Injection-Locked Fractional Clock Multiplier for Fast Frequency 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 inefficient for applications requiring rapid frequency changes.
Innovation Solution
The use of an injection-locked oscillator (ILO) with periodically changed injection locations or phases within the oscillator's delay elements allows for faster fractional clock multiplication, enabling frequency switching in less than or equal to 10 ns by generating output signals with frequencies that are integer or fractional multiples of the input signal frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional phase-locked loops (PLL) or delay-locked loops (DLL) are used for fractional clock multiplication, then clock frequency can be changed, but the switching speed is slow (taking more than 10 ns)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the injection location variable rather than fixed. The injection location is periodically changed to different delay elements in the oscillator loop, enabling the system to dynamically adjust its operation mode. This dynamic adjustment allows rapid switching between different fractional clock multiplication ratios without the slow settling time characteristic of traditional PLL/DLL approaches, achieving switching in ≤10 ns.
2Speed
If injection location is periodically changed to achieve rapid frequency switching, then switching speed improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the oscillator loop into multiple discrete delay elements (first delay element, second delay element, etc.). Each delay element can serve as a separate injection point. This segmentation allows the injection location to be selectively changed among different elements without requiring complete redesign of the oscillator structure, managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by systematically cycling through different injection locations in a predetermined sequence. The injection location is changed periodically among the delay elements, creating a regular pattern of operation. This periodic approach simplifies control logic compared to arbitrary switching, as the system follows a predictable cycle through the segmented delay elements.
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 rapid and precise control over clock frequencies, allowing for faster switching between clock frequencies, improving the efficiency and speed of fractional clock multiplication compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an injection-locked oscillator (ILO) with periodically changed injection locations or phases within the oscillator's delay elements
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.