Adjustable-Load Phase Mixer for Wide-Range Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase mixers in clock signal generators for synchronous integrated circuits face increased non-linearity with larger phase differences, complicating control circuitry and operation, especially when trying to synchronize external and internal clock signals over a broad range.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a variable load circuit and a phase detect circuit that adjusts the load-to-drive ratio based on the phase difference or frequency of input signals to improve linearity and reduce non-linearity, using a phase mixer with a variable load circuit to dynamically adjust the response of the phase mixer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the phase difference between input signals is increased to achieve broader synchronization range, then the adaptability is improved, but the non-linearity of phase mixer response increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the load-to-drive ratio based on the detected phase difference between input signals. The controller modifies the load impedance presented to the phase mixer inputs, thereby dynamically adapting the operating conditions to maintain linear response across varying phase differences and achieve broad synchronization range without sacrificing linearity.
2Measurement precision
If the load-to-drive ratio is adjusted to improve linearity, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where a detector measures the phase difference between input signals and provides this information to a controller. The controller then adjusts the load-to-drive ratio accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically maintains optimal linearity conditions without requiring complex manual intervention or additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase mixer system performs self-adjustment by using its own output phase difference information to control its input loading conditions. The detector and controller work together to automatically optimize the phase mixer response based on real-time operating conditions, eliminating the need for external calibration or complex control circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
Phase mixers, clock signal generators, memories and methods for providing an output signal having a phase relative to the phase difference of input clock signals are disclosed. One such phase mixer includes a phase mixer circuit having inputs and an output. The phase mixer is configured to receive a plurality of input clock signals and generate an output clock signal at the output having a phase relative to the plurality of input clock signals. The phase mixer further includes an adjustment circuit coupled to the phase mixer circuit. In some phase mixers, a control circuit coupled to the phase mixer circuit and the adjustment circuit is included. The control circuit is configured to generate a control signal based on the input signals to adjust an electrical load-to-drive ratio of the phase mixer.