Edge-Delayed Signal Generation Using Oscillation-Based Delay Counting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor designs face challenges in generating accurate edge-delayed signals due to inconsistent delay amounts in delay circuits, which limits signal precision and increases circuit area, especially when using D flip-flop or inverter chains.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device that includes a division unit to generate oscillation signals with different division ratios, delay amount determination units to calculate precise delay information, and edge-delayed signal output units to generate signals with specific delay amounts for both enable and disable edges, allowing for accurate and precise edge-delayed signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If delay circuits (D flip-flop chain or inverter chain) are used to generate edge-delayed signals, then the circuit area is reduced, but the delay amount precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an oscillation signal as an intermediary to transfer and measure time intervals. By counting the number of oscillation signal cycles between enable/disable edges, the system achieves precise delay measurement without requiring large delay circuits. The oscillation signal acts as a mediator that converts time delay into a countable quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical delay circuits (D flip-flop chains or inverter chains) with a counting-based temporal measurement system. Instead of using physical circuit delays, the system uses an oscillation counter to measure and determine delay amounts, substituting a mechanical delay mechanism with a temporal measurement and control mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If delay circuits are used to delay enable and disable edges, then edge-delayed signals can be generated, but the delay amount consistency across different circuits deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by using the oscillation signal to measure the actual time interval between enable and disable edges. The counted oscillation cycles provide feedback information about the delay amount, which is then used to determine and control the delay parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent delay amounts across different operations and circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for delay control from fixed circuit topology (number of flip-flops or inverters) to a dynamically determined parameter (counted oscillation cycles). By measuring the actual time interval through oscillation counting and using this measured parameter to control the delay, the system achieves consistent delay amounts regardless of variations in circuit characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple delay circuits are used to achieve different delay amounts, then signal timing flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the oscillation counter a universal tool that can determine delay amounts for multiple different signals and timing requirements. Instead of having separate delay circuits for each timing need, the same oscillation counter serves multiple functions by measuring different time intervals and providing delay information for various enable/disable edge pairs, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a division unit configured to divide an oscillation signal and to generate a plurality of divided signals having different division ratios each other, a delay amount determination unit configured to combine an source signal, the oscillation signal, and the plurality of divided signals and to generate a delay amount information signal with information on a given delay amount, and an edge-delayed signal output unit configured to generate at least one edge-delayed signal corresponding to the given delay amount in response to the source signal and the delay amount information signal.