Abstract: A digital-to-time converter (DTC) circuit. The DTC circuit includes a charge node. A variable current source has a source input and a source output. The source input is coupled to a DTC digital input and the source output is coupled to the charge node. A capacitor has a first capacitor electrode and a second capacitor electrode. The first capacitor electrode is coupled to the charge node. A comparator has a first comparator input, a second comparator input, and a comparator output. The first comparator input is coupled to the charge node, the second comparator input is coupled to a reference voltage terminal, and the comparator output is coupled to a DTC output. A pre-charge circuit has a pre-charge control input and a pre-charge output. The pre-charge control input is coupled to a DTC pre-charge input and the pre-charge output is coupled to the capacitor.

Abstract: In an example, a system includes an N divider coupled to an output of a low dropout regulator. The system also includes a load balancing circuit coupled to the N divider and configured to sink a load balancing current at the output of the low dropout regulator during one or more phases of the N divider. The system includes a switch coupled to the load balancing circuit and configured to connect the load balancing circuit to the output of the low dropout regulator during the one or more phases of the N divider.

Abstract: A system includes a first digital-to-time converter (DTC) adapted to receive a first DTC code and a first clock signal. The first DTC provides an output clock signal. The system includes a calibration DTC adapted to receive a calibration DTC code and a second clock signal. The calibration DTC provides a calibration output signal. The system includes a latch comparator which provides outputs indicative of which of the output clock signal and the calibration output signal is received first. The system includes an average computation module which provides an average value of the outputs of the latch comparator. The system includes a digital controller adapted to receive the average value. The digital controller provides the DTC code and the calibration DTC code.

Abstract: A system includes a first digital-to-time converter (DTC) adapted to receive a first DTC code and a first clock signal. The first DTC provides an output clock signal. The system includes a calibration DTC adapted to receive a calibration DTC code and a second clock signal. The calibration DTC provides a calibration output signal. The system includes a latch comparator which provides outputs indicative of which of the output clock signal and the calibration output signal is received first. The system includes an average computation module which provides an average value of the outputs of the latch comparator. The system includes a digital controller adapted to receive the average value. The digital controller provides the DTC code and the calibration DTC code.

Abstract: A system for data transmission includes a physical (PHY) layer which has a rate detection module which determines an adopted clock rate. The rate detection module provides a rate detection signal indicative of the adopted clock rate. The PHY layer includes a reference clock generator which has an input coupled to receive the rate detection signal and an output to provide a reference clock output. The PHY layer includes a PHY interface which has a first input coupled to receive the reference clock output, a data input and a data output. The PHY interface receives data from a MAC interface at the data input and transmits data to the MAC interface through the data output responsive to the reference clock output.

Abstract: A coupling device provides galvanic isolation using a leadframe that is configured to support two integrated circuit chips in a coplanar manner. Each chip contains an inductive coupling coil. The lead frame includes a set of bond pads for attaching bond wires to couple to the two integrated circuit chips. Two separated die attach pads support the two chips. Each die attach pad is configured to support one of the two integrated circuit chips with a plurality of cantilevered fingers.

Abstract: A system includes a first digital-to-time converter (DTC) adapted to receive a first DTC code and a first clock signal. The first DTC provides an output clock signal. The system includes a calibration DTC adapted to receive a calibration DTC code and a second clock signal. The calibration DTC provides a calibration output signal. The system includes a latch comparator which provides outputs indicative of which of the output clock signal and the calibration output signal is received first. The system includes an average computation module which provides an average value of the outputs of the latch comparator. The system includes a digital controller adapted to receive the average value. The digital controller provides the DTC code and the calibration DTC code.

Abstract: A system for data transmission includes a physical (PHY) layer which has a rate detection module which determines an adopted clock rate. The rate detection module provides a rate detection signal indicative of the adopted clock rate. The PHY layer includes a reference clock generator which has an input coupled to receive the rate detection signal and an output to provide a reference clock output. The PHY layer includes a PHY interface which has a first input coupled to receive the reference clock output, a data input and a data output. The PHY interface receives data from a MAC interface at the data input and transmits data to the MAC interface through the data output responsive to the reference clock output.

Abstract: A digital-to-time converter (DTC) and methods of calibrating the same reduces or mitigates nonlinearity and thus improves DTC performance. A slope of a voltage signal of the DTC is calibrated using a capacitor and a comparator. Capacitance of the capacitor and/or maximum current of a current source is adjusted to configure the comparator to output a signal during a second phase when a reference voltage signal is at or above a first level and below a second level. Calibrating gain of the DTC includes adjusting a time difference between an output signal of the DTC set at a first digital code value and the output signal of the DTC set at a second digital code value to be one period of a clock signal input to the DTC. Calibrating integral nonlinearity of the DTC includes measuring a time period for each of multiple digital code values of the DTC.

Abstract: A system for data transmission includes a physical (PHY) layer which has a rate detection module which determines an adopted clock rate. The rate detection module provides a rate detection signal indicative of the adopted clock rate. The PHY layer includes a reference clock generator which has an input coupled to receive the rate detection signal and an output to provide a reference clock output. The PHY layer includes a PHY interface which has a first input coupled to receive the reference clock output, a data input and a data output. The PHY interface receives data from a MAC interface at the data input and transmits data to the MAC interface through the data output responsive to the reference clock output.

Abstract: A digital-to-time converter (DTC) and methods of calibrating the same reduces or mitigates nonlinearity and thus improves DTC performance. A slope of a voltage signal of the DTC is calibrated using a capacitor and a comparator. Capacitance of the capacitor and/or maximum current of a current source is adjusted to configure the comparator to output a signal during a second phase when a reference voltage signal is at or above a first level and below a second level. Calibrating gain of the DTC includes adjusting a time difference between an output signal of the DTC set at a first digital code value and the output signal of the DTC set at a second digital code value to be one period of a clock signal input to the DTC. Calibrating integral nonlinearity of the DTC includes measuring a time period for each of multiple digital code values of the DTC.

Abstract: An example integrated circuit die includes: lower level conductor layers, lower level insulator layers between the lower level conductor layers, lower level vias extending vertically through the lower level insulator layers, upper level conductor layers overlying the lower level conductor layers, upper level insulator layers between and surrounding the upper level conductor layers, upper level vias; at least two scribe seals arranged to form a vertical barrier extending vertically from the semiconductor substrate to a passivation layer at an upper surface of the integrated circuit die; and at least one opening extending vertically through one of the at least two scribe seals and extending through: the upper level conductor layers, the upper level via layers, the lower level conductor layers, and the lower level via layers.

Abstract: An example digital to time converter includes: a first switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a first control terminal configured to receive a control signal. A second switch having a third terminal coupled to second terminal, a fourth terminal, and a second control terminal configured to receive a divided clock signal. A third switch having a fifth terminal coupled to the second terminal and the third terminal, a sixth terminal, and a third control terminal configured to receive an inverted version of divided clock signal. A fourth switch having a seventh terminal coupled to the second terminal, an eighth terminal, and a fourth control terminal configured to receive an inverted version of control signal. A fifth switch having a ninth terminal coupled to the eighth terminal and a fifth control terminal configured to receive the inverted divided clock signal. A capacitor coupled to the sixth terminal.

Abstract: An example digital to time converter includes: a first switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a first control terminal configured to receive a control signal. A second switch having a third terminal coupled to second terminal, a fourth terminal, and a second control terminal configured to receive a divided clock signal. A third switch having a fifth terminal coupled to the second terminal and the third terminal, a sixth terminal, and a third control terminal configured to receive an inverted version of divided clock signal. A fourth switch having a seventh terminal coupled to the second terminal, an eighth terminal, and a fourth control terminal configured to receive an inverted version of control signal. A fifth switch having a ninth terminal coupled to the eighth terminal and a fifth control terminal configured to receive the inverted divided clock signal. A capacitor coupled to the sixth terminal.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizer includes a phase-locked loop (PLL). The PLL includes a first voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and a second VCO, each comprising an oscillator, a capacitor bank, and a bias circuit. The capacitor bank is configured to selectably adjust an output frequency of the oscillator. The bias circuit is configured to provide a bias current to the oscillator, and includes a current digital-to-analog converter (IDAC), and an amplifier coupled to the IDAC and configured to drive the oscillator.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizer includes a phase-locked loop (PLL). The PLL includes a first voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and a second VCO, each comprising an oscillator, a capacitor bank, and a bias circuit. The capacitor bank is configured to selectably adjust an output frequency of the oscillator. The bias circuit is configured to provide a bias current to the oscillator, and includes a current digital-to-analog converter (IDAC), and an amplifier coupled to the IDAC and configured to drive the oscillator.

Abstract: A coupling device provides galvanic isolation using a leadframe that is configured to support two integrated circuit chips in a coplanar manner. Each chip contains an inductive coupling coil. The lead frame includes a set of bond pads for attaching bond wires to couple to the two integrated circuit chips. Two separated die attach pads support the two chips. Each die attach pad is configured to support one of the two integrated circuit chips with a plurality of cantilevered fingers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing a high speed phase demodulation scheme using a low bandwidth phase-lock loop are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a low bandwidth phase lock loop to lock to a data signal at a first phase, the data signal capable of oscillating at the first phase or a second phase; and output a first output signal at the first phase and a second output signal at the second phase, the first output signal or the second output signal being utilized in a feedback loop of the low bandwidth phase lock loop. The example apparatus further includes a fast phase change detection circuit coupled to the low bandwidth phase lock loop to determine whether the data signal is oscillating at the first phase or the second phase.

Abstract: A coupling device provides galvanic isolation using a leadframe that is configured to support two integrated circuit chips in a coplanar manner. Each chip contains an inductive coupling coil. The lead frame includes a set of bond pads for attaching bond wires to couple to the two integrated circuit chips. Two separated die attach pads support the two chips. Each die attach pad is configured to support one of the two integrated circuit chips with a plurality of cantilevered fingers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus generate an oscillating output signal having a voltage swing greater than a voltage swing across nodes of active devices. An example oscillator includes a tank to generate an oscillating output signal in response receiving an edge of an enable signal; a feedback generator including a first gain stage forming a first feedback loop with the tank, the first feedback loop providing a first charge to maintain the oscillating output signal and a second gain stage forming a second feedback loop with the tank, the second feedback loop providing a second charge to maintain the oscillating output signal, the first and second charges combining with the oscillating output signal to generate a high voltage swing; and an attenuator connected between the tank and the feedback generator to isolate the tank from active components of the feedback generator.