Tri-State Inverter Oscillator for PVT-Stable Periodic Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillators face challenges in generating accurate periodic signals under varying Process, Voltage, and Temperature (PVT) conditions, affecting the reliability of devices synchronized with these signals.
Innovation Solution
The use of tri-state inverters in digital to analog converters, mirror circuits, and periodic signal output circuits to improve the accuracy and reliability of periodic signal generation, allowing for easier design and enhanced performance of oscillators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional oscillators are used to generate periodic signals, then the device can operate with basic functionality, but the signal accuracy deteriorates under varying PVT conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator uses tri-state inverters that can dynamically adjust their operation between full-swing and reduced-swing modes based on control signals. This dynamic adaptability allows the oscillator to maintain accurate periodic signals across varying PVT conditions by adjusting the inverter operating point in real-time, resolving the contradiction between signal accuracy and reliability under environmental variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the inverters by applying control voltages that adjust the threshold voltages and current characteristics of the tri-state inverters. This parameter adjustment enables the oscillator to compensate for PVT variations and maintain accurate periodic signal generation, thereby improving both signal accuracy and device reliability.
2Productivity
If tri-state inverters are used in the oscillator circuit, then the design complexity increases, but the performance and ease of design improve
Solution Approach 1:
The tri-state inverters serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as switching elements, amplifiers, and frequency-determining components within the oscillator circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving design efficiency while managing overall circuit complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of the tri-state inverter configuration by providing simplified control signals that automatically adjust the inverter operating states. This intermediary control mechanism abstracts the complexity from the designer while enabling the performance benefits of tri-state inverters.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an oscillator including: a digital to analog converter configured to convert a received control code into an analog voltage and output the converted analog voltage; a mirror circuit configured to adjust a current of a common output node to which the analog voltage is applied; and a periodic signal output circuit configured to output a periodic signal having a frequency according to the analog voltage, in which the digital to analog converter, the mirror circuit, and the periodic signal output circuit are implemented with tri-state inverters.