Multi-Stage PLL Synchronization for Zero-Delay Clock Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional phase-locked loop circuits face challenges in achieving zero-delay clock signals due to nonlinear delays in modules, leading to increased circuit complexity when using adjustable delay units for calibration.

Innovation Solution

A zero-delay phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer based on multi-stage synchronization, employing a tree-like connection structure with a PS counter structure comprising dual-modulus dividers and clock synchronization modules, which minimizes nonlinear delays without additional adjustable delay units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional adjustable delay units are added to achieve zero-delay clock, then phase consistency is improved, but circuit complexity increases greatly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase consistencyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the feedback path into multiple stages by inserting several synchronization points (first, second, and third synchronization modules) at different locations. Each synchronization module independently aligns the phase of clock signals at its specific stage, breaking down the complex global phase alignment problem into simpler local synchronization tasks, thereby achieving zero-delay clock without requiring complex adjustable delay units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple synchronization modules are added to reduce nonlinear delays, then phase alignment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase alignmentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization modules are designed to automatically align phases using the existing clock signals and feedback paths without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates by utilizing the natural feedback from the PLL circuitry to drive the synchronization modules, eliminating the need for complex adjustable delay units while maintaining accurate phase alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11463096B2Zero-delay phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer based on multi-stage synchronization
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 ZHEJIANG UNIV
  • US11463096B2 patent drawing
  • US11463096B2 patent drawing
  • US11463096B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a zero-delay phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer based on multi-stage synchronization, which belongs to the technical field of integrated circuits. The zero-delay phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer comprises: a phase frequency detector, a charge pump, a loop pass filter, a voltage control oscillator and a multi-stage synchronization divider, wherein the phase frequency detector, the charge pump, the loop pass filter and the voltage control oscillator are connected in sequence; an output OUT of the voltage control oscillator is connected to an input IN of the multi-stage synchronization divider; and an output OUT of the multi-stage synchronization divider is connected to an input IN of the phase frequency detector, so as to form a feedback path.