Delay-Line Clock Generator for Stable Duty Cycle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic circuits require a clock signal with a well-defined duty cycle for proper operation, but existing clock signal generators often produce signals with varying or unsuitable duty cycles due to temperature variations and component aging, affecting the performance of circuits like resettable comparators in analog-to-digital converters.
Innovation Solution
A clock-signal generating unit that includes a delay line to produce mutually delayed output signals, a control unit to detect the appropriate delay position, and a selection unit to generate a delayed clock signal with a controlled duty cycle, using SR latches and D flip-flops to adjust the output clock signal based on the desired duty cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reset time is increased, then the comparator can be properly reset, but the comparison time becomes too short for the comparator to make a decision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock signal duty cycle adjustable rather than fixed. The clock signal generator can dynamically change the duty cycle to provide different high-state durations, allowing optimization between reset time and comparison time based on operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt the timing characteristics rather than being constrained by a fixed duty cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the duty cycle parameter of the clock signal to resolve the timing contradiction. By adjusting the duty cycle, the duration of the high state can be optimized to provide sufficient reset time while maintaining adequate comparison time, thus resolving the trade-off between reliable resetting and sufficient comparison duration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the duty cycle varies due to temperature variations and aging, then the clock signal can adapt to environmental changes, but the duty cycle becomes uncontrolled and affects circuit performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors and delay line adjustment. The system monitors temperature variations and adjusts the delay line accordingly to maintain a stable duty cycle. This feedback approach compensates for temperature-induced variations while keeping the duty cycle controlled, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by using internal temperature sensing and automatic delay line reconfiguration. The clock signal generator automatically compensates for temperature variations and aging effects without external intervention, maintaining stable duty cycle while adapting to environmental changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If a delay line with many positions is used to achieve precise duty cycle control, then the duty cycle accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the delay line into multiple discrete positions that can be selectively activated. Instead of using a single complex continuous delay mechanism, the system uses segmented delay stages that can be individually controlled, achieving precise duty cycle control while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic selection of delay line positions based on operational requirements. The system can dynamically switch between different delay configurations, providing precise duty cycle control when needed while potentially using simpler configurations for less demanding operations, thus balancing precision and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock-signal generating unit for generating an output clock signal with a controlled duty cycle based on an input clock signal. The clock-signal generating unit comprises one or more delay lines arranged to generate a plurality of mutually delayed output signals at different positions within the delay line based on the input clock signal. A control unit is arranged to detect a position within one of the delay lines, the output signal of which has a delay, with respect to the input clock signal, that is essentially equal to one period of the input clock signal, and generate an output signal that indicates the detected position. A selection unit is arranged to generate a delayed clock signal that has a delay, with respect to a signal associated with the input clock signal, that is essentially equal to a period of the clock signal multiplied with said duty cycle based on output signals from one of the delay lines and the output signal of the control unit. The clock-signal generating unit comprises circuitry for generating the output clock signal based on the signal associated with the input clock signal and the delayed clock signal. A corresponding method of generating an output clock signal with a controlled duty cycle based on an input clock signal is also disclosed.