occurs at specific phases of the asynchronous clock that are strategically chosen to capture accurate phase difference information while minimizing the required sampling frequency. This parameter optimization allows accurate measurement with lower power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional synchronous sampling mechanisms with asynchronous sampling using a digitally controlled oscillator. This substitution eliminates the need for high-frequency synchronous clocks and complex timing synchronization, achieving accurate phase measurement with reduced frequency requirements and lower power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10566961B2Asynchronous clock signal generator and semiconductor device for correcting multi-phase signals using asynchronous clock signal
Publication Date: 2020.02.18 SK HYNIX INC
  • US10566961B2 patent drawing
  • US10566961B2 patent drawing
  • US10566961B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor device includes a delay circuit configured to adjust a delay amount of multi-phase input signals to output multi-phase signals; a clock generator configured to output a clock signal that is not synchronized with an input signal which corresponds to one of the multi-phase signals; a detector circuit configured to generate a pulse signal corresponding to a phase difference between a reference signal corresponding to a predetermined one of the multi-phase signals and a comparison signal corresponding to a selected one of the multi-phase signals and to sample the pulse signal according to the clock signal; and a controller circuit configured to output a delay control signal for controlling a delay amount of the multi-phase input signals or controlling a delay amount of the comparison signal according to a result of calculating an output of the detector circuit and a reference value corresponding to the phase difference.