Injection-Locked Oscillator Phase Rotation Without Separate Interpolators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection locking oscillators require significant power consumption and area due to the need for separate phase interpolators and additional oscillators for phase alignment with data signals, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Embedding phase interpolation capability into the multiphase injection circuit of the injection locking oscillator, eliminating the need for standalone phase interpolators and additional oscillators, thereby reducing power consumption and area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate phase interpolators and additional oscillators are used for phase alignment, then phase alignment capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase interpolator function with the existing multiphase injection circuit by adding injection branches that can selectively inject clock signals with different phases. This merging eliminates the need for separate phase interpolators and additional oscillators, achieving phase alignment capability while reducing power consumption since the injection circuit shares existing oscillator resources rather than requiring additional independent components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate phase interpolators and additional oscillators are used for phase alignment, then phase alignment capability is improved, but area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase alignment function into the existing multiphase injection circuit by implementing selective injection branches. This approach eliminates the need for separate phase interpolators and additional oscillators that would occupy significant silicon area. The injection circuit utilizes the existing oscillator core and shared resources, achieving phase alignment capability with minimal additional area overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can inject clock signals with different phases by activating different injection branches, and it can maintain synchronization with external clock signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for phase alignment, reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple injection branches are combined at a node, then phase interpolation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the injection function into multiple independent injection branches, each capable of receiving clock signals with different phases. Each branch can be independently controlled to inject its signal at the common node. This segmentation provides phase interpolation capability by selectively combining different phase signals while keeping each branch relatively simple in structure, managing overall device complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an oscillator and an injection circuit coupled to the oscillator. The injection circuit includes a first injection branch coupled to a node, wherein the first injection branch is configured to receive a first clock signal and generate a first injection current based on the first clock signal. The injection circuit also includes a second injection branch coupled to the node, wherein the second injection branch is configured to receive a second clock signal and generate a second injection current based on the second clock signal, and wherein the first injection current and the second injection current are combined at the node.