Ring Oscillator Supply Control for Stable Clock Startup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ring oscillators are unstable due to manufacturing variations and require stabilization time before generating a stable oscillating signal, making them less suitable for generating clock signals.
Innovation Solution
A ring-oscillator control circuit comprising a voltage reference, a ring oscillator, a power supply, and a supply controller that selects between energy storage and an energy source using a current mirror and comparator to maintain a stable voltage, ensuring the ring oscillator receives the appropriate power based on a reference voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ring oscillator is used to generate clock signals, then the circuit achieves wide tuning range and compact layout, but the oscillator exhibits instability due to manufacturing variations and requires stabilization time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy storage element (capacitor) as an intermediary between the power supply and ring oscillator. This intermediary filters power supply variations and provides stable energy delivery, thereby improving oscillator stability without affecting its tuning range or compact layout advantages
2Area of stationary object
If a ring oscillator is used to generate clock signals, then the circuit achieves compact layout, but the oscillator requires stabilization time before supplying stable oscillating signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the energy storage element (capacitor) before the ring oscillator starts operation. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the stabilization delay, allowing the oscillator to immediately produce stable output signals while maintaining compact layout
3Device complexity
If a ring oscillator is used to generate clock signals, then the circuit achieves simple implementation, but the oscillator exhibits sensitivity to power supply variations
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage element acts as a buffer intermediary that decouples the ring oscillator from power supply variations. This simple addition filters out power supply noise and fluctuations, protecting the oscillator from sensitivity issues while adding minimal circuit complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution stabilizes the ring oscillator's operation by dynamically selecting the power supply, reducing startup delays and enhancing stability, thus enabling more reliable clock signal generation.
Implementation Method 1
Voltage reference: said at least one voltage reference being configured to hold a voltage reference value
Implementation Method 2
Ring oscillator: said at least one ring oscillator being configured to oscillate
Implementation Method 3
Power supply: said at least one power supply comprising at least one energy storage configured to supply said at least one ring oscillator
Implementation Method 4
at least one comparator having said first input controller terminal, said second controller terminal and a output controller terminal; said output controller terminal is configured to control said at least one main switch and said at least one reference switch such as to select said at least one power supply
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the disclosure a ring-oscillator control circuit includes a voltage reference, a ring oscillator, a power supply and a supply controller. The supply controller may be configured to select the power supply among an energy storage and an energy source such as to supply the ring oscillator in function of the voltage reference.