Multi-Phase Clock Divider Circuit With Precise Phase Offsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock generator modules require separate generators for various clock frequencies, leading to increased area and complexity, and there is a need for a clock divider that minimizes integrated circuit surface area and circuit complexity while dividing multi-phase clock signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A clock divider circuit that receives multiple input clock signals of the same frequency, each with a phase offset, and uses a counter and flip-flops to divide the frequency by an integer factor, generating output clock signals with specific phase offsets and frequencies, utilizing a minimal number of flip-flops and circuit components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate clock generators are used for various clock frequencies, then each required clock frequency can be generated independently, but the area and complexity of the clock generator module increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single clock generator produces a high-frequency clock signal that serves multiple purposes: it directly provides the highest frequency clock signal needed, and simultaneously serves as the input to clock dividers that generate all lower frequency clock signals. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate clock generators for each frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
Clock divider circuits act as intermediaries between the single high-frequency clock generator and the various digital components requiring different clock frequencies. These dividers transform the single high-frequency signal into multiple lower frequency signals with appropriate phase relationships, thereby mediating the frequency distribution throughout the system.
2Reliability
If separate clock generators are used for various clock frequencies, then each required clock frequency can be generated independently, but the integrated circuit surface area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clock generation functions are merged into a single integrated clock generator module. The high-frequency clock signal from one generator is distributed to multiple clock divider circuits that collectively produce all required clock frequencies, thereby consolidating what would otherwise be separate generator circuits into one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock generation system is segmented into a hierarchical structure: a single high-frequency clock generator at the top level, and multiple clock divider circuits at lower levels that each handle specific frequency division tasks. This segmentation allows efficient area utilization by avoiding redundant generator circuits while maintaining independent frequency control.
3Device complexity
If a clock divider uses minimal circuit components, then the circuit complexity and surface area are reduced, but the ability to divide multi-phase clock signals with precise phase offsets becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clock divider circuit automatically generates the correct phase offsets for multiple output clock signals without requiring external phase adjustment mechanisms. By using parallel flip-flop structures clocked by phase-offset input signals and controlled by a shared counter, the circuit self-generates the precise phase relationships needed for multi-phase clock distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes the phase parameter of output clock signals relative to input signals in a controlled manner. Each flip-flop introduces a predictable phase shift based on its clock input phase and the counter state, allowing precise phase offset generation through parameter transformation rather than complex external control.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock divider circuit. The clock divider receives m input clock signals each of the same frequency. Each input clock signal after the first has a phase offset of 2π/m from the previous input clock signal. The clock divider divides the frequency of the input clock signals by an integer of division K. The clock divider includes a counter that receives the first input clock signal and provides one or more count signals. The clock divider also includes m flip-flops, of which a first flip-flop receives the first input clock signal at its clock input and provides a first clock output signal. Each flip-flop after the first receives an input clock signal at its clock input and provides a clock output signal, each clock output signal after the first having a 2πK/m phase offset from the previous clock output signal.