Coupled Ring Oscillator Initialization for Stable Fine Phase Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupled ring oscillators face challenges in maintaining a normal oscillation state and recovering from abnormal oscillation states, especially when the number of ring oscillators is large or the drive capability of inverter circuits is low, leading to reduced oscillation frequency and inability to generate fine phases accurately.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that includes phase equalization by fixing the phase relationship of outputs inverter circuits across all ring oscillators, followed by releasing this fixed state to allow phase coupling, using switching circuits to switch between short-circuit and open-circuit states, and employing phase coupling circuits with adjustable impedance to maintain symmetry and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ring oscillators are coupled together to generate finer phases, then phase accuracy is improved, but the system becomes more susceptible to abnormal oscillation states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by initializing the coupled ring oscillators to a predetermined normal oscillation state before operation. The initialization circuit forces all oscillators into a synchronized state with equal phase relationships, ensuring they start from a known good state. This prevents the system from beginning in an abnormal state and reduces the likelihood of entering abnormal oscillation modes during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the phase coupling circuits that continuously monitor and adjust the phase relationships between oscillators. The coupling circuits provide feedback signals that maintain synchronized operation and detect deviations from the normal oscillation state, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain stability despite the increased complexity of having multiple coupled oscillators.
2Measurement precision
If the number of ring oscillators is increased to achieve finer phase resolution, then phase precision is improved, but oscillation frequency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coupling between oscillators controllable rather than fixed. The phase coupling circuits can dynamically adjust the coupling strength and phase relationships, allowing the system to optimize between phase precision and oscillation frequency based on operational requirements. This dynamic control enables fine phase resolution while maintaining higher oscillation frequencies through optimized coupling configurations.
3Measurement precision
If phase coupling circuits are used to synchronize oscillators, then phase accuracy is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the phase coupling functions directly into the oscillator structure itself, rather than adding separate external coupling circuits. The coupling is achieved through shared power supply nodes and interconnected inverter circuits that are part of the oscillator design, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining phase synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the phase coupling circuits to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide phase synchronization, enable initialization to normal states, and offer control over coupling strength. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity while achieving high phase accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In a coupled ring oscillator including q ring oscillators each including p inverter circuits connected together to form a ring shape, and a phase coupling ring including (p×q) phase coupling circuits each of which is configured to couple an output of one of the p inverter circuits of one of the q ring oscillators to an output of one of the p inverter circuits of another one of the q ring oscillators in a predetermined phase relationship, and which are connected together to form a ring shape, for at least one group made up of one of the p inverter circuits in each of the q ring oscillators, outputs of the q inverter circuits belonging to the at least one group are fixed in phase with one another, the q ring oscillators are caused to oscillate in the in-phase fixed state, and then, the outputs of the q inverter circuits are released from the in-phase fixed state.