Buffer-Delay Multi-Phase Generator Without Interpolation Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor devices face challenges in generating high-picture quality, high-resolution, multi-function, and high-speed signals with various operating frequencies, requiring complex circuits and large sizes to manage phase generation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase generator is designed with an oscillator unit and a delay unit, utilizing multiple buffer units and current sources to control phase delays, allowing for the generation of signals with specific phases without the need for complex interpolation circuits, thereby reducing chip size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex interpolation circuits are used to generate signals with various phases, then phase generation capability is improved, but device complexity and chip size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator is divided into multiple independent buffer units (first buffer units and second buffer units) that can be selectively activated. Each buffer unit operates independently to generate signals with specific phases, eliminating the need for complex interpolation circuits while maintaining phase generation versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer units are designed to perform multiple functions: they can operate individually to generate different phase signals, and their outputs can be selectively combined through switching units. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware structure to generate various phase signals without requiring separate interpolation circuits for each phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex interpolation circuits are used to generate signals with various phases, then phase generation capability is improved, but chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator is divided into multiple independent buffer units (first buffer units and second buffer units) that can be selectively activated. Each buffer unit operates independently to generate signals with specific phases, eliminating the need for complex interpolation circuits while maintaining phase generation versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple buffer units are created as simplified copies of a basic buffer structure, each capable of generating a specific phase signal. This copying approach reduces chip size compared to implementing full interpolation circuits for each phase, as each buffer unit is a streamlined version rather than a complete interpolation system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple buffer units with different currents are used, then phase control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different buffer units are assigned different operating currents (first current for first buffer units, second current for second buffer units) to achieve different phase delays. The switching unit selectively activates buffer units based on the desired phase output, providing precise phase control through parameter variation rather than complex control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which buffer units to activate and which currents to apply based on the required phase signal. This dynamic operation allows precise phase control by matching the active buffer units' current characteristics to the desired phase delay, without requiring permanently complex control logic for all possible phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-phase generator includes an oscillator unit including a plurality of first buffer units forming a single closed loop and a delay unit including a plurality of second buffer units respectively connected to a plurality of nodes, wherein each of the plurality of nodes is connected between two adjacent buffer units of the first buffer units. A phase of an output signal of a second buffer unit, among the second buffer units, lags behind a phase of an output signal of a first buffer unit, among the first buffer units.