Delay Chain Component Interval Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input/output circuits using delay chains face uncertainty in delay per stage, making it difficult to design the correct chain length, particularly in new technologies, leading to potential non-working interface circuits.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that iteratively adjusts the number of components in a delay chain to determine the delay time interval by activating components until the output signal transitions from low to high logic value, calculating the interval based on these transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a delay chain with a selected number of components is used to delay a clock signal, then the delay time interval can be adjusted, but the delay per stage is not known precisely making it difficult to design the correct chain length
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the actual delay per stage by iteratively activating components and detecting output signal logic values before finalizing the delay chain design. This preliminary characterization allows accurate determination of delay parameters without requiring complex theoretical calculations during the design phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the output signal logic value detection to iteratively adjust the number of activated components. The circuit monitors whether the output signal has a high or low logic value and uses this information to determine the correct chain length, creating a closed-loop measurement system that automatically characterizes the delay chain.
2Reliability
If too short of a chain is utilized, then the design is simpler, but it leads to non-working interface circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The delay chain system performs self-characterization by automatically measuring its own delay properties through the iterative component activation process. The system uses its internal circuitry to detect output signal logic values and determine the correct chain length without requiring external measurement equipment or complex design calculations, ensuring reliable interface circuit functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the delay per stage is not known precisely, then design flexibility is maintained, but it makes it difficult to design the correct chain length
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of activated component count iteratively to characterize the delay chain. By varying the number of activated components and observing the corresponding output signal logic values, the system accurately determines the delay per stage and correct chain length while maintaining the ability to reconfigure the delay chain for different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for determining a delay time interval of components are provided. The system includes a delay chain of components having a plurality of components wherein each component of the delay chain of components has a first delay time interval. The system utilizes a reference clock signal to stimulate the delay change of components and monitors a delay clock signal output by the delay chain of components to determine a delay time interval associated with each component in the delay chain of components.