Phase Difference Quantization Circuit With Replica Delay Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delay value ratios in conventional phase difference quantization circuits tend to deviate due to variations in PVT, leading to inaccurate generation of binary codes representing phase differences between signals.
Innovation Solution
A delay value control circuit is introduced, which includes replica delay units and a delay control unit to compare phases and adjust delay values, maintaining constant ratios between delay units through calibration modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional delay units are used without calibration, then the circuit structure remains simple, but the delay value ratios deviate due to PVT variations causing inaccurate phase difference quantization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary calibration action by introducing a delay control unit that pre-adjusts the delay values of delay units based on PVT variations. The delay control unit receives calibration data and proactively modifies the delay values before actual phase difference measurement occurs, preventing ratio deviation rather than correcting it during operation. This preliminary adjustment ensures accurate delay value ratios are established in advance, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanism through the delay control unit that continuously monitors and adjusts delay values based on PVT conditions. The calibration data flows back to the delay units, creating a closed-loop system where delay ratios are dynamically maintained despite environmental variations. This feedback approach enables the system to self-correct PVT-induced deviations while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture.
2Measurement precision
If delay values are adjusted to maintain constant ratios, then phase difference quantization precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying principle by creating replica delay units that mirror the structure and characteristics of the main delay units. These replica units are used in the delay control unit to model and predict PVT variations, allowing the system to pre-calculate appropriate delay adjustments without requiring complex real-time measurement and adjustment circuits. This copying approach enables precise phase difference measurement while keeping the control circuit relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the delay values of delay units based on calibration data that reflects PVT conditions. The delay control unit modifies the delay parameters (time delays) to maintain constant ratios despite environmental variations. This parameter adjustment approach directly improves phase difference measurement precision while avoiding the need for complex structural modifications or additional control logic.
3Reliability
If calibration modes are implemented to maintain delay ratios, then reliability of phase quantization improves, but the operation complexity increases due to mode switching and calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration action in advance during manufacturing or initialization, storing the calibration data in a lookup table or memory. This preliminary calibration captures PVT characteristics without requiring complex real-time calibration procedures during operation. The system simply retrieves pre-computed delay adjustments based on current conditions, maintaining high reliability while keeping operation simple and automatic.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay control unit automatically performs delay value adjustments based on calibration data without requiring manual intervention or complex control procedures. The system self-regulates the delay ratios by retrieving appropriate calibration parameters and applying them to the delay units, ensuring reliable phase quantization while maintaining operational simplicity. The calibration process is embedded and automated, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex user procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A delay value control circuit of a phase difference quantization circuit, wherein the phase difference quantization circuit has first to Nth (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) delay units with binary weights. The delay value control circuit includes a replica delay unit replicating an Ath (2≦A≦N) delay unit; and a delay control unit configured to compare a phase of a first output signal generated from delaying an input signal with an A−1th delay unit and a phase of a second output signal generated from delaying the input signal with the Ath delay unit and the replica delay unit and configured to control a delay value of the Ath delay unit using a comparison result.