Abstract: Techniques, systems and architectures for generating desired phase shifts in a phased array to control the directions of radiation in a wide range of angles are disclosed. Particularly, phased array architectures based on novel PLL-coupled phase shifting techniques for implementation in millimeter-wave (mm-wave) and sub-terahertz (sub-THz) operations range are described. In one aspect, a phased array including an array of unit cells is disclosed. In some embodiments, each unit cell in the array of unit cells includes a dual-nested PLL that is configured to effectuate phase locking and frequency locking to a reference signal from an adjacent unit cell. Moreover, each PLL includes control circuitry that can generate a wide range of phase shifts between adjacent unit cells to facilitate phased-array operations. Note that using the dual-nested PLL to generate a desired phase shift between adjacent radiating elements eliminates the use of conventional lossy phase shifters in the phased array.

Abstract: A communication circuit is disclosed. The communication circuit includes a clock input, and a clock divider configured to generate an output clock signal having a fundamental frequency which is substantially equal to a fundamental frequency of an input clock signal received at the clock input divided by a factor of (2N+1)/2N, where the clock divider is configured to generate 2N+1 pre-aligned phase shifted clock signals based at least in part on the input clock signal, generate 2N unique phase shifted clock signals based at least in part on the 2N+1 pre-aligned phase shifted clock signals, where the 2N unique phase shifted clock signals are substantially separated in phase by 360/2N degrees, and generate the output clock signal based at least in part on the 2N unique phase shifted clock signals, and a mixer, configured to receive the output clock signal.

Abstract: An oscillator includes a tunable resonant circuit having an inductance and a variable capacitance coupled between first and second nodes, and a set of capacitances selectively coupleable between the first and second nodes. An input control node receiving an input control signal is coupled to the variable capacitance and set of capacitances. The tunable resonant circuit is tunable based on the input control signal. A biasing circuit biases the tunable resonant circuit to generate a variable-frequency output signal between the first and second nodes. A voltage divider generates a set of different voltage thresholds, and a set of comparator circuits with hysteresis compares the input control signal to the set of different voltage thresholds to generate a set of control signals. The capacitances in the set of capacitances are selectively coupleable between the first and second nodes as a function of control signals in the set of control signals.

Abstract: In some examples, a digital frequency locked loop (DFLL) device includes a phase frequency detector (PFD) configured to receive a reference clock signal and an indicator of a primary clock signal and to determine differences between periods of the reference clock signal and the indicator. The DFLL also includes a controller coupled to the PFD. The controller is configured to store digital signals indicating a first and a second of the differences determined by the PFD, determine a period error by subtracting the second difference from the first difference, and compare the period error to a programmed threshold. The DFLL also includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) coupled to the controller, the DCO configured to provide the primary clock signal having a frequency adjusted based on the comparison.

Abstract: A dual-loop phase-locking circuit combines a conventional phase-frequency-detector (PFD) and frequency-divider based first loop to lock an output signal frequency to a multiple of a reference signal frequency within a first loop bandwidth BW1 with a second loop to simultaneously lock the output signal phase to a second signal independently locked to the same multiple of the reference signal. The second loop integrates the phase error between the output signal and the second signal, and applies an offset at the PFD output in the first loop to reduce the first loop phase errors within a second loop bandwidth BW2 (<BW1). The first loop bandwidth BW1 can be optimized for overall phase-noise performance of the output signal while retaining the excellent capture and hold characteristics of that loop's topology. The second loop provides superior carrier-frequency phase alignment between the output signal and second signal.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and architectures for generating desired phase shifts in a phased array to control the directions of radiation in a wide range of angles are disclosed. Particularly, phased array architectures based on novel PLL-coupled phase shifting techniques for implementation in millimeter-wave (mm-wave) and sub-terahertz (sub-THz) operations range are described. In one aspect, a phased array including an array of unit cells is disclosed. In some embodiments, each unit cell in the array of unit cells includes a dual-nested PLL that is configured to effectuate phase locking and frequency locking to a reference signal from an adjacent unit cell. Moreover, each PLL includes control circuitry that can generate a wide range of phase shifts between adjacent unit cells to facilitate phased-array operations. Note that using the dual-nested PLL to generate a desired phase shift between adjacent radiating elements eliminates the use of conventional lossy phase shifters in the phased array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for improved performance of phase-locked loop based clock generators, particularly in the context of wireless audio. A PLL clock generator includes a PLL core configured to receive a module reference clock provided by a communications module and generate a subsystem data clock corresponding to a module data clock of the communications module; and a data clock tracker module configured to receive the module data and subsystem data clocks and determine a corresponding data clock correction factor. The bandwidth of the PLL core may be dynamically changed thereby enabling both fast and very precise settling. The PLL core may use a low jitter frequency reference for the phase detector while an a synchronous and jitter-prone audio sample clock is used to ensure a mean frequency of the PLL core tracks the audio sample clock.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frequency synthesizer with an improved architecture that eliminates a VCO and a method to build frequency synthesizers for generating high-frequency signals with low phase noise, low spurious, extremely fast switching speed and fine frequency resolution. The synthesizer provides significant improvement in performance, phase noise, switching speed, power, size and cost reduction.

Abstract: A single flux quantum (SFQ) cell may include SFQ circuitry to implement a logic function that generates logic values of a set of outputs based on logic values of a set of inputs. The SFQ circuitry may instantaneously update logic values of the set of outputs in response to changes in logic values of the set of inputs. The SFQ circuitry may include at least one SFQ non-destructive set-reset flip-flop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fractional frequency divider, wherein the fractional frequency divider includes a plurality of registers, a control signal generator and a clock gating circuit. Regarding the plurality of registers, at least a portion of the registers are set to have values. The control signal generator is configured to generate a control signal based on an input clock signal and values in the at least a portion of the registers, wherein the control generator sequentially generates the control signal during each cycle of the input clock signal. The clock gating circuit is configured to refer to the control signal to mask or not mask the input clock signal to generate an output clock signal.

Abstract: Compared to amplitude modulated gyroscopes, frequency modulated (FM) gyroscopes have demonstrated excellent long-term stability. A notable limitation with FM gyroscopes is FM operation can decrease short-term stability. Short-term stability is typically quantified via angle random walk (ARW). The present disclosure provides an FM gyroscope ARW minimization method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to data communication and electrical circuits. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a clock and data recovery (CDR) architecture implementation for high data rate wireline communication links. In an embodiment, a CDR device includes a phase detector, a loop filter, and a fractional-N PLL. The fractional-N PLL generates output clock signal based on output of the loop filter. There are other embodiments as well.

Abstract: An oscillator includes a resonator, a clock signal generation circuit, a clock signal output terminal, an external signal input terminal, an interface circuit, and an interface terminal. The clock signal generation circuit oscillates the resonator to generate a clock signal. The clock signal output terminal outputs the clock signal. An external signal is input to the external signal input terminal. The interface circuit outputs time difference information obtained by measuring a time difference between a transition timing of a first signal based on the external signal input from the external signal input terminal and a transition timing of a second signal based on the clock signal, or frequency information obtained by measuring a frequency of a first clock signal, which is one of the clock signal and the external clock signal, based on a frequency of a second clock signal, which is the other of the clock signal and the external clock signal. The interface terminal is coupled to the interface circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fractional frequency divider, wherein the fractional frequency divider includes a plurality of registers, a counter, a control signal generator and a clock gating circuit. Regarding the plurality of registers, at least a portion of the registers are set to have values The counter is configured to sequentially generate a plurality of counter values, wherein the plurality of counter values correspond to the at least a portion of the registers, respectively, and the plurality of counter values are generated repeatedly The control signal generator is configured to generate a control signal based on the received counter value and the value of the corresponding register. The clock gating circuit is configured to refer to the control signal to mask or not mask an input clock signal to generate an output clock signal.

Abstract: A converter system includes a first converter that includes a synchronizing terminal configured to receive a frequency signal, a synchronizing unit configured to generate a synchronizing signal having a phase shift with respect to the frequency signal, wherein the phase shift is generated based on amplitude of the frequency signal, and a regulator configured to convert a first given signal to a first converted signal, wherein the regulator is phase locked with the synchronizing signal.

Abstract: A motor driving device includes a first hysteresis comparator, a second hysteresis comparator, a logic circuit, a control unit, and an inverter circuit. The logic circuit receives a start signal or a start completion signal to output the first output signal as a commutation signal according to the start signal, or to output the second output signal as the commutation signal according to the start completion signal, clamps the second output signal by the first output signal, stops outputting the commutation signal after the potential state of the commutation signal is changed, and unclamps the second output signal with the first output signal and outputs the commutation signal in response to a difference voltage between the first input signal and the second input signal being greater than a positive value of the first hysteresis voltage or less than a negative value of the first hysteresis voltage.

Abstract: A clock data recovery circuit configured to receive an input data signal that includes an embedded clock signal includes a clock recovery circuit including a phase detector configured to detect a phase of the embedded clock signal and to generate a recovery clock signal from the input data signal based on the detected phase; and a data recovery circuit configured to generate a recovery data signal from the input data signal by using the recovery clock signal. The phase detector includes a sampling latch circuit configured to output a first sample signal and a second sample signal from the input data signal; and an edge detection circuit configured to generate a phase control signal based on the first sample signal and the second sample signal and output the phase control signal in a period in which the second sample signal is output from the sampling latch circuit.

Abstract: A phase locked loop (PLL) includes a phase detector, a first low-pass filter, an oscillator, a feedback divider and a cycle slip detector. The cycle slip detector is operable to detect at a first time instance, a cycle slip between an input clock and a feedback clock of the PLL. Upon detection of the cycle slip, the cycle slip detector is operable to increase a loop BW of the PLL. As a result, faster relocking of the PLL is achieved upon occurrence of an abrupt and large frequency difference between the input clock and the feedback clock.

Abstract: Oscillator calibration circuits and wireless transmitters including oscillator calibration circuits. An oscillator calibration circuit includes a first frequency locking circuit (FLC) coupled to a first oscillator, wherein the first FLC calibrates the frequency of the first oscillator using an over-the-air reference signal, wherein the first FLC calibrates the first oscillator prior to a data transmission session and remains free running during the data transmission session.

Abstract: Techniques are described for implementing fractional dividers in modulated phase-lock loop circuits. For example, a fractional divider can receive a base dividing value having integer and fractional components (e.g., corresponding to a carrier frequency produced by multiplying the dividing value by a reference frequency). The fractional divider can also receive a data signal to modulate the dividing value. Embodiments use a shift value (e.g., preset, or received via a shift input signal) to selectively shift and scale the modulated dividing value to generate a shifted fractional component value. The shifted fractional component value can be added to the base integer component, and de-shifted and de-scaled to generate a corrected dividing value. A feedback signal can then be generated by sequentially dividing a frequency of a clock output signal by the corrected dividing value.

Abstract: Oscillators and methods for realignment of an oscillator are provided. An oscillator includes an inductor having first and second terminals and a capacitor electrically coupled in parallel to the inductor at the first and second terminals. A first transistor of a first conductivity type is electrically coupled to the first terminal and a voltage source. The first transistor includes a gate configured to receive a first realignment signal. When the first realignment signal is in a realignment state, the first transistor is turned on and a voltage of the first terminal is increased from a low level to a high level in order to align a phase of a waveform of the oscillator.

Abstract: A hardware device includes a frequency lock loop (FLL) that includes a phase loop filter, and a phase lock loop (PLL) such as an all digital PLL (ADPLL) that includes a frequency loop filter. A controller provides a first control signal to the FLL and a second control signal to the PLL when the device operates the same. The device can also include a digital controlled oscillator (DCO) and part of one or more of the FLL and the PLL. The FLL and the PLL include first and second filters, respectively. The filters are coupled to the DCO. A time-to-digital converter (TDC) and a divider receive an input from the DCO. The controller forms a first loop with the first filter, the TDC, and the divider, and the controller forms a second loop with the second filter, the TDC, and the divider.

Abstract: A measurement system may measure a fractional time delay of transmission of a signal across a medium, such as a cable. The system may use a first clock to assist in creating and injecting an injected sequence (signal) into the medium. A second, slower clock may be used for sampling the sequence after transmission of the sequence through the medium. This causes a time Vernier scale effect that results in a sampled sequence that has a one-step skip for each instances of the sequence, where the sequence has N elements in the sequence. The location of the skip within the sequence will depend on the magnitude of the delay measured as a fraction of a clock period with a resolution of N. To measure this delay, a modified version of a pseudo-random sequence generator, capable of skipping one step, is used to determine the output.

Abstract: A smart phase switching method includes setting a first phase switching threshold, a convergence upper bound, and a convergence lower bound, sampling a received signal continuously for acquiring a phase offset accumulated value of the received signal during each period, updating the first phase switching threshold to generate a second phase switching upper bound threshold and a second phase switching lower bound threshold when a plurality of phase offset accumulated values of the received signal during a first predetermined time interval fall into a range from the convergence upper bound to the convergence lower bound, and sampling the received signal continuously for determining if a phase is switched to an opposite operating point according to a phase offset accumulated value of the received signal after the second phase switching upper bound threshold and the second phase switching lower bound threshold are generated.

Abstract: A phase lock loop (PLL) includes: a binary phase detector configured to generate a first and second polarity signals that respectively indicating whether an incoming data stream is leading a feedback signal, or whether the feedback signal is leading the incoming data stream, wherein a difference between the first and second polarity signals does not represent an amount of phase difference between the incoming data stream and the feedback signal; a digital filter configured to: generate filtered first polarity signal on a first path and a second path that are different; and generate filtered second polarity signal on a third path and a fourth path that are different; a charge pump coupled to the digital filter and configured to: integrate the filtered first polarity signal and the filtered second polarity signal; and an oscillator configured to generate the synthesized clock signal serving as the feedback signal.

Abstract: An electronic device disclosed herein includes a locked loop circuit configured to receive a reference signal intended to have an intended frequency, wherein the locked look circuit is intended to generate an intended output signal having an intended frequency equal to the intended frequency multiplied by an intended multiplier. A frequency counter counts a number of pulses of the reference signal during a time window so as to determine an actual frequency of the reference signal. A control circuit determines an actual multiplier for the locked loop circuit that, when multiplied by the actual frequency of the reference signal, causes the locked loop circuit to generate an actual output signal having an actual frequency equal to the intended frequency.

Abstract: An LC tank circuit, such as an LC tank circuit of a step-tuned voltage controlled oscillator, includes a plurality of switched capacitor banks and one or more inductors. A first switched capacitor bank switch in response to a range of control signals used to control the VCO output across a range of frequencies. A second switched capacitor bank can switch in response to a subset of the range of control signals used to control the VCO output across a subset of the range of frequencies. The control scheme for the first and second switched capacitor banks can improves the linearity of changes in the frequency of the output signal of the VCO.

Abstract: A cross connect apparatus or system with transparent clocking, consistent with embodiments described herein, connects a selected source or ingress port to a selected destination or egress port and clocks data out of the selected egress port using a synthesized clock that is adjusted to match a recovered clock from the selected ingress port. A transparent clocking system may generate the synthesized clock signal with adjustments in response to a parts per million (PPM) rate detected for the associated recovered clock signal provided by the selected ingress port. The cross connect system with transparent clocking may be a 400 G cross connect system with 10 G resolution. The cross connect system with transparent clocking may be used in optical transport network (OTN) applications, for example, to provide an aggregator and/or an add-drop multiplexer (ADM) or to provide a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) upgrade to a higher data rate.

Abstract: A clock switch device includes a control circuit and a tri-state buffer. The control circuit deactivates an output enable signal when a frequency of a clock signal varies and activates the output enable signal when the frequency of the clock signal is maintained without change. The tri-state buffer maintains an output electrode at a high impedance state when the output enable signal is deactivated and buffers the clock signal and outputs the buffered clock signal through the output electrode as an output clock signal when the output enable signal is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an oscillator, a frequency divider, a phase circuit, a charge pump, and a filter. The frequency divider may generate an early feedback signal using a clock signal, and may assert a feedback signal a number of periods of the clock signal after asserting the early feedback signal. The phase circuit may generate a charge control signal using a reference clock signal and the feedback signal, and may generate a discharge control signal using the early feedback signal, the reference clock signal, and the feedback signal. The charge pump may charge or discharge a circuit node using the charge control signal and the discharge control signal to generate a frequency control signal. The filter circuit may attenuate at least one frequency component of the frequency control signal. The oscillator circuit may modify a frequency of the clock signal using the frequency control signal.

Abstract: A PLL circuit includes a voltage control oscillator, a frequency difference detector, a phase difference detector, and an outputter. The frequency difference detector detects a frequency difference between a reference signal and the oscillation signal and outputs a first control value based on the detected frequency difference. The phase difference detector detects a phase difference between the reference signal and the oscillation signal, and outputs a second control value based on the detected phase difference. The outputter outputs the control voltage based on the first control value and the second control value to the voltage control oscillator while the second control value does not exceed a predetermined range, and outputs the control voltage based on a corrected value obtained by correcting the first control value and the second control value to the voltage control oscillator while the second control value exceeds a predetermined range.

Abstract: Frequency synthesis is based on phase synchronizing PLL output across REFERENCE and VCO clock domains (including outputs for multiple PLLs), based on an input (REF-Domain) SYNC signal (phase timing reference). A frequency synthesizer includes a VCO to generate VCO_clk and a PLL output circuit, such as a channel divider, to generate PLL_OUT based on VCO_clk (in the VCO-Domain). The VCO loop includes a PD to phase compare an input PD_clock based on REF_CLK, and a VCO feedback signal based on divided VCO_clk (NDIV_out). SYNC alignment circuitry generates a SYNC alignment signal based on SYNC, PD_clk, and NDIV_out (REF-Domain), which is used to synchronize the PLL output circuit and PLL_OUT to SYNC. If a reference divider generates PD_clk, the SYNC alignment circuitry generates a reset to SYNC-align the reference divider. If the VCO loop uses fractional divide, the SYNC alignment circuitry resets the fractional modulator to a known sequence.

Abstract: Implementations provide a phase locked loop (PLL) device that includes: a phase and frequency detector (PFD) and charge pump (CP) portion; a low pass filter; a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) driven by the low pass filter to generate a VCO clock signal, multiple divider configured to receive the VCO clock signal and frequency divide the VCO clock signal in stages to generate a series statically divided VCO clock signals and a dynamically divided VCO clock signal; a feedback portion including a first component configured to receive the dynamically divided VCO clock signal and generate indicator signals; and a second component configured to multiplex from the indicator signals to generate the feedback clock signal set for the PFD and CP portion; and a master phase/frequency control engine configured to assert a division control over at least one divider and a multiplex control over the multiplex network.

Abstract: A phase locked loop comprises: a controllable oscillator 102; a variable divider arrangement 108, 110 which takes a signal from the controllable oscillator 102 and divides it by a variable amount to provide a lower frequency signal; a sigma-delta modulator 112 arranged to provide a control input to said variable divider arrangement 108, 110; and a phase detector triggered 104 by said lower frequency signal and a reference clock; wherein said phase locked loop is arranged to be operable in a normal mode in which the controllable oscillator 102 is controlled by a voltage from said phase detector 104 and a calibration mode in which the controllable oscillator 102 is controlled digitally by a signal from a calibration module 114 which receives an input from said variable divider arrangement 108, 110.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizing device includes a voltage-controlled oscillator receiving an adjusting signal and generating an output signal according to the adjusting signal. A feedback frequency divider having a plurality of divisor values receives the output signal and generates a feedback signal after performing frequency dividing. An automatic frequency calibration circuit of the frequency synthesizing device includes a first frequency divider receiving a reference frequency, and a second frequency divider receiving the feedback signal. A comparator of the automatic frequency calibration circuit receives and compares outputs from the first frequency divider and the second frequency divider in a predetermined period to generate a comparing result. A state machine outputs the adjusting signal according to the comparing result in a calibration mode.

Abstract: A target detection and imaging system, comprising a RADAR unit and at least one ultra-low phase-noise frequency synthesizer, is provided. RADAR unit configured for detecting the presence and characteristics of one or more objects in various directions. The RADAR unit may include a transmitter for transmitting at least one radio signal, and a receiver for receiving the at least one radio signal returned from the one or more objects. signals. The ultra-low phase-noise frequency synthesizer may utilize dual loop design comprising one main PLL and one sampling PLL, where the main PLL might include a DDS or Fractional-N PLL plus a variable divider, or the synthesizer may utilize a sampling PLL only, to reduce phase-noise from the returned radio signal. This system helps in detecting and classifying human beings present on the road clearly and in time so as to provide a corrective input to the autonomous vehicle timely.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a clock recovery circuit that receive a multi-level pulse-amplitude modulated signal and to recover a clock signal. The clock recovery circuit includes a generation circuit and an oscillator. The generation circuit includes a plurality of comparators and pulse generators and a pulse summing circuit. The plurality of comparators and pulse generators compare the multi-level pulse-amplitude modulated signal with a plurality of threshold values to generate a plurality of pulses according to a plurality of comparison results. The pulse summing circuit generates a synthetic pulse based on the generated plurality of pulses. The oscillator oscillates in synchronization with the synthetic pulse to generate the clock signal.

Abstract: A Managed Timing Engine (MTE) provides a primary timing output synchronized to a selected input reference from a multiplicity of input references. Additional timing outputs can be generated such that there is a programmable frequency offset (in ppb) between them and the main output. The rate (in Hz) of the outputs can be programmable. The MTE can introduce a programmable delay for periodic phase references.

Abstract: A signal generator is disclosed that in one form employs an indirect digital-to-analog converter (DAC) assisted frequency synthesizer for switching a steering current into or out of a phase locked loop (PLL) filter capacitor. The signal generator provides fast switching performance and loop bandwidth adjustment to reduce phase noise and improve phase jitter performance. The signal generator comprises a channel signal selector, a digital-to-analog converter, a window generator circuit, a window comparator, a steering current circuit, a PLL circuit with voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), programmable divider, and a reference oscillator.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus which comprises: a first clocking source having a first divider; a second clocking source having a second divider, wherein the first and second clocking sources are inductively coupled; and calibration logic to monitor clock signals associated with the first and second clocking sources and to generate at least one calibration code for adjusting at least one divider ratio of the first or second dividers according to the monitored clock signals.

Abstract: A phase lock loop (PLL) includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and a frequency detector to generate a FAST signal responsive to a frequency of a reference signal being greater than the frequency of a feedback signal derived from the VCO and to generate a SLOW signal responsive to the frequency of the reference signal being smaller than the frequency of the feedback signal. The PLL also includes a digital charge pump, a loop filter, and a state machine circuit. Responsive to receipt of multiple consecutive FAST signals when the digital charge pump is providing a charging current to the loop filter, the state machine circuit reconfigures the digital charge pump to increase the charging current to the loop filter. Responsive to receipt of multiple consecutive SLOW signals when the loop filter is discharging, the state machine circuit reconfigures the digital charge pump to cause the loop filter's discharge current to increase.

Abstract: A superconducting integrated circuit, comprising a plurality of superconducting circuit elements, each having a variation in operating voltage over time; a common power line; and a plurality of bias circuits, each connected to the common power line, and to a respective superconducting circuit element, wherein each respective bias circuit is superconducting during at least one time portion of the operation of a respective superconducting circuit element, and is configured to supply the variation in operating voltage over time to the respective superconducting circuit element.

Abstract: A power supply noise measurement circuit includes a multiphase filter coupled to receive a power supply signal. The multiphase filter is coupled to output a first filtered power supply signal for a first phase, and a second filtered power supply signal for a second phase. A multiphase amplifier is coupled to the multiphase filter to sample offset voltages in response to the first filter power supply signal during the first phase to set up DC operation points in the multiphase amplifier, and generate an amplified power supply noise signal during the second phase. An overshoot detector is coupled to the multiphase amplifier to detect overshoot events in the amplified power supply noise signal, and an undershoot detector is coupled to the multiphase amplifier to detect undershoot events in the amplified power supply noise signal.

Abstract: A clock and data recovery apparatus which includes a voltage controlled delay line (VCDL), a phase detector (PD) and a control voltage generating circuit is provided. The VCDL generates a plurality of clock signals with different phases according to a reference clock signal and a control voltage. The PD detects the phase relationship between a first input signal and a second input signal, and produces a detection result. A data signal or one of the clock signals is used as the first input signal, and one or more of the clock signals is/are used as the second input signal. The control voltage generating circuit generates the control voltage to the VCDL according to the detection result of the PD.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a signal generator. The signal generator includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) coupled to provide an output signal having a frequency. The signal generator further includes an asymmetric divider coupled to receive the output signal of the VCO and to provide an output signal. The output signal of the asymmetric divider has a frequency that is lower than the frequency of the output signal of the VCO. The asymmetric divider presents a balanced load to the VCO.

Abstract: A method for preparing supplementary media content for coordinated transmission with multimedia content includes accepting the multimedia content including an audio portion, accepting the supplementary media content associated with the multimedia content, and validating the supplementary media content according to the audio portion of the multimedia content.

Abstract: A frequency calibration method for calibrating an output frequency of a voltage-controlled oscillator is provided. The voltage-controlled oscillator includes a first capacitor bank, a second capacitor bank, and a third capacitor bank. The first capacitor bank and the third capacitor bank are initially disabled and the second capacitor bank is initially enabled. The method includes, when the initial output frequency is lower than a reference frequency, adjusting the capacitance of the second capacitor bank until the calibrated output frequency is greater than the reference frequency, and when the initial output frequency is greater than the reference frequency, enabling the first capacitor bank and gradually increasing the capacitance of the first capacitor bank until the calibrated output frequency is lower than the reference frequency.

Abstract: An analog phase-locked loop (PLL) is disclosed, comprising a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO); a frequency divider having its input connected to an output of the VCO; a first phase detector arranged to detect a phase difference between an output signal of the frequency divider and a reference frequency signal and provide an output signal based on the phase difference, wherein the detectable phase difference is within one cycle of the reference frequency; a first charge pump connected to an output of the first phase detector and arranged to output a charge per detected phase error based on the output of the first phase detector; and an analog loop filter connected to the first charge pump and arranged to provide a voltage, based on the output of the first charge pump, to the VCO.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program product embodiments for improving track-follow control in a tape storage system, by a processor device, are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises, time-varying filtering an error feedback signal within a closed-loop tape controller to dampen varying motor and harmonic disturbances.

Abstract: A system for sharing a reference clock signal between multiple devices is disclosed. The system includes a source device, and a plurality of destination devices. The source device may be configured to generate a reference clock signal and transmit data via a communication link. The reference clock signal may include first and second phases, and the second phase may be an inverse of the first phase. A filter unit configured to filter the reference clock signal may be coupled between the first and second phases of the reference clock signal. Each destination device may be configured to receive the reference clock signal and receive the data dependent upon the reference clock signal.