Clock Divider Latch Switching for 50% Duty at Odd Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clock divider circuits in semiconductor devices face challenges in maintaining a 50% duty ratio for output clock signals when the division number is odd, as existing designs often fail to achieve this due to the cyclic coupling of latch circuits and clock switch configurations.
Innovation Solution
The clock divider circuit employs a configuration where latch circuits are cyclically coupled and latch clock signals are interchanged in the second group of latch circuits when the division number is odd, ensuring that the duty ratio of the divided clock signal remains at 50% by adjusting the trigger signals and clock switch operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If latch circuits are cyclically coupled with standard clock switch configuration, then the circuit structure is simple, but the duty ratio cannot be maintained at 50% when division number is odd
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock switch configuration adaptable based on the division number. When the division number is odd, the clock switches are configured to interchange latch clock signals between second-group latch circuits, whereas when even, standard configuration is used. This dynamic reconfiguration enables 50% duty ratio maintenance for odd division numbers without requiring a completely different circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the clock switches based on the division number. By detecting whether the division number is odd or even, the system adjusts the clock signal routing parameters accordingly. For odd division, the clock switches interchange signals between specific latch circuits (second group), while for even division, standard routing is applied, thus optimizing duty ratio performance for each case.
2Manufacturing precision
If latch clock signals are interchanged in second group latch circuits, then duty ratio is maintained at 50% for odd division numbers, but clock switch operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the latch circuits into different groups, with second-group latch circuits specifically designated for signal interchange when division number is odd. This segmentation isolates the complex operation to specific circuit elements rather than requiring complex control across the entire circuit, making the operation more manageable and localized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical latch circuit designs throughout the cyclically coupled structure, with the understanding that certain copies (second-group latch circuits) will have interchanged clock signals under specific conditions. This copying approach simplifies design and verification while allowing conditional differentiation in operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a first group including a plurality of first latch circuits coupled in series and a second group including a plurality of second latch circuits coupled in series. Each of the first latch circuits performs a latch operation in synchronization with a rise trigger signal. Each of the second latch circuits performs a latch operation in synchronization with a fall trigger signal. The rise and fall trigger signals are alternately activated every even clock cycles or every odd clock cycles. In response to a division ratio, first one or more of the first and second latch circuits are bypassed and second one or more of the first and second latch circuits are cyclically coupled.