Signal Path Delay Compensation for Power Supply Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Signal paths in electronic systems experience propagation delay variations due to power supply sensitivity, which can lead to system performance degradation or failure, even with power supply regulation, as the power supply may still drop below minimum operating levels.
Innovation Solution
A signal path delay compensation circuit that includes an adjustable signal path delay circuit and a bias circuit, which adjusts the signal path delay based on power supply changes by providing bias signals that alter the drivability of driver circuits, thereby compensating for changes in propagation delay caused by power variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If timing margins are designed into the system to accommodate power supply sensitivity, then system reliability is improved, but overall system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delay parameter of the signal path dynamically based on power supply conditions. A delay adjustment circuit modifies the delay characteristic in response to power supply voltage changes, allowing the system to maintain timing accuracy without requiring excessive static timing margins, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If power supply regulation circuit is included to regulate the power supply, then propagation delay stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delay adjustment circuit as an intermediary component that sits between the power supply and the signal path. This circuit senses power supply variations and compensates for their effect on propagation delay, providing stability without requiring a full power supply regulation circuit, thus balancing stability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay adjustment circuit dynamically changes the delay parameter of the signal path in response to power supply variations. By adjusting the delay characteristic rather than regulating the power supply itself, the system achieves propagation delay stability with minimal additional complexity.
3Loss of energy
If power supply decreases below minimum operating level, then power consumption is reduced, but propagation delay control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The delay adjustment circuit performs preliminary compensation for power supply variations before they can cause unacceptable propagation delay changes. By proactively adjusting the delay parameter in response to power changes, the system maintains control over propagation delay even when power supply drops below nominal levels, preventing loss of timing control.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for changing a signal path delay of a signal path responsive to changes in power provided to the signal path are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a signal path and signal path delay compensation circuit. The signal path includes a plurality of signal driver circuits coupled in series. The signal path delay compensation circuit includes an adjustable path delay circuit and a bias circuit. The adjustable path delay circuit is coupled to an output of a signal driver circuit of the plurality of signal driver circuits and includes a latch circuit. The bias circuit is configured to change a resistance to switching a latched signal level of the latch circuit responsive to changes in power provided to the signal path. Additional example apparatuses and methods are also disclosed.