Abstract: A self-test circuit and a self-test method for a comparator are provided. A first output terminal of the comparator is coupled to an input terminal of a first inverter, and a second output terminal of the comparator is coupled to an input terminal of a second inverter. The comparator operates in a reset phase or a comparison phase according to a clock. The self-test method includes steps of: coupling the first output terminal and the second output terminal so that the comparator enters a test mode; and in the test mode, controlling the comparator to operate in the reset phase or the comparison phase according to the clock. In the test mode, the first output terminal and the second output terminal have substantially the same voltage.

Abstract: Provided is an oscillator arranged to output an oscillation signal of an oscillation frequency having an increasing and decreasing component that increases and decreases in one period, and an offset component for each period.

Abstract: A feedback divider in a mixed-signal circuit is modulated by a frequency control word controlling a delta-sigma modulator. An accumulated quantization error from the delta-sigma modulator is compared to a residual error in the circuit by a Least-Mean Square (LMS) correlator for gain calibration to adjust for linear errors. Upper bits of the accumulated quantization error access a lookup table to find two outputs of the compensation function that are interpolated between using lower bits of the accumulated quantization error. The interpolated result is an adjustment subtracted from the loop to compensate for non-linear errors. A set of orthogonal kernels is generated from the accumulated quantization error and calibrated using another LMS correlator and inverse transformed to generate updates to the non-linear compensation function in the lookup table. The kernels can be Walsh Hadamard (WH) and the inverse transformer an inverse WH transformer.

Abstract: Various embodiments a PLL-based clock unit is disclosed. An exemplary clock unit includes a PLL, a low-jitter XO to provide a low-jitter input clock and a low-cost TCXO to provide a low-temperature-drift clock. The clock unit additionally includes a holdover module coupled to the PLL and configured to receive the low-jitter input clock and a reference input clock; record a relationship between the low-jitter input clock and the reference input clock during a normal operation mode; and output the recorded relationship to the PLL as a control signal during a holdover operation mode when the reference input clock is unavailable. This clock unit additionally includes a statistical module to compute a relationship between the low-jitter input clock and the low-temperature-drift clock; and a control module to dynamically adjust the output of the holdover module based on the determined relationship so that the output clock of the clock unit maintains both low-jitter and low-temperature-drift characteristics.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein refer to an integrated circuit having a clock generator providing a clock signal. The integrated circuit may include a block having a block boundary, and the block receives the clock signal from the clock generator and provides the clock signal along a clock-tree. The integrated circuit may include a plurality of sub-blocks disposed within the block boundary of the block, and each sub-block of the plurality of sub-blocks receives the clock signal from within the block boundary of the block via the clock-tree, and diverges the clock signal into a first clock signal and a second clock signal from within a sub-block boundary of each sub-block.

Abstract: Injection locked oscillation circuits are applied along clock distribution circuit paths to increase clock signal bandwidth, reduce duty cycle error, reduce quadrature phase error, reduce clock signal jitter, and reduce clock signal power consumption.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a frequency source with an adjustable frequency, and related system, method and electronic device, in particular to a frequency source with an adjustable frequency comprising an input terminal for receiving an input voltage signal, wherein the frequency source identifies a frequency of the input voltage signal. The present disclosure relates to a system comprising the frequency source, a method for identifying the frequency of the voltage signal, and an electronic device comprising the frequency source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating a plurality of clock signals or high-frequency signals. The devices includes a reference signal generator, which is connected to an oscillator and generates at its output a reference signal with a reference frequency fx. The device also includes at least one signal processor, for example, a DDS, which is connected to the reference frequency generator via a first signal line and to which the reference signal with the reference frequency fx is supplied, and which is configured to generate an output signal having a frequency less than fx.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clock data recovery (CDR) device including a master lane circuit and a plurality of slave lane circuits. The master lane circuit includes: a clock multiplication unit including a phase frequency detector (PFD), a charge pump (CP), a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), and a loop divider; a master lane sampling circuit; a master lane phase detector (PD); and a master lane multiplexer coupled between the master lane PD and the CP and between the PFD and the CP. Each slave lane circuit includes: a slave lane sampling circuit (SLS); a slave lane PD; a slave lane digital loop filter; a phase rotator (PR); and a slave lane multiplexer coupled between the VCO and the SLS and between the PR and the SLS, in which the master lane multiplexer and the slave lane multiplexers are configured to have the CDR device operate in one of multiple modes.

Abstract: In a method and device to align phases of a first clock signal and a second clock signal, include a phase detector, a delay generator, and a controller. The phase detector is configured to generate a preceding signal and a succeeding signal with respect to the first clock signal to detect a relationship between phases of the first clock signal and the second clock signal. The delay generator is configured to delay the first clock signal when the second clock signal falls behind the succeeding signal with respect to the first clock signal. The controller is configured to determine whether the phases of the first clock signal and the second clock signal are aligned with each other according to the relationship detected by the phase detector.

Abstract: A delay locked loop includes a control loop receiving reference and feedback clock signals, and generating biasing voltages therefrom. A delay chain receives the reference clock signal and generates N successively delayed versions thereof, each at a successive tap thereof. The Nth delayed version is the feedback clock signal. The control loop has a phase detector asserting an up signal when a phase of the feedback clock signal lags that of the reference clock signal, asserting a down signal when the phase of the feedback clock signal leads that of the reference clock signal. A digital filtering block compares a number of assertions of the up signal during the period of the reference clock signal to those of the down signal, and asserts an up or down command signal based thereupon. A biasing voltage generation circuit receives the up and down command signals and generates the biasing voltages therefrom.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop circuit comprises a multi-phase oscillator having a plurality of coupled oscillators. A calibration module detects mismatches between frequency characteristics of the different oscillators in the phase-locked loop circuit during a calibration process. The calibration module then calibrates the various oscillators to compensate for the detected mismatch. Once calibrated, the phase-locked loop circuit can operate with little or no performance degradation despite the mismatch in frequency characteristics between the different oscillators.

Abstract: A controller and a method for power sequencing a computer. The controller may be configured to provide to a south bridge, before the south bridge has completed power management resets, a real time clock signal at a first frequency, and provide to the south bridge, after the south bridge has completed power management resets, a real time clock signal at a second frequency.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC) that receives a reference frequency signal and a feedback frequency signal, and outputs a first digital signal indicating a time difference between the reference frequency signal and the feedback frequency signal; a digital loop filter (DLF) that outputs a second digital signal generated by filtering the first digital signal; a multiplier circuit that outputs one of a third digital signal and a final test signal, the third digital signal generated by performing a multiplication operation on the second digital signal using a multiplication coefficient; a digital-controlled oscillator (DCO) that generates an oscillation signal having a frequency based on the output one of the third digital signal and the final test signal; and a loop gain calibrator (LGC) that receives the oscillation signal, generates a pair of test signals, and determines the multiplication coefficient using the pair of test signals.

Abstract: An oscillator architecture with pulse-edge tuning to control the pulse rising and falling edges (such as for duty cycle correction), including a signal generator with a pull-up PMOS transistor coupled to a high rail, and a pull-down NMOS transistor coupled to a low rail. Pulse-edge tuning circuitry includes a high-side tuning PMOS transistor between the high rail and a source terminal of the pull-up PMOS transistor, and a low-side tuning NMOS transistor between the low rail and a source terminal of the pull-down NMOS transistor. Both tuning FETs are controlled for operation as a variable resistor by respective high-side and low-side DACs to provide tuning control signals to the tuning FETs. In an example application, the oscillator design is adapted for a direct conversion RF signal chain (TX and/or RX) including an I-Path and a Q-Path: the signal generator generates ±I and ±Q differential signal frequencies.

Abstract: A chip having output synchronization includes a phase detector for receiving an external reference clock signal, an input delay path coupled to an output of the phase detector and having an output for providing an internal reference clock signal, an output delay path coupled to the output of the input delay path and having an output coupled to a feedback input of the phase detector, a phase adjustment circuit having a first input coupled to the output of the input delay path, a second input for receiving a local clock signal, and an output coupled to the control input of the input delay path, and a synchronization capture circuit having a first input coupled to the output of said input delay path, a second input for receiving the local clock signal, a third input for receiving a synchronization signal, and an output for providing a synchronization trigger signal.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an internal supply rail; a plurality of first main header switches for coupling the internal supply rail to a first power supply; a plurality of second main header switches for coupling the internal supply rail to a second power supply; an auxiliary circuit including a first auxiliary header switch for coupling the internal supply rail to the first power supply and a second auxiliary header switch for coupling the internal supply rail to the second power supply; a feedback circuit, the feedback circuit tracking a status of the first and second main header switches; and a control circuit, the control circuit controlling the first main header switches, second main header switches and first and second auxiliary header switches responsive to the switch control signal and an output of the feedback circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods to provide a digital wakeup timer with reduced size and lower power. An example system or apparatus includes a wakeup timer employing a digital-intensive frequency-locked loop (DFLL) architecture to fully utilize the advantages of advanced CMOS processes. Such a system includes a bang-bang frequency detector, a digital loop filter, a digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO), and a multi-phase clock generator. An output of the bang-bang frequency detector is provided to an input of the digital loop filter. An output of the digital loop filter is provided to the DCO. An output of the DCO includes information indicative of an output frequency. The multi-phase clock generator provides respective clock signals based on the output frequency to the bang-bang frequency detector, the digital loop filter, and the DCO.

Abstract: A method for operating a clock product includes generating a quality determination for a reference clock signal based on frequency metrics for a plurality of independent clock signals. The frequency metrics are generated using the reference clock signal. The method includes generating an output clock signal by locking to an active clock signal selected from the plurality of independent clock signals in response to the quality determination satisfying a predetermined quality metric. For each input clock signal of the plurality of independent clock signals, the frequency metrics include a current average frequency count, a prior average frequency count, a standard deviation of prior average frequency counts, and a multiplicative constant corresponding to a number of samples used to determine the current average frequency count, prior average frequency count, and standard deviation.

Abstract: A power transmission network is disclosed, which includes an AC electrical network connected to a point of common coupling, the point of common coupling being connectable to a further electrical device; and a processing circuit configured to receive and process a voltage of the point of common coupling to determine a phase difference between the voltages of the AC electrical network and the point of common coupling during an exchange of power between the AC electrical network and the point of common coupling.

Abstract: Systems and methods for application specific integrated circuit design using Chronos links are disclosed. A Chronos Link is an ASIC on-chip and off-chip interconnect communication protocol that allows interfaces to transmit and receive information. The protocol may utilize messages or signals to indicate the availability and/or readiness of information to be exchanged between a producer and a consumer allowing the communication to be placed on hold and to be resumed seamlessly. A method includes inserting gaskets and channel repeaters connected to interfaces of multiple intellectual property (IP) blocks in order to replace traditional links with Chronos Links; performing simplified floorplanning; performing simplified placement; performing simplified clock tree synthesis (CTS) and routing; and performing simplified timing closure.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calibrating an interleaved digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Sets of sub-DACs are enabled, and by creating a high frequency fundamental signal, spurs can be driven down sufficiently low in frequency to be sampled and digitally converted. By minimizing the power of these digital signals, the duty cycles of the different clock phases are calibrated. Then, sets of sub-DACs are enabled and high pass filtered, so that the spurs can be downconverted using corresponding phases of the clock, to a frequency low enough to sampled and digitally converted. The power of the digital signals is minimized as a first step in phase calibration. As a final step, all the sub-DACs are enabled, the high pass filter removed, and a high frequency fundamental signal is downconverted using at least two clock phases, so that the phase difference can be measured and corrected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a variable clock divider configured to divide a first clock signal to generate a second clock signal, a delay circuit configured to delay the second clock signal to generate a third clock signal, and a phase detector configured to compare phases of the second and third clock signals. The variable clock divider has a division ratio that is variable based, at least in part, on a delay amount of the delay circuit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a circuit comprising: a voltage generator adapted to generate a variable supply voltage for powering a processing core; a frequency generator adapted to generate a variable frequency clock signal of the processing core and comprising a frequency locked loop having: a digitally controlled oscillator configured to generate the variable frequency clock signal; and a controller (614) configured to generate a digital control signal (C_FREQ), wherein the controller is configured to implement a frequency transition of the variable frequency clock signal from a first frequency to a second lower frequency by generating: a first value of the digital control signal (C_FREQ) to apply a first reduction in the frequency of the variable frequency clock signal to a third frequency lower than the second frequency; and further values of the digital control signal (C_FREQ).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit includes a first voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to generate a first signal having a first frequency and a second VCO to generate a second signal having a second frequency. The PLL circuit includes a multiplexer coupled to the first VCO, the second VCO, and a feedback loop. The PLL circuit includes a control logic to select either the first VCO or the second VCO using the multiplexer to feed back a signal using the feedback loop, and a phase frequency detector coupled to the first VCO, the second VCO, and the feedback loop, where the phase frequency detector is configured to receive a reference signal and the feedback signal to tracking a frequency and a phase of the first or the second generated signal using the reference signal and the feedback signal.

Abstract: A novel and useful apparatus for and method of software based phase locked loop (PLL). The software based PLL incorporates a reconfigurable calculation unit (RCU) that is optimized and programmed to sequentially perform all the atomic operations of a PLL or any other desired task in a time sharing manner. An application specific instruction-set processor (ASIP) incorporating the RCU includes an instruction set whose instructions are optimized to perform the atomic operations of a PLL. The RCU is clocked at a fast enough processor clock rate to insure that all PLL atomic operations are performed within a single PLL reference clock cycle.

Abstract: A method for automated configuration of a tester equipped for testing a control unit. A first and second model of technical systems being executed in the tester. The execution of the models taking place periodically with defined sampling rates. An FPGA executes the first and/or the second model and a CPU executes the first or the second model. A first individual sampling rate is allocated for the first model and a second individual sampling rate is allocated for the second model. The first model is assigned for execution on either the CPU or the FPGA and the second model is assigned for execution on either the CPU or the FPGA. The tester is automatically configured for execution of the first model with the first allocated sampling rate on the FPGA or the CPU and of the second model with the second allocated sampling rate on the FPGA or the CPU.

Abstract: A chirp-generator comprising a phase-detector for providing a phase-difference-signal representative of a phase difference between a clock-input-signal and a feedback-signal. A VCO-circuit is configured to provide a chirp-generator-output-signal based on the phase-difference-signal. The VCO-circuit comprises a switched-varactor-bank, which includes a plurality of varactors, and a varactor-switch associated with each of the plurality of varactors. The varactor-switch is configured to selectively control whether or not the associated varactor contributes to the capacitance of the VCO-circuit, based on the state of a varactor-control-signal. The chirp-generator also includes a feedback-component configured to: receive the chirp-generator-output-signal; and apply a variable-multiplication-factor to the chirp-generator-output-signal in order to provide the feedback signal for the phase-detector.

Abstract: A dual-PFD circuit with delay feedback generated by a dual-modulus prescaler based on mode control from a feedback delay generation circuit. The PFD circuit can be used with a PLL feedback divider to divide a VCO clock signal VCO_clk and generate FB and FB_DLY signals. The PLL feedback divider includes a dual modulus prescaler to selectively divide the VCO_clk by either M or M+1 (such as 4/5) based on a divide mode control input to generate a prescaled divide signal, and a programmed counter/divider (N counter/1/N divider) to selectively divide the prescaled divide signal to generate the FB signal, and a delay generation circuit to selectively delay the FB signal by a pre-defined delay to generate the FB_DLY signal. The prescaler is responsive to the pre-defined delay from the delay generation circuit to change divide modes. The dual PFD circuit response to the FB and FB_DLY signals in relation to a reference signal to generate a phase comparison signal.

Abstract: A duty cycle correction circuit is provided. The duty cycle correction circuit may include a correction circuit configured to correct a duty cycle of an external clock signal according to a locking signal. The duty cycle correction circuit may include a locking signal detection circuit configured to generate the locking signal for correcting the duty cycle of the external clock signal, using an internal clock signal generated in a semiconductor circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a reference path circuit and communication device are generally described herein. The reference path circuit may include an injection locked multiplier (ILM) and a group of one or more buffer amplifiers. The ILM may receive a sinusoidal reference signal from a reference oscillator at a reference frequency. The ILM may generate a sinusoidal ILM output signal at an ILM output frequency that is based on an integer multiple of the reference frequency. The integer multiple of the reference frequency may be within a locking range of the ILM that may be based on a resonant frequency of the ILM. The group of one or more buffer amplifiers may generate an output clock signal for input to the frequency synthesizer. The output clock signal may be based on a sign function of the ILM output signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for providing direct measurement delay calibration. An apparatus may include a plurality of delay elements in a loop. The apparatus may also include a controller coupled to the plurality of delay elements. The controller may be configured to cause determining, for a predetermined time period, delay oscillations from the plurality of delay elements in the loop. The controller may also be configured to cause determining, based on the determined delay oscillations, the predetermined time period, and a quantity of the plurality of delay elements, a subset of the plurality of delay elements for delaying an input signal. The controller may also be configured to cause routing the input signal through the subset of the plurality of delay elements.

Abstract: A soft decision analyzer system is operable to interconnect soft decision communication equipment and analyze the operation thereof to detect symbol wise alignment between a test data stream and a reference data stream in a variety of operating conditions.

Abstract: A method includes generating a reference clock using a crystal oscillator; generating a first clock based on the reference clock using a clock multiplier unit, in which a frequency of the first clock is higher than a frequency of the reference clock by a clock multiplier factor; generating a second lock based on the first clock using a frequency multiplying circuit in accordance with a frequency multiplying signal, in which a frequency of the second clock is higher than the frequency of the first clock by a factor that is equal to either five fourths or three halves, depending on whether the frequency multiplying signal is in a first state or in a second state; dividing down the second clock by a factor of two to generate a first LO (local oscillator) signal; dividing down the first LO signal by a factor of two to generate a second LO signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a clock circuit configured to receive first and second clock signals and perform a phase control operation in which a phase relationship between the first and second clock signals is controlled, the clock circuit configured to initiate the phase control operation each time a first control signal is asserted, the clock circuit including a comparator circuit that is configured to produce a second control signal indicative of a phase difference between the first and second clock signals, and a timing generator configured to assert the first control signal cyclically, the timing generator configured to respond to the second control signal to control a cycle of producing the first control signal.

Abstract: An output clock frequency of an adaptive oscillator circuit changes in response to noise on an integrated circuit power supply line. The circuit features two identical delay lines which are separately connected to a regulated supply and a droopy supply. In response to noise on the droopy supply, the delay lines cause a change in the output clock frequency. The adaptive oscillator circuit slows down the output clock frequency when the droopy supply droops or falls below the regulated supply. The adaptive oscillator circuit clamps the output clock frequency at a level determined by the regulated supply when the droopy supply overshoots or swings above the regulated supply.

Abstract: A frequency divider circuit and a frequency synthesizer circuit are presented, comprising: first and second flip-flops; a phase inverter, wherein an output electrode of the first flip-flop is connected to an input electrode of the second flip-flop and an output electrode of the phase inverter, an output electrode of the second flip-flop is connected to an input electrode of the phase inverter and an input electrode of the first flip-flop, a control electrode of the phase inverter is connected to a control signal; and a control module, wherein the first flip-flop is connected to a voltage source through the control module, the control module is connected to the control signal and controls the connection between the first flip-flop and the voltage source. When the control signal is a first-mode signal, the first flip-flop is disconnected from the voltage source, providing a functionality of a N-division frequency divider.

Abstract: In one form, a spread spectrum clock generator includes a clock generator and a modulator. The clock generator modulates a frequency of a reference clock signal using a modulation signal to provide a spread spectrum clock signal. The clock generator has a characteristic transfer function that varies with values of a parameter. The modulator generates the modulation signal according to a desired profile conditioned by an inverse of the characteristic transfer function of the clock generator at a current value of the parameter.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method for classifying received radio frequency signals, including: receiving an input signal; matched filtering the input signal to produce a correlation result signal; sampling the correlation result signal at a plurality of half-bit-grids and a plurality of bit-grids to produce a set of modulated phase correlation result samples and a set of non-modulated phase correlation result samples; calculating a minimum of the set of modulated phase correlation result samples; calculating a maximum of the set of non-modulated phase correlation result samples; and classifying the input signal as valid data or collision data based on the minimum and the maximum.

Abstract: A process for the acquisition of data of a counting device measuring pulses delivered by a sensor can include reading a first datum value of the counting device. The first datum value corresponds to the pulse emitted by the sensor. The process can also include storing in memory the first datum value as a source value. The process can also include measuring a time-interval between said reading and an incremental change of the first datum value of the counting device to a second datum value. The process can also include obtaining a first adjustment value Vx in response to the measured time interval.

Abstract: An example sigma delta modulator (SDM) circuit includes a floor circuit, a subtractor having a first input coupled an input of the floor circuit and a second input coupled to an output of the floor circuit, and a multi-stage noise shaping (MASH) converter having a programmable order. The MASH converter includes an input coupled to an output of the subtractor. The SDM further includes a programmable delay circuit having an input coupled to the output of the floor circuit, and an adder having a first input coupled to an output of the MASH converter and a second input coupled to an output of the programmable delay circuit.

Abstract: An object detection system for autonomous vehicle, comprising a radar unit and at least one ultra-low phase noise frequency synthesizer, is provided. The 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. The ultra-low phase noise frequency synthesizer may utilize Clocking device, Sampling Reference PLL, at least one fixed frequency divider, DDS and main PLL to reduce phase noise from the returned radio signal. This proposed system overcomes deficiencies of current generation state of the art Radar Systems by providing much lower level of phase noise which would result in improved performance of the radar system in terms of target detection, characterization etc. Further, a method for autonomous vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various examples are directed to electrical converters and systems for operating the same. An electrical converter may comprise a first converter module configured to receive a first direct current (DC) input and provide a first output. The first converter module may comprise a first switch modulated according to a first switch control signal. A second converter module may be configured to receive a second DC input and provide a second output. The second converter module may be connected in series with the first converter module. The second converter module may comprise a second switch modulated according to a second switch control signal. A phase of the first switch control signal may be offset from a phase of the second switch control signal by a first phase offset.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a signal network and a phase detector circuit. The signal network includes an adjustable delay circuit. The adjustable delay circuit is coupled at an intersection in the signal network between branches of the signal network. The signal network generates a first signal at a first leaf node of the signal network in response to a second signal. The signal network generates a third signal at a second leaf node of the signal network in response to the second signal. The phase detector circuit compares phases of the first and third signals to generate a phase detection signal. The adjustable delay circuit adjusts a delay provided to the first signal relative to the second signal to reduce a skew between the first and third signals based on the phase detection signal indicating that the first and third signals have the skew.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing frequency divided clocks are described. An example apparatus includes a first circuit configured to provide a first intermediate clock responsive, at least in part, to a first input clock, the first intermediate clock being lower in frequency than the first input clock and further includes a second circuit configured to provide a second intermediate clock and a third intermediate clock responsive, at least in part, to a second input clock, the second intermediate clock being complementary to the third intermediate clock and lower in frequency than the second input clock. The apparatus further includes a third circuit configured to select and provide as an output clock one of the second and third intermediate clocks responsive, at least in part, to the first and second intermediate clocks.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for transmitting, by a first device, a transmission signal that includes a carrier signal modulated with a TM signal. Receiving a response signal from a second device in response to the transmission signal. Determining, whether the response signal includes the TM signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular multilevel converter (2) having a control module (4) and a computer (10) for computing a setpoint for the internal energy of the converter stored in the capacitors of the submodules of the arms. The control module is configured to deduce, from the setpoint for the internal energy of the converter, a setpoint for the voltage across the terminals of each modeled capacitor, which setpoint is used for regulating the voltage across the points of common coupling between the converter and the DC power supply network and the voltage across the terminals of each modeled capacitor.

Abstract: A delay locked loop includes a delay line, a delay circuit, a phase detector, a delay code generator, and a delay controller. The delay line may delay an input clock signal in units of unit delay in response to a delay control code to generate an output clock signal. The delay circuit may delay the output clock signal to generate a delay clock signal. The phase detector may compare the input clock signal and the delay clock signal to generate a phase detection signal. The delay code generator may compare the input clock signal and the delay clock signal to detect a phase difference therebetween, and generate a delay code using the phase difference. The delay controller may generate the delay control code using the delay code and the phase detection signal.

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 training method for a memory device includes providing, at a memory controller, a clock signal to the memory device to synchronize a control signal at a reference time point of the clock signal. When the clock signal, such as a training clock signal, does not transition after the reference time point, a failure time point is found at which the memory device fails to sample the control signal at the reference time point, based on the clock signal and the control signal. A synchronization time point of the control signal may be set, at which the memory device secures a sampling margin for sampling the control signal at the reference time point, based on the failure time point. A sampler circuit may sample the control signal at an edge of a rising edge of the clock signal.