Dual-Loop Ring Oscillator for Single-Edge Delay Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ring oscillator structure is insufficient for accurately measuring single-edge delay circuits due to low sensitivity and inability to measure single-edge delay values effectively.
Innovation Solution
A ring oscillator design with two delay loops, each containing an oscillation module with latches connected in series, and identical delay modules to calculate delay times, constraining the oscillation module's delay to minimize edge delay ratios and improve measurement accuracy by averaging signal periods from both loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional ring oscillator structure with inverters connected in series is used, then the device can measure common gate delay circuits, but it cannot accurately measure single-edge delay circuits due to low sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator is divided into two separate delay loops (first delay loop and second delay loop) with identical structures, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to specifically target and measure single-edge delay characteristics by comparing the behavior of symmetrically structured loops, thereby improving measurement precision for single-edge delay circuits while maintaining adaptability through the modular design.
2Measurement precision
If the oscillation module's delay is constrained to minimize edge delay ratios, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional delay loops and modules
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall structure maintains symmetry with two identical delay loops, the measurement approach introduces asymmetry by specifically analyzing the edge delay characteristics of one loop relative to the other. This allows the oscillation module's delay to be constrained in a controlled manner to minimize edge delay ratios, improving measurement accuracy without requiring completely asymmetric and overly complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the oscillation module by constraining its delay characteristics to minimize edge delay ratios. This parameter optimization allows accurate delay measurement while avoiding the need for excessive structural complexity, as the improvement is achieved through parameter tuning rather than adding numerous additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A ring oscillator includes an oscillation module, a first delay module, and a second delay module. The oscillation module is disposed in a first delay loop and a second delay loop and includes a first number of latches connected in series. The oscillation module has two input ends and two output ends, and the two input ends are respectively connected to a first node and a second node. The first delay module is disposed in the first delay loop and has an input end connected to a first output end of the oscillation module and an output end connected to the first node. The second delay module is disposed in the second delay loop and has an input end connected to a second output end of the oscillation module and an output end connected to the second node.