Phase Correction Circuit for Multiphase Clock Skew Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase skew between multiphase signals in synchronous semiconductor devices leads to jitter in output data and reduces the timing margin, hindering high-speed data input/output operations.
Innovation Solution
A phase correction circuit comprising a phase corrector, replication output buffer, phase detector, and controller that generates skew-corrected clock signals by correcting duty cycles and phase skew between multiphase signals, ensuring accurate synchronization and timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiphase clock signals are generated for high-speed data input/output, then data transfer speed is improved, but phase skew between signals causes jitter and reduces timing margin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the phase detector continuously monitors phase skew between multiphase clock signals and generates detection signals that are fed back to the phase corrector. This closed-loop feedback system dynamically adjusts the phase of clock signals to eliminate skew, thereby maintaining timing accuracy while enabling high-speed data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase correction circuit performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting phase skew and correcting it without external intervention. The system uses its own output signals to generate detection signals that drive the correction process, enabling the circuit to self-regulate and maintain optimal phase alignment for reliable high-speed operation.
2Reliability
If phase correction circuit is added to reduce skew, then timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated circuit blocks: the phase detector and phase corrector are merged into a unified phase correction circuit that handles both detection and correction. The replication output buffer is integrated with the phase correction functionality, allowing the circuit to serve multiple purposes (phase correction and signal distribution) simultaneously, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase correction circuit is designed with multi-functionality, where the same circuit components serve multiple purposes. The phase detector not only detects phase skew but also generates control signals for correction. The replication output buffer simultaneously provides signal replication and phase alignment. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, thereby managing complexity while maintaining timing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Phase correction circuits and methods for reducing phase skew between multiphase clock signals and a semiconductor device including the circuit are provided. The semiconductor device includes a phase correction circuit and an output buffer. The phase correction circuit corrects phase skew between multiphase clock signals and generates skew-corrected clock signals. The output buffer outputs data in synchronization with the skew-corrected clock signals. The phase correction circuit includes a phase corrector, a replication output buffer, a phase detector, and a controller. The phase corrector corrects a duty cycle of a first clock signal, a duty cycle of a second clock signal, and phase skew between the first and second clock signals and generates skew-corrected first and second clock signals. The replication output buffer has the same structure as a data output buffer and outputs replication data in synchronization with the skew-corrected first and second clock signals. The phase detector detects a phase error in data output from the replication output buffer and generates a detection signal. The controller controls the phase corrector in response to the detection signal. Accordingly, phase skew between multiphase clock signals can be reduced or eliminated.