Ring Oscillator Supply Switching for Stable Clock Signal Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ring oscillators are unstable due to manufacturing variations and require stabilization time before generating a stable oscillating signal, making them less suitable for clock signal generation.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit comprising a voltage reference, ring oscillator, power supply, and supply controller that selects between energy storage and energy source using a current mirror and comparator to maintain a stable voltage, ensuring the ring oscillator receives the appropriate power based on a reference voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ring oscillator is used for clock signal generation, then it provides wide tuning range and compact layout, but it exhibits instability due to manufacturing variations and requires stabilization time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the ring oscillator circuit through the energy storage component (capacitor) before normal operation. The supply controller activates the energy source to charge the capacitor during an initialization phase, ensuring the oscillator starts with sufficient energy储备 to overcome manufacturing variations and stabilize quickly, thus resolving the stability issue while maintaining the compact layout and tuning range benefits
2Area of stationary object
If a ring oscillator is used for clock signal generation, then it provides compact layout, but it requires stabilization time before supplying stable oscillating signal
Solution Approach 1:
The supply controller implements preliminary action by detecting when the ring oscillator output stabilizes and only then enabling the main clock output. The energy storage component is pre-charged before oscillator activation, and the system monitors the oscillation signal to detect stabilization completion, thereby minimizing the effective stabilization time loss while maintaining compact layout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by monitoring the ring oscillator output signal and using this information to control the supply switching. The supply controller continuously observes the oscillator output and adjusts the power supply state accordingly, enabling automatic detection of stabilization completion and reducing the time penalty associated with stabilization while keeping the layout compact
3Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing variations occur, then device fabrication is simplified, but ring oscillator stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the power supply voltage to the ring oscillator based on detected stability conditions. The supply controller modifies the voltage parameter supplied to the oscillator, switching between different power sources (energy source and energy storage) to optimize performance and compensate for manufacturing variations, thereby maintaining stability without complicating the fabrication process
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
The solution stabilizes the ring oscillator's operation by dynamically selecting the power supply, reducing startup delays and enhancing stability, thus improving its suitability for generating clock signals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one comparison compares the supply voltage value of said at least one ring oscillator with the reference voltage value of said at least one voltage reference
Implementation Method 2
at least one energy storage configured to supply said at least one ring oscillator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ring-oscillator Control circuit (100) comprising at least one voltage reference (110), at least one ring oscillator (120), at least one power supply (130, 140) and at least one supply controller (150). Said at least one supply controller (150) is configured to select said at least one power supply (130, 140) among at least one energy storage (130) and at least one energy source (140) such as to supply said at least one ring oscillator (120) in function of said at least one voltage reference (110).