Duty Correction Counting Circuit with Binary-Linear Search Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duty correction circuits in semiconductor devices face challenges with either long locking times using the binary search method or substantial changes in duty correction codes with the linear search method, leading to inefficiencies in correcting duty cycle errors.
Innovation Solution
A counting circuit that selectively uses both binary and linear search methods by controlling the toggling of counting clocks, allowing for minimal area occupation and efficient error correction by dynamically switching between the two methods based on operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the binary search method is used for duty correction, then the locking time is short, but the duty correction codes change by a substantial amount causing large duty errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between binary search mode and linear search mode based on the current duty cycle error magnitude. When the error is large, binary search is used for rapid correction. When the error becomes small, the system transitions to linear search for fine-tuned precision correction. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the search method according to real-time operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic evaluation of the duty cycle error to determine whether to continue with binary search or switch to linear search. This periodic assessment allows the system to transition between correction phases, using aggressive binary search when needed and precise linear search when the duty cycle approaches the target value, thereby resolving the precision-time contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If the linear search method is used for duty correction, then the duty correction operation is easy and fine errors can be detected, but the locking time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the search method based on operational phase. During initial correction when large errors exist, binary search provides rapid convergence. During final adjustment when small errors remain, linear search provides easy implementation and fine precision. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction between implementation ease and locking time.
Solution Approach 2:
The duty correction process is segmented into two phases: coarse correction using binary search and fine correction using linear search. This segmentation allows each method to operate in its optimal range, with binary search handling large corrections quickly and linear search handling fine adjustments with ease, thereby resolving the time-ease contradiction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a circuit implements both binary search and linear search methods, then both advantages can be utilized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a unified counting circuit that can perform both binary search and linear search operations through a single control mechanism. The same counting circuit infrastructure is used for both methods, with a control signal determining the search step size. This multi-functional design provides correction method flexibility while minimizing circuit complexity by avoiding separate dedicated circuits for each search method.
Data Source
AI summary
A counting circuit of a semiconductor device includes a plurality of counting units configured to count respective bits of counting codes in response to a plurality of counting clocks, respectively, and to control in a counting direction in response to a counting control signal; a clock toggling control unit configured to control the number of counting clocks that toggle among the plurality of counting clocks in response to clock control signals; and a counting operation control unit configured to compare a value of target codes and a value of the counting codes, and to determine a value of the counting control signal according to a comparison result.