Frequency Division Patents (Class 327/115)
  • Publication number: 20140253188
    Abstract: A clock generation device includes a flip-flop, a clock division unit, and a clock comparator. The flip-flop generates a chip selection signal synchronized with an internal clock signal. The clock division unit generates second divided clock signals based on a first divided clock signal. The clock comparator selects ones of the second divided clock signals based on the chip selection signal. The clock division unit divides the internal clock signal based on the first divided clock signal and the selected one of the second divided clock signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hun-Dae CHOI, In-Dal SONG
  • Patent number: 8829953
    Abstract: A programmable clock divider includes first and second comparators for generating first and second signals respectively based on a count value of a counter and a frequency ratio value. First and second flip-flops delay the first and second signals by one clock cycle of the input clock signal. An active-low latch delays the second signal by half a clock cycle of the input clock signal. A multiplexer receives the delayed first and second signals at first and second input terminals respectively and the input clock signal at a select terminal, and generates a divided clock signal. The multiplexer outputs the second delayed signal when the input clock signal is at a logic high state and outputs the first delayed signal when the input clock signal is at a logic low state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Inayat Ali, Sachin Jain, Kanishka Patwal
  • Patent number: 8829954
    Abstract: A frequency divider circuit is described. The frequency divider circuit includes a first cross-coupling. The first cross-coupling includes a first cross-coupled transistor with a first gate. The first gate is separately biased. The first cross-coupling also includes a second cross-coupled transistor with a second gate. The second gate is separately biased. The first gate is coupled to the second cross-coupled transistor and the second gate is coupled to the first cross-coupled transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Mazhareddin Taghivand, Jafar Savoj, Mingdeng Chen
  • Publication number: 20140247074
    Abstract: A microcomputer includes a register that stores division ratio setting information, a frequency divider that determines first and second division ratios based on the division ratio setting information, frequency-divides a first clock having a first frequency at the first division ratio, and frequency-divides a second clock having a second frequency at the second division ratio, and a CPU. The first and second division ratios are determined in such a manner that a frequency of the first clock that is frequency-divided at the first division ratio and a frequency of the second clock that is frequency-divided at the second division ratio are made equal to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Rumi MATSUSHITA
  • Publication number: 20140247317
    Abstract: A clock signal generating circuit that generates a clock signal, the clock signal generating circuit including a clock signal generator configured to generate a reference clock signal; and a plurality of dividers to which the reference clock signal is to be input. A division ratio of at least one of the plurality of dividers varies based on division ratio data that defines the division ratio of the at least one of the plurality of dividers. The division ratio data represents a value that fluctuates around reference division ratio data with respect to time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Shintaro KAWAMURA
  • Publication number: 20140247073
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for providing a spread frequency clock signal, comprising: -an input (51) to receive a first clock signal having a first frequency; -a programmable clock divider (52) to generate the spread frequency clock signal from the first clock signal; -a first Feedback Shift Register (21), FSR, comprising at least one stage, the FSR being adapted to generate any of an odd number M of different values, the FSR being adapted to pseudo-randomly generate a first sequence of first output values, each corresponding to one of said M different values, and to provide a first output value, according to the sequence, during each clock cycle of the spread frequency clock signal; -a control unit (22) adapted to select a division factor of the programmable clock divider based on the first output value of the FSR during each clock cycle of the spread frequency clock signal; -an output (53) for providing the spread frequency clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fabien Journet
  • Publication number: 20140247072
    Abstract: The present invention provides a correction circuit. The correction circuit includes a frequency dividing circuit, a frequency dividing coefficient operation circuit, a built-in temperature collection circuit, and a power-on and power-off detection circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinxiu LIU, Shubao GUO, Ding LI
  • Patent number: 8823426
    Abstract: Deserializers are provided. The deserializer includes a data aligner, a selection signal generator and a selection output unit. The data aligner is configured to align data in response to internal clock signals having different phases from each other to generate higher aligned data and lower aligned data. The selection signal generator is configured to detect a phase of one of the internal clock signals in response to a phase detection signal to generate a selection signal. The phase detection signal includes a pulse generated according to a write command signal and a write latency signal. The selection output unit is configured to output the higher aligned data or the lower aligned data as selected alignment data in response to the selection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Keun Soo Song
  • Patent number: 8823434
    Abstract: An operation clock generation circuit performs a calculation on the basis of the frequency errors of a fundamental clock and the clock pulses of the fundamental clock, and generates an operation clock obtained by correcting the frequency errors at first intervals. A correction clock generation circuit converts a lower-bit value that is a value represented by the bits lower than the predefined bit used for judging the change of the state of the operation clock into a count number of the clock pulses of a second clock whose frequency is higher than that of the operation clock, generates a correction clock obtained by correcting the operation clock on the basis of a time required for counting the count number of the clock pulses and the clock pulses of the operation clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoki Yasukawa, Kazuyoshi Kawai
  • Publication number: 20140240009
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and fabrication techniques relating to management of noise arising from capacitance in a clock tree of an integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the methods comprise receiving a signal to adjust a clock having a first rate to a second rate; and ramping, in response to receiving the signal, the clock from the first rate to the second rate, wherein the ramping comprises changing the frequency of the clock to at least one third rate between the first and second rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Kommrusch, Zihno Jusufovic
  • Publication number: 20140240010
    Abstract: A mobile communication device includes an analog clock and a digital clock circuit. The analog clock circuit is configured to generate an oscillating output. The digital clock circuit is configured to generate a digital clock output having a frequency that is substantially equal to the frequency of the oscillating output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Mark A.J. CARRAGHER, John William WYNEN
  • Patent number: 8812893
    Abstract: One embodiment relates an apparatus which includes a plurality of local synchronous divider circuits, each local synchronous divider circuit being configured to receive a serial clock signal and a reset signal and generate a local clock signal. The apparatus further includes a clock distribution network configured to distribute the serial clock signal to the plurality of local synchronous divider circuits and a signal distribution network configured to distribute the reset signal to the plurality of local synchronous divider circuits. Another embodiment relates to a method of distributing a serial clock signal and a reset signal to a plurality of local synchronous divider circuits and generating a local clock signal at each of the plurality of local synchronous divider circuits. Other embodiments, aspects, and features are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Ramanand Venkata, Henry Y. Lui
  • Patent number: 8803568
    Abstract: An apparatus for dividing a frequency by 1.5 to produce a quadrature signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a divider that receives a differential input signal with a first frequency and two phases and creates a six-phase signal at a second frequency. The second frequency is the first frequency divided by 3. The apparatus also includes precision phase rotation circuitry that receives the six-phase signal and produces an eight-phase signal. The apparatus also includes a doubler that receives the eight-phase signal and produces a quadrature signal. The quadrature signal has a third frequency that is the first frequency divided by 1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Wingching Vincent Leung, Zixiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8797078
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a latch circuit comprising a sensing arrangement with one or more sensing transistors adapted to sense an input signal and to provide a first signal based on the sensed input signal, and a sensing arrangement switch device connected or connectable to a first current source, the sensing arrangement switch device being adapted to switch on or off a current to the one or more sensing transistors based on a first clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Saverio Trotta
  • Patent number: 8797069
    Abstract: High-speed RF differential, Quadrature, divide-by-2 clock divider designs are based on inverters and clocking circuits connected in a serial ring formation. In one embodiment, only NMOS transistors are used in the inverters, and only PMOS transistors are used in the clocking circuits. This structure uses only 12 transistors. The input can be coupled directly to a VCO output, and provides minimum loading, as each VCO output is connected to only two transistors. Another embodiment comprises clocked inverter stages connected in a serial ring configuration with inverters between stages. The RF clock (or VCO signal) is used at the outer side of the inverters for speed improvement. In both circuits, positive and negative clock inputs are connected alternately at each stage of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics International N.V.
    Inventors: Leonardus Hesen, Paul Mateman, Johannes Petrus Antonius Frambach
  • Patent number: 8791729
    Abstract: A multi-phase frequency divider comprises first and second latches configured to receive a first input clock having a first frequency and a first phase, wherein the second latch receives the inverted first input clock. The first and second latches generate a plurality of output clocks each having a frequency that equals the first frequency divided by a predetermined divider ratio. The plurality of output clocks each have different phases staggered from the first phase. The frequency divider also comprises at least a first delay latch electrically connected between the first and second latches. The first delay latch is configured to generate, based on an output clock generated by the first latch and a second input clock at the first frequency and a second phase, two delayed output clocks. These two delayed output clocks have a frequency that equals the first frequency divided by the predetermined ratio with different staggered phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim Heinz Dieter Woelk, Erwin Robert Schlag
  • Patent number: 8791763
    Abstract: Tunable injection locked (IL) dividers having enhanced locking range, good phase noise performance, and low power consumption are disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus (e.g., a wireless device) includes an oscillator and at least one IL divider. The oscillator provides an oscillator signal at a first frequency. The at least one IL divider receives the oscillator signal and provides an output signal at a second frequency, which is related to the first frequency by an overall divider ratio for the IL divider(s). Each IL divider may be calibrated based on a target frequency of that IL divider. Each IL divider may be calibrated (e.g., by tuning at least one adjustable capacitor) to obtain an oscillation frequency within a predetermined tolerance of the target frequency of that IL divider. The oscillator may be calibrated based on a target oscillation frequency of the oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Mazhareddin Taghivand
  • Patent number: 8791728
    Abstract: A dynamic latch has a pair of parallel pass gates (a first parallel pass gate that receives a seed signal, and a second parallel pass gate that receives a data signal). A first latch logic circuit performs logic operations using signals output by the parallel pass gates to produce an updated data signal. An additional pass gate is operatively connected to the first latch logic circuit. An additional pass gate controls passage of the updated data signal. An inverter receives the updated data signal from the pass gate, and inverts and outputs the updated data signal as an output data signal. Thus, the dynamic latch comprises two inputs into the pair of parallel pass gates and performs only one of four logical operations on a received data signal. The four logical operations are performed using the signals applied to the two inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Austin, Kai D. Feng, Shiu Chung Ho, Zhenrong Jin
  • Patent number: 8791740
    Abstract: A method for reducing average current consumption in a local oscillator (LO) path is disclosed. An LO signal is received at a master frequency divider and a slave frequency divider. Output from the master frequency divider is mixed with an input signal to produce a first mixed output. Output from the slave frequency divider is mixed with the input signal to produce a second mixed output. The second mixed output is forced to be in phase with the first mixed output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Dongjiang Qiao, Bhushan S. Asuri, Junxiong Deng, Frederic Bossu
  • Patent number: 8786328
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided. Latches are coupled in series with one another in a ring configuration. Each latch includes a tri-state inverter, a first resistor-capacitor (RC) network, and a second RC network. The tri-state inverter has a first clock terminal and a second clock terminal. The first RC network is coupled to the first clock terminal. The second RC network is coupled to the second clock terminal. A biasing network is also provided. The biasing network has a first bias voltage generator that is coupled to the first RC network for each latch and a second bias voltage generator that is coupled to the second RC network for each latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Swaminathan Sankaran, Sudipto Chakraborty, Per T. Roine
  • Patent number: 8779810
    Abstract: Disclosed are frequency dividers, methods, apparatus, and other implementations, including a frequency divider that includes at least one input line to deliver at least one signal with a first frequency, a divider stage comprising multiple divider active components to produce output signals each with a second frequency equal to substantially half the first frequency, and an input stage electrically coupled to the divider stage to enable operation of the divider stage, the input stage including multiple additional active components. Each of the output signals is electrically coupled to an input of a different corresponding component of the multiple additional active components to electrically actuate the respective different corresponding components such that each of the multiple additional active components is periodically in an ON state while during the same time at least another of the multiple additional active components of the input stage is in an OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Alberto Cicalini
  • Publication number: 20140184281
    Abstract: An electronic sub-integer frequency divider circuit, including: a phase rotator circuit, a clock circuitry, a pulse generator which is configured to: (a) receive a plurality of signals having a period TP and of different phases; (b) based on a control command, to process a second clock signal and one or more of the plurality of signals, to produce a second signal which includes S pulses in each period TP; and (c) process the second signal and a first clock signal to produce a regulating signal by which the phase rotator circuit is controlled; and an output interface configured to provide a sub-integer output signal whose frequency is responsive to the regulating signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: International Business Machines Corporation
  • Publication number: 20140176201
    Abstract: A fractional-N divider supplies a divided clock signal. An adjusted divided clock signal is generated in a digital-to-time converter circuit having a delay linearly proportional to digital quantization errors of the fractional-N divider. The adjusted divided clock signal is generated based on first and second capacitors charging to a predetermined level. The charging of the first and second capacitors is interleaved in alternate periods of the divided clock. The charging of each capacitor with a current corresponding to respective digital quantization errors is interleaved with charging with a fixed current. A first edge of a first pulse of the adjusted divided clock signal is generated in response to the first capacitor charging to a predetermined voltage and a first edge of a next pulse of the adjusted divided clock signal is generated in response to the second capacitor charging to the predetermined voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: SILICON LABORATORIES INC.
    Inventors: Colin Weltin-Wu, Yunteng Huang, Manu Seth
  • Publication number: 20140159780
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a clock generator to generate a first clock signal. The apparatus may also include a serializer to generate serial data based on a transmit clock signal and parallel input data. The apparatus may also include a signal generator to generate at least two differential signals based on the first clock signal and the serial data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Wei-Lien Yang
  • Patent number: 8744037
    Abstract: A divider for providing an output signal having an output frequency by dividing a reference frequency of a reference signal by a divider value is disclosed. The divider includes at least a first divider element configured to provide a first divider output signal having a first divider output signal frequency which is half of the reference frequency and a last divider element configured to provide a last divider output signal having a last divider output signal frequency which half of the preceding divider output signal frequency. Furthermore, the divider comprises an output signal provider for providing the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Mobil Communications GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Hauck
  • Patent number: 8742804
    Abstract: A semiconductor device with low power consumption and a small area is provided. By using a transistor including an oxide semiconductor for a channel as a transistor included in a flip-flop circuit, a divider circuit in which the number of transistors is small, power consumption is low, and the area is small can be achieved. By using the divider circuit, a semiconductor device which operates stably and is highly reliable can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Fujita, Yukio Maehashi
  • Patent number: 8742622
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for thermal protection in a power system may be provided. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for thermal protection in a power system having a plurality of power modules selectively enabled and disabled in accordance with an efficiency policy may be provided. The method may include determining if an operating temperature for the power system is greater than a first threshold temperature. The method may also include enabling one or more power modules disabled in accordance with the efficiency policy in response to a determination that the operating temperature is greater than the first threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: George Richards, III
  • Patent number: 8736317
    Abstract: A frequency includes a first edge detection unit configured to generate a first count signal responsive to detecting first edges of an input signal and a second edge detection unit configured to generate a second count signal responsive to detecting the first edges of the input signal in a first operation mode and to generate the second count signal responsive to detecting second edges of the input signal in a second operation mode. One of the first and second edges is a rising edge and the other of the first and second edges is a falling edge. A pulse triggered buffer unit generates an output signal responsive to the first and second count signals. The output signal is divided by a target division ratio with respect to the input signal that is an odd number division ratio in one mode and an even number division ratio in the other mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hwan-Seok Yeo, Ji-Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8736318
    Abstract: A multiphase clock divider includes: a reference clock generator for generating a plurality of reference clocks; and at least one output clock generator including a first multiplexer for selecting to output a selected reference clock, a second multiplexer for selecting to output a first selected input clock, a third multiplexer for selecting to output a second selected input clock, a first flip-flop for outputting a first sampling clock according to the selected reference clock and the first selected input clock, a second flip-flop for outputting a second sampling clock according to the first sampling clock and the second selected input clock, and a fourth multiplexer for selecting to output the first sampling clock or the second sampling clock to generate an output clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: NOVATEK Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Yi-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 8730404
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention includes a latch circuit having a first input to receive a data signal and a second input to receive a clock signal. This latch circuit may have a first pair of transistors including a first transistor gated by the data signal and a second transistor gated by an inverted data signal and a second pair of transistors including third and fourth transistors gated by the clock signal. The first transistor may be coupled to the third transistor at a first inter-latch node and the second transistor coupled to the fourth transistor at a second inter-latch node. A reset circuit may be coupled to the latch circuit to maintain the first and second inter-latch nodes at a predetermined voltage level when the clock signal is inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Daigle, Abdulkerim L. Coban
  • Patent number: 8729931
    Abstract: A divide-by-two divider circuit receives a differential input signal and outputs four rail-to-rail, twenty-five percent duty cycle signals, where the frequency of the output signals is half of the frequency of the input signal. Each latch can output its output signals into loads of at least 15 fF at a frequency of at least 3 GHz so that each output signal has a phase noise of better than 160 dBc/Hz, while the latch consumes less than 0.7 mW over PVT from a supply voltage less than 1.0 volt. Each latch has a cross-coupled pair of P-channel transistors and two output signal generating branches. A static current blocking circuit in each branch prevents current flow in the branch during times when the branch is not switching its output signal. The input node of the latch is capacitively coupled to a signal source, and the DC voltage on the node is set by a bias circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Alireza Khalili
  • Patent number: 8729930
    Abstract: A multiplier-divider circuit for signal process according to the present invention comprises a digital-to-analog converter, a first counter, a second counter, an oscillation circuit, and a control-logic apparatus. The digital-to-analog converter generates an output signal of the multiplier-divider circuit in accordance with the value of an input signal and a first signal. The first counter generates the first signal in response to a clock signal and the duty cycle of the input signal. The second counter generates a second signal in response to the clock signal and the period of the input signal. The oscillation circuit generates the clock signal in accordance with a third signal. The control-logic apparatus generates the third signal in response to the second signal and a constant. The first signal is correlated to the duty cycle of the input signal. The second signal is correlated to the period of the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: System General Corp.
    Inventor: Ta-Yung Yang
  • Patent number: 8710879
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for multiplying frequency of a clock signal are provided, wherein the apparatus provides an initial oscillator signal, compares the initial oscillator signal with a reference signal to generate a first control signal, selectively outputs one of at least one lower threshold value and at least one upper threshold value from a threshold value generation circuit to a clock output circuit according to at least the first control signal, and updates an output clock signal through a digital and logical module processing the comparison of the initial oscillator signal and the selected one of the at least one upper and lower threshold values and the comparison of the initial oscillator signal and a low level signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Integrated System Corp.
    Inventor: Song Sheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20140111256
    Abstract: Deserializers are provided. The deserializer includes a data aligner, a selection signal generator and a selection output unit. The data aligner is configured to align data in response to internal clock signals having different phases from each other to generate higher aligned data and lower aligned data. The selection signal generator is configured to detect a phase of one of the internal clock signals in response to a phase detection signal to generate a selection signal. The phase detection signal includes a pulse generated according to a write command signal and a write latency signal. The selection output unit is configured to output the higher aligned data or the lower aligned data as selected alignment data in response to the selection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SK HYNIX INC.
    Inventor: Keun Soo SONG
  • Patent number: 8704559
    Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing the output signal phase of a plurality of frequency divider circuits in a local-oscillator (LO) or clock signal path is disclosed. The LO path includes a plurality of frequency divider circuits and a LO buffer for receiving a LO signal coupled to the plurality of frequency divider circuits. The method and system comprise adding offset voltage and setting predetermined state to each of the frequency divider circuits; and enabling the frequency divider circuits. The method and system includes enabling the LO buffer to provide the LO signal to the frequency divider circuits after they have been enabled. When the LO signal drives each of the frequency divider circuits, each of the frequency divider circuits starts an operation. Finally the method and system comprise removing the offset voltage from each of the frequency divider circuits to allow them to effectively drive other circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mediatek Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Keng Leong Fong, John Wong, Jenwei Ko
  • Patent number: 8704557
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-speed non-integer frequency divider circuit for use in generating frequencies in a communication device, comprising: at least four bi-stable memory devices each having an input terminal, a clock terminal and an output terminal for outputting an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Adam Malmcrona, Tomas Nylén
  • Patent number: 8698525
    Abstract: A clock divider circuit. The clock divider receives m input clock signals each of the same frequency. Each input clock signal after the first has a phase offset of 2?/m from the previous input clock signal. The clock divider divides the frequency of the input clock signals by an integer of division K. The clock divider includes a counter that receives the first input clock signal and provides one or more count signals. The clock divider also includes m flip-flops, of which a first flip-flop receives the first input clock signal at its clock input and provides a first clock output signal. Each flip-flop after the first receives an input clock signal at its clock input and provides a clock output signal, each clock output signal after the first having a 2?K/m phase offset from the previous clock output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Rajesh Velayuthan
  • Patent number: 8692592
    Abstract: A digital storage element comprises a master transparent latch that receives functional data signals from data input ports and scan data signals from a scan input port. The data input ports are coupled to a two-input, one-output multiplexer adapted to receive the functional data signals and to selectively output one of the functional data signals. The digital storage element also comprises a slave transparent latch coupled to the master transparent latch, the slave transparent latch comprising dedicated functional data and scan data output ports. While operating in a scan mode, a first clock signal is used by the slave transparent latch and a second clock signal is used by the master transparent latch, wherein the first and second clock signals are non-overlapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles M. Branch, Steven C. Bartling, Dharin N. Shah
  • Publication number: 20140091841
    Abstract: A system and method for efficiently performing timing characterization of high-speed clocks signals with low-speed input/output pins. An integrated circuit includes a clock generator that generates a high-speed clock signal. A clock characterizer circuit receives the high-speed clock signal. The clock characterizer generates a corresponding low-speed clock signal. The generated low-speed clock signal is output through a low-speed general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin for measurement. The generated low-speed clock signal is sent to a sequential element for staging. The staging of the generated low-speed clock signal is done with sequential elements that use a reverse polarity of a clock signal than the polarity used by a previous stage. The high-speed clock signal is used for the staging. The output of each stage is sent to a low-speed GPIO pin for measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ravi K. Ramaswami, Geertjan Joordens
  • Patent number: 8680899
    Abstract: A phase lock loop (PLL) is an important component in wireless systems. CMOS technology offers voltage controlled oscillator designs operating at 60 GHz. One of the difficulties is dividing the high frequency clock down to a manageable clock frequency using conventional CMOS. Although injection locked dividers can divide down this clock frequency, these dividers have limitations. A divide by 2 is presented that uses several techniques; feed forward, clock amplification and series peaked inductors to overcome these limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tensorcom, Inc.
    Inventor: Zaw Soe
  • Patent number: 8674730
    Abstract: A frequency divider arrangement for providing a quadrature output signal with a quadrature output signal frequency, includes a signal source for providing a base signal with a base signal frequency at the output side. Further, the frequency divider arrangement includes a first integer number quadrature divider with a first divider ratio for receiving the base signal on the input side and for providing a first quadrature signal with a first quadrature signal frequency according to the first divider ratio of the first integer number quadrature divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Mobile Communications GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Holzleitner, Werner Schelmbauer
  • Publication number: 20140071784
    Abstract: Clock signal generation circuitry. A frequency multiplier is coupled to receive a clock signal and to generate a frequency-multiplied clock signal. A switching circuit is coupled to receive at least two reference clock signals. The switching circuit provides one of the reference clock signals in response to a reference select signal. A phase locked loop (PLL) is coupled to receive the frequency-multiplied clock signal and the selected reference clock signal. The PLL generates an output clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: HARIKRISHNA B. BALIGA, PETER J. SMITH, JOYDEEP RAY
  • Publication number: 20140070853
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided. Latches are coupled in series with one another in a ring configuration. Each latch includes a tri-state inverter, a first resistor-capacitor (RC) network, and a second RC network. The tri-state inverter has a first clock terminal and a second clock terminal. The first RC network is coupled to the first clock terminal. The second RC network is coupled to the second clock terminal. A biasing network is also provided. The biasing network has a first bias voltage generator that is coupled to the first RC network for each latch and a second bias voltage generator that is coupled to the second RC network for each latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Swaminathan Sankaran, Sudipto Chakraborty, Per T. Roine
  • Patent number: 8669820
    Abstract: An oscillator circuit includes a clock oscillator which outputs a main clock signal having an oscillating frequency switched between a high frequency and a low frequency in response to a frequency selection signal, and a frequency divider circuit which outputs a sub-clock signal having a divided frequency equivalent to a frequency division ratio of the oscillating frequency of the main clock signal, the frequency division ratio being switched in response to the frequency selection signal. The divided frequency of the sub-clock signal is predetermined for each of the high frequency and the low frequency to which the oscillating frequency is switched in response to the frequency selection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makio Abe, Fumihiro Inoue, Junichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8653862
    Abstract: A frequency divider includes a phase selection circuit, control circuit and a retiming circuit. The phase selection circuit is arranged to receive a plurality of input signals with different phases, and generate an output signal by selectively outputting one of the input signals according to a plurality of retimed signals. The control circuit is arranged to receive the output signal to generate a plurality of control signals. The retiming circuit is arranged to retime the control signals to generate the retimed signals according to the input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventor: Ang-Sheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20140036150
    Abstract: A method of operating a pixel clock generator (PCG), the method including generating N clock signals according to a control voltage signal, the N clock signals having different phases and N being a natural number; generating M frequency-divided clock signals based on the N clock signals, the M frequency-divided clock signals having different phases and M being a natural number greater than N; and generating a pixel clock signal based on at least two selected ones of the M frequency-divided clock signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Jin KIM, Tae Ik KIM, Se Hyung JEON
  • Patent number: 8643408
    Abstract: In response to a first level of the clock signal, an inverting output of a flip-flop circuit is connected, via a non-inverting input thereof, to a first intermediate node of the flip-flop circuit and a non-inverting output of the flip-flop circuit is connected, via an inverting input thereof, to a second intermediate node of the flip-flop circuit. In response to a second level of the clock signal, the first intermediate node is connected, via a third intermediate node of the flip-flop circuit, to the non-inverting output and the second intermediate node is connected, via a fourth intermediate node of the flip-flop circuit, to the inverting output. A first cross-coupled gates arrangement of the flip-flop circuit is coupled between the first and second intermediate nodes. A second cross-coupled gates arrangement of the flip-flop circuit is coupled between the third and fourth intermediate nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Shueh Yuan, Chien-Hung Chen, Shao-Yu Li
  • Patent number: 8638110
    Abstract: There is provided a high resolution circuit for converting a capacitance-to-time deviation including a capacitance deviation detecting unit generating two detection signals having a phase difference corresponding to variations of capacitance of an micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) sensor; a capacitance deviation amplifying unit dividing frequencies of the two detection signals to amplify the phase difference corresponding to the capacitance deviation; and a time signal generating unit generating a time signal having a pulse width corresponding to the amplified phase difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sung Sik Lee, Myung Lae Lee, Gunn Hwang, Chang Auck Choi
  • Patent number: 8633739
    Abstract: Fractional frequency division is performed by sequentially selecting phase signals for division, where transitioning from a previous phase signal to a next phase signal for division occurs in response to not only the frequency-divided previous phase signal but also a second one of the phase signals. A phase transition that is triggered at least in part in response to a second phase signal having a phase that is greater (with respect to the phase signal sequence) than the phase of the next phase signal can aid minimization of signal glitches. The first frequency-divided signal can be further divided to produce a second frequency-divided signal having a 50-percent duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean A. Badillo
  • Publication number: 20140009192
    Abstract: A PLL generates an output clock obtained by multiplying a reference clock by an odd number. An odd-number frequency divider divides the output clock by the odd number to generate a first clock. A frequency divider divides the first clock by a predetermined number to generate a second clock. An even-number frequency divider divides the output clock by an even number to generate a third clock. A frequency divider divides the third clock at such a frequency division ratio that makes the frequency division ratio of the odd-number frequency divider and the frequency divider match the frequency division ratio of the even-number frequency divider and the frequency divider to generate a fourth clock. A control unit lowers an oscillation frequency of the PLL when the result of comparing the second clock and the fourth clock represents a mismatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Kouichi SUZUKI