Clock Distributor Injection Locking for High-Frequency Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clock signal generation/distribution devices face challenges with large inductor areas and limited frequency ranges due to direct connections between oscillating nodes, making high-frequency oscillation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A clock distributor design that includes unit circuit parts with voltage current converting elements and synchronization circuits, allowing for differential signal processing between oscillation nodes via GM elements and wirings, preventing increased load and enabling mutual injection locking at higher frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If oscillating nodes are directly connected to each other, then circuit complexity is reduced, but load at oscillation nodes increases making high-frequency oscillation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buffer circuits as intermediary elements between oscillating nodes. These buffers act as mediators that isolate the oscillating nodes from direct connection, preventing increased load while maintaining circuit functionality. The buffer circuits transfer signals between nodes without creating direct electrical connections, thus enabling high-frequency oscillation without increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If LC oscillation is used, then stable oscillation is achieved, but area is large and frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional LC resonance oscillator (which uses physical inductors occupying large area) with a ring oscillating circuit composed of inverters. This substitution eliminates the need for large-area inductors while maintaining oscillation functionality. The ring oscillator uses transistor-based delay elements instead of mechanical/physical inductor components, achieving similar oscillation stability with significantly reduced area.
3Device complexity
If ring oscillating circuits are directly connected via conductive wirings, then wiring complexity is reduced, but load increases making high-frequency oscillation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buffer circuits as intermediary elements between ring oscillating circuits. These buffers prevent direct connection of oscillating nodes through conductive wirings, thereby isolating the oscillating nodes from each other. This isolation prevents increased load on the oscillating nodes while maintaining simple wiring arrangements, enabling high-frequency oscillation without compromising wiring complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for wider frequency range operation and reduced skew in clock signals, facilitating high-frequency oscillation and improved clock distribution with reduced load on oscillation nodes.
Implementation Method 1
a first voltage current converting element configured to convert output voltage of the oscillator into a current, a second voltage current converting element having a voltage current conversion characteristic of an opposite phase to that of the first voltage current converting element
Implementation Method 2
the second voltage current converting element being feedback connected to the first voltage current converting element and the oscillator... enabling mutual injection locking at higher frequencies
Implementation Method 3
a synchronization circuit connected to the oscillator of one of the plurality of unit circuit parts... reduced skew in clock signals
Data Source
AI summary
A clock distributor includes unit circuit parts each including an oscillator, a first element configured to convert output voltage of the oscillator into a current, a second element having a voltage current conversion characteristic of an opposite phase to that of the first element, the second element being feedback connected to the first element and the oscillator, a third element configured to convert output voltage of the oscillator into a current, a fourth element having a voltage current conversion characteristic of an opposite phase to that of the third element, the fourth element being feedback connected to the third element and the oscillator; a wiring part to connect a connection part of the first and second elements of a unit circuit part to a connection part of the third and fourth elements of another unit circuit part; and a synchronization circuit connected to the oscillator of a unit circuit part.