Circuit Characteristics Controller for LVDS Timing Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional timing controllers in LVDS transmitters experience variations in switching timing due to power source, manufacturing process, and temperature variations, leading to increased variations in rise and fall times, which complicates power consumption reduction in LSI chips.

Innovation Solution

A circuit characteristics controller that adjusts the power source voltage based on transistor characteristics, using a signal generator and voltage generator with matching manufacturing process and temperature variations to stabilize the timing signal delay time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional inverter chain is used for timing control, then the circuit can be simply constructed, but variations in power source, manufacturing process and temperature lead to increased variation in switching timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidswitching timing variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power source voltage parameter dynamically to compensate for variations in switching timing. By adjusting the voltage supplied to the inverter chain based on detected timing variations, the system maintains consistent switching timing despite manufacturing process variations, temperature changes, and power source fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual switching timing is measured and compared against a reference value. The power source voltage is then adjusted based on this feedback to correct timing deviations, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precise timing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If delay synthesizer circuit is used to reduce power consumption, then the lowest necessary power source voltage can be supplied to LSI, but the circuit scale is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcircuit scale

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the power source serve multiple functions: it provides both the operating voltage to the circuit and the reference voltage for timing measurement. The same power source voltage that is being controlled is also used as the reference for comparison, eliminating the need for separate delay synthesizer circuits and their associated complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power source function with the reference voltage generation function. Instead of having separate circuits for power supply and timing reference generation, the system uses the power source voltage itself as the reference, combining multiple functions into a single element and reducing overall circuit scale.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7477090B2Circuit characteristics controller

Publication Date: 2009.01.13 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS JAPAN LTD

AI summary

A circuit characteristics controller (10) changes the supply voltage to circuit (12) on the basis of the characteristics of at least one transistor in circuit (12) so as to control the characteristics of circuit (12). The power source for compensation includes a threshold sensor that detects the threshold of the transistor in circuit (12) and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the transistor in circuit (12). These sensors, for example, can be composed of transistors.