Clock Signal Phase-Shifting Circuit for EMI-Resistant Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in mitigating Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) effects, which degrade circuit performance, and current solutions often require additional hardware or complex designs, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor chip with an EMI protection mechanism that generates pairs of differential signals with opposite phases, utilizing a signal generating module, phase shift devices, and a multiplexer to selectively output clock signals, thereby neutralizing EMI noise by leveraging the opposing phases of positive and negative signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If additional hardware (balun, saw filter, shielding) is added to reduce EMI effects, then EMI protection is improved, but device complexity and hardware cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful EMI emissions into beneficial differential signaling. By generating complementary signals with opposite phases from the same clock source, the circuit transforms what would be harmful electromagnetic interference into a useful differential signal pair that inherently rejects EMI through its balanced structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase parameter of the clock signal to generate complementary outputs. By creating signals that are 180 degrees out of phase, the system transforms a single-ended clock signal into a differential signal pair, changing the electrical characteristics to achieve EMI immunity without additional hardware
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding is added to surround the chip, then EMI protection is improved, but device complexity and hardware cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using physical shielding to block EMI, the patent converts the clock signal itself into a differential signal that inherently resists EMI. The complementary signal generation transforms the harmful electromagnetic radiation into a beneficial balanced signal structure that naturally rejects interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the EMI protection capability from external hardware components (shielding, filters) and embeds it directly into the signal generation process itself. By generating differential signals at the source, the system removes the need for separate EMI protection hardware
3Object-affected harmful factors
If antenna layout or bounding wire length is optimized, then EMI effects are reduced, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts potential EMI problems arising from layout and wire length into benefits by generating differential signals. The complementary signal pair inherently compensates for layout imperfections and wire length variations, transforming what would be sources of EMI into robust signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor chip comprises an internal clock circuit, a first phase shift device, a second phase shift device, a multiplexer, a first output pad, and a controllable pad. The internal clock circuit generates an internal clock signal. The first phase shift device shifts the phase of an external clock signal and outputs a phase shifting clock signal. The multiplexer selectively outputs one of the internal clock signal and the phase shifting clock signal to be a first clock signal. The second phase shift device shifts the phase of the first clock signal and outputs a second clock signal. The first output pad outputs the first clock signal. The controllable pad is controlled to selectively act as an input pad for receiving the external signal, or act as a second output pad for transmitting the second clock signal.