Ring Oscillator Supply Control for Stable Voltage and Fast 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 generating clock signals.
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
1Device complexity
If a ring oscillator is used to generate clock signals, then the circuit structure is simple and wide tuning range is achieved, but the oscillator is unstable due to manufacturing variations and requires stabilization time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the ring oscillator nodes through the energy storage device before normal operation. This initial charging action prepares the oscillator in advance, eliminating the stabilization time requirement and enabling immediate stable operation when the circuit is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the supply controller that monitors the power supply voltage and dynamically switches between energy source and energy storage device. This feedback mechanism maintains stable voltage to the ring oscillator despite manufacturing variations, thereby improving oscillator stability and reliability.
2Reliability
If a ring oscillator requires stabilization time before supplying stable oscillating signal, then manufacturing variations are accommodated, but the start, restart or synchronization of oscillating signal is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is pre-charged during the power-up phase before the ring oscillator begins oscillation. This preliminary charging action ensures that when the oscillator is activated, stable voltage is immediately available, eliminating the need for stabilization time and enabling immediate start, restart, or synchronization of the oscillating signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching between energy source and energy storage device based on real-time voltage conditions. The supply controller dynamically adjusts the power supply configuration to maintain optimal voltage levels, thereby reducing or eliminating stabilization time while maintaining oscillator stability.
3Reliability
If voltage variations occur due to power supply fluctuations, then the ring oscillator performance is affected, but adding complex voltage regulation increases circuit complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The supply controller dynamically switches between the energy source and energy storage device based on real-time voltage conditions. This dynamic adjustment provides voltage stabilization without requiring complex continuous regulation circuits, as the switching action itself compensates for voltage variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the energy source and the ring oscillator. It buffers voltage fluctuations from the energy source, providing stable voltage to the oscillator without requiring complex regulation circuitry. The supply controller manages this intermediary component to achieve voltage stability.
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 making it more suitable for generating clock signals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energy storage device (130) configured to supply said at least one ring oscillator
Implementation Method 2
at least one comparator (160) configured to compare a supply voltage value of said at least one ring oscillator with a reference voltage value of said at least one voltage reference
Implementation Method 3
said at least one energy source comprises at least one current mirror configured to be connected to said at least one supply controller
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).