Adjustable Multi-Phase Clock Circuit for Stable Charge Pump Phasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-phase clock signal generation circuits are inefficient due to phase overlap caused by variations in integration process, operating voltage, and temperature, leading to reduced efficiency in multi-phase charge pumps.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase clock signal generation circuit comprising transistors of different channel types and adjustable delay units, with specific coupling configurations and buffering, to generate clock signals with phases independent of integration process, operating voltage, and temperature fluctuations, and allowing for adjustable phase delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional delayed clock signal generation is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but phase overlap occurs due to variations in integration process, operating voltage, or operating temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms where delay amounts are automatically adjusted based on detected phase relationships. The system continuously monitors clock signal phases and modifies delay parameters in real-time to maintain optimal phase separation, transforming a static delay circuit into a dynamically adaptive system that compensates for environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the phases of generated clock signals and using this information to adjust delay amounts in subsequent cycles. The phase detection unit monitors the actual phase relationships and feeds this information back to the delay adjustment mechanism, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains phase stability despite process, voltage, or temperature variations.
2Ease of operation
If delay amounts are fixed, then the circuit operation is simple, but clock phases may overlap when operating conditions fluctuate
Solution Approach 1:
The delay amounts transition from fixed to dynamically adjustable parameters. The system automatically modifies delay values based on detected phase relationships and operating conditions, ensuring that sufficient phase separation is maintained across varying temperatures, voltages, and process conditions without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delay parameter from a fixed value to a variable that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. By modifying the delay amount dynamically in response to temperature, voltage, or phase detection feedback, the system maintains optimal charge pump efficiency across different operating scenarios.
3Productivity
If multi-phase charge pump operates with overlapping phases, then the circuit can function, but efficiency is considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses phase detection feedback to monitor the actual phase relationships between clock signals and adjusts delay amounts accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that phases remain properly separated to maintain charge pump efficiency, automatically compensating for any conditions that might cause phase overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical delay elements with electronically controllable delay mechanisms that can be dynamically adjusted. This substitution allows for precise, programmable control of phase relationships, enabling the system to optimize charge pump efficiency by maintaining proper phase separation through electronic adjustment rather than fixed physical delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a multi-phase clock signal generation circuit including two circuit blocks, each of which includes a cross-coupled structure and two delay units, and the delay units are adjustable. One circuit block (MD1) includes two NMOS transistors, two PMOS transistors, and two delay units, and the other circuit block (MD2) may include two NMOS transistors, two PMOS transistors, and two delay units. The circuit can generate clock signals with respective phases whose relationship is relatively independent of integration process, operating voltage and temperature, thereby allowing guaranteed efficiency for a multi-phase charge pump.