Configurable Pulse Generator for Inverting Device Delay Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing difference oscillators are limited in measuring the delay of inverting circuit elements, as they require specific configurations to function as a ring oscillator, restricting their application to non-inverting devices only.
Innovation Solution
A configurable pulse generator circuit with an inverting difference oscillator (IDO) that can be enabled or disabled by a control signal, allowing it to function as either a pulse generator or part of an IDO, enabling the measurement of inverting devices by configuring the circuit path loop with selection circuits and transistors to include or bypass inverting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the difference oscillator is configured to function as a ring oscillator with a non-inverting DUT, then the delay of non-inverting devices can be determined, but the oscillator cannot measure inverting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the circuit configuration changeable through control signals. The pulse generator circuit can dynamically switch between pulse generation mode and ring oscillator mode, and the number of inverting elements in the feedback path can be adjusted to include either an odd or even number of inversions, enabling measurement of both inverting and non-inverting devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single pulse generator circuit that can perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standalone pulse generator, as part of a ring oscillator for measuring non-inverting devices, or as an inverting difference oscillator for measuring inverting devices. This multi-functionality is achieved through configurable feedback paths and mode control signals
2Reliability
If the difference oscillator uses a fixed configuration with an odd number of inverting elements, then it functions as a ring oscillator for non-inverting devices, but it cannot be adapted to measure inverting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs dynamic reconfiguration capability where the feedback path can be adjusted to include different numbers of inverting elements. When measuring inverting devices, the circuit can be configured to include an even number of inverting elements in the feedback path, while for non-inverting devices, an odd number is used, all controlled through mode signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of inverting element count in the feedback path based on the device being measured. By controlling the number of inverting elements to be odd or even depending on the DUT type, the circuit maintains reliable oscillation and measurement capability across different device types
3Measurement precision
If the pulse generator circuit is always configured as a ring oscillator, then it can measure device delay, but it cannot function as a standalone pulse generator
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between pulse generation mode and ring oscillator mode through a mode control signal. In pulse generation mode, the feedback path is disabled and the circuit generates pulses normally. In ring oscillator mode, the feedback path is enabled to create the oscillating configuration for delay measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generator circuit is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can operate as a standalone pulse generator for general timing applications, or be reconfigured as part of a ring oscillator or inverting difference oscillator for precise delay measurement of different device types, depending on the control signals applied
Data Source
AI summary
The described embodiments provide a configurable pulse generator circuit. More specifically, the described embodiments include a pulse generator circuit; an inverting difference oscillator (IDO) enabling circuit coupled to the pulse generator circuit; and a disable signal coupled to the IDO enabling circuit. When the disable signal is asserted, the IDO enabling circuit is disabled and the pulse generator circuit is configured as a pulse generator. In contrast, when the disable signal is deasserted, the IDO enabling circuit is enabled and the pulse generator circuit is configured as part of an IDO.