Latch-Based Clock Circuit for Temperature and Power Noise Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock circuits in integrated circuits are complex and costly due to the need to isolate variations such as temperature, ground noise, and power noise, which affect the timing of the output clock signal, and there is a need for a more efficient approach to generate a uniform output clock signal.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a clock integrated circuit with a latch and timing circuitry that alternates between reference signals, using cross-coupled gates and inverter or Schmitt trigger circuitry to resist temperature variations, and incorporates a current generator-based reference circuit to generate temperature-compensated references, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buffer circuits with active loads, independent bias circuitry, and bias circuitry are added to decouple power fluctuations from the clock signal, then power noise resistance is improved, but device complexity and die area increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential timing function from the complex buffer circuits and isolates it into a dedicated latch circuit. By separating the clock signal generation from the power noise filtering functions, the design achieves power noise resistance without requiring multiple complex buffer stages, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary timing circuit that mediates between the power noise environment and the clock signal. This timing circuit acts as a buffer that absorbs power fluctuations while maintaining stable clock timing, eliminating the need for complex active load circuits and independent bias circuitry while still achieving power noise decoupling.
2Reliability
If complex buffer circuits are used to isolate power fluctuations from the clock circuit, then clock signal stability is improved, but die area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock signal generation and power noise filtering functions into a single integrated latch circuit with timing circuitry. By combining these functions that were previously implemented in separate complex buffer circuits, the design achieves the same clock signal stability with significantly reduced die area, eliminating the need for multiple independent circuit blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch circuit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the clock signal, filters power noise, and provides timing control. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized circuits, thereby achieving clock signal stability without proportionally increasing die area.
3Reliability
If timing circuitry with temperature-dependent time constants is used to generate reference signals, then temperature compensation capability is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent temperature-dependent parameters of standard timing circuit components (such as RC time constants) to achieve temperature compensation. By carefully selecting and configuring these parameters, the circuit automatically adjusts its timing characteristics in response to temperature changes, providing temperature resistance without requiring additional temperature sensing or compensation circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing circuitry is designed to self-compensate for temperature variations using its own internal temperature-dependent time constants. The circuit automatically adjusts its operation based on temperature conditions without external intervention, achieving temperature resistance through self-service mechanisms rather than complex external control systems.
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 results in a clock signal output that is resistant to temperature, ground noise, and power noise variations, maintaining consistency despite changes in these environmental factors, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the clock circuit.
Implementation Method 1
the timing circuitry alternates between charging from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage and discharging from the second reference voltage to the first reference voltage
Implementation Method 2
inverter circuitry comparing an output of the timing circuitry against a trigger point of the inverter circuitry
Implementation Method 3
The latch includes cross-coupled gates, such that outputs of the cross-coupled gates in the latch are coupled to inputs of different cross-coupled gates in the latch
Data Source
AI summary
The clock circuit of an integrated circuit operates with variations such as temperature, ground noise, and power noise. Various aspects of an improved clock integrated circuit address one or more of the variations in temperature, ground noise, and power noise.