Ring Oscillator Timing Sequencing With Selectable Clock Delays

The patent divides the timing sequence generation into multiple independent stages: a ring oscillator generates multiple clock signals with different phases, multiplexers select specific clock signals, and shift registers further delay and condition the signals. This segmentation allows each component to operate at lower frequencies while achieving the same overall timing precision, thereby reducing power consumption compared to using a single high-frequency microprocessor with phase-lock loop.

The patent employs multiplexers that can dynamically select different clock signals from the ring oscillator based on control inputs, and shift registers that can be configured to produce different delay amounts. This dynamic configurability allows the same hardware structure to generate various timing sequences without requiring complex control logic or reconfiguration, simplifying the overall design while maintaining timing accuracy.

The patent replaces expensive high-frequency microprocessors with a combination of simpler, lower-cost components: a ring oscillator made from basic logic gates, standard multiplexers, and shift registers. These components can be manufactured using conventional CMOS processes without requiring advanced technology nodes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the same timing sequence generation capability through architectural innovation rather than relying on high-frequency operation.