Ring Oscillator Stabilization via Master Voltage Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ring oscillators used in non-volatile memory read amplifiers are unstable due to manufacturing variations, requiring a stabilization time before producing a stable clock signal, which delays startup, restart, or synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a master oscillator circuit to generate a stable supply voltage, which is used to initialize and maintain a stable oscillation rate in ring oscillator circuits, eliminating the need for stabilization time through a capacitive circuit that stores and delivers a controlled voltage, ensuring immediate stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a ring oscillator circuit is used to generate a clock signal, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to instability from manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
A master oscillator circuit is introduced as an intermediary component that generates a stable reference voltage which controls the current supply to the ring oscillator. This master oscillator acts as a mediator that compensates for manufacturing variations in the ring oscillator, providing a stable clock signal while maintaining the simplicity of the ring oscillator structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the master oscillator to continuously monitor and adjust the current supply to the ring oscillator based on the stable reference voltage it generates. This feedback mechanism ensures that manufacturing variations do not affect the final clock signal stability
2Device complexity
If a ring oscillator circuit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to required stabilization time before producing a stable signal
Solution Approach 1:
The master oscillator circuit performs preliminary action by generating the stable reference voltage in advance, before the ring oscillator needs to produce its clock signal. This pre-established reference voltage immediately controls the ring oscillator's current supply, eliminating the stabilization time that would otherwise be required
3Reliability
If the current supply of the ring oscillator is adjusted to compensate for manufacturing instabilities, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The master oscillator circuit provides self-service by automatically generating the stable reference voltage and continuously adjusting the ring oscillator's current supply without requiring external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism maintains reliability while optimizing energy consumption through automatic control
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 provides a reliable, precise, and energy-saving clock signal by immediately supplying ring oscillators with a stable oscillation rate upon startup, restart, or synchronization, reducing delays and compensating for manufacturing instabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive circuit, configured to be loaded at a load voltage originating from a master supply voltage of the master oscillator circuit associated with a stable oscillation rate of this master oscillator circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method can be used to manage the operation of a ring oscillator circuit. A master oscillator circuit generates a master supply voltage. The master supply voltage associated with a stable oscillation rate of the master oscillator circuit. The master oscillator circuit is supplied with current and is structurally identical to the ring oscillator circuit. A capacitive circuit is loaded with a load voltage originating from the master supply voltage. In response to a control signal, the ring oscillator circuit is supplied with a current controlled by a voltage delivered by the capacitive circuit, in such a way as to provide a stable oscillation rate for the ring oscillator circuit.