Dual-Clock Generator Switching for Faster Low-Voltage Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clock generator devices require a minimum operating voltage to provide stable clock signals, leading to delayed system boot times, which is inadequate for applications needing quick system start-ups.
Innovation Solution
A clock generator device comprising a first clock generator circuit with a lower starting voltage and a second clock generator circuit with a higher starting voltage, along with a detector and selection circuit to selectively output one of the clock signals based on the supply voltage, ensuring quicker clock signal provision during system boot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common oscillator circuit with high operating voltage is used, then the clock signal stability is ensured, but the system boot time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The clock generator is segmented into two separate clock generator circuits: a first clock generator circuit with lower starting voltage and a second clock generator circuit with higher starting voltage. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate optimally at different voltage levels, resolving the contradiction between quick startup (using first circuit) and stable clock signal (using second circuit)
2Reliability
If the supply voltage is raised to meet the minimum operating voltage of the oscillator circuit, then the clock signal can be generated, but the system boot time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first clock generator circuit is designed to operate at lower starting voltage and generates clock signals earlier during the voltage ramp-up phase. This preliminary action provides clock signals to digital circuits before the supply voltage reaches the higher level required by the second clock generator circuit, thereby reducing system boot time
3Device complexity
If a single clock generator circuit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different voltage conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different voltage conditions by using a selection circuit that switches between the first and second clock generator circuits based on the validation signal. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to operate effectively across a wider voltage range, from low voltage during startup to high voltage during normal operation
Data Source
AI summary
A clock generator device includes a first clock generator circuit, a second clock generator circuit, a detector circuit and a selection circuit. The first clock generator circuit has a first starting voltage and generates a first clock signal in response to a supply voltage. The second clock generator circuit has a second starting voltage and generates a second clock signal in response to the supply voltage. The detector circuit detects the second clock signal to generate a validation signal. The selection circuit selectively outputs one of the first clock signal and the second clock signal according to the validation signal. The first starting voltage is lower than the second starting voltage.