Injection-Locked Clock Multiplier with Dynamic Phase Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fractional clock multiplication techniques, such as those based on phase-locked loops (PLL) and delay-locked loops (DLL), are slow in switching clock frequencies, often taking more than 10 ns, which is inadequate for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of an injection-locked oscillator (ILO) with periodically changed injection locations or phases of the injection signal to achieve fractional clock multiplication, allowing for faster switching of clock frequencies by modifying the injection location or phase within the ILO circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional fractional clock multiplication techniques (PLL/DLL) are used, then clock frequency multiplication is achieved, but the switching speed is slow (more than 10 ns)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the injection signal parameters (location and phase) to enable rapid clock frequency switching. By dynamically adjusting which delay element receives the injection signal and modifying the injection signal's phase, the system achieves fast transitions between different clock multiplication ratios without the slow settling time characteristic of traditional PLL/DLL approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the injection-locked oscillator to achieve different clock multiplication ratios. Specifically, it varies the injection location (which delay element receives the signal) and injection phase (timing of the injection signal) to dynamically adjust the output frequency, enabling fast switching between frequency ratios.
2Productivity
If injection location or phase is changed to achieve fractional clock multiplication, then faster switching is enabled, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to handle multiple functions through a unified approach. The same control logic that selects the injection location also manages the injection phase, and both are integrated with the delay element selection mechanism. This multi-functional control architecture reduces overall complexity compared to having separate control circuits for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control of injection location, injection phase, and delay element selection into a unified control mechanism. By merging these control functions and using a single control signal to coordinate all adjustments, the system reduces the complexity that would arise from independent control circuits for each parameter.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables clock frequency switching in less than or equal to 10 ns, providing faster and more efficient fractional clock multiplication compared to traditional methods, ensuring the output frequency is constant and aligned with the desired phase.
Implementation Method 1
An injection-locked oscillator (ILO) is used to perform the fractional clock multiplication
Data Source
AI summary
Circuitry capable of performing fractional clock multiplication by using an injection-locked oscillator is described. Some embodiments described herein perform fractional clock multiplication by periodically changing the injection location, from a set of injection locations, where the injection signal is injected and/or by periodically changing a phase, from a set of phases, of the injection signal that is injected into the ILO.