Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses and methods for lookahead duty cycle adjustment of a clock signal. Clock signals may be provided to a semiconductor device, such as a memory device, to synchronize one or more operations. A duty cycle adjuster (DCA) of the device may adjust the clock signal(s) based on a duty code determined during an initialization of the device. While the device is in operation, a lookahead DCA (LA DCA) may test a number of different adjustments to the clock signal(s), the results of which may be determined by a duty cycle monitor (DCM). The results of the DCM may be used to select one of the tested adjustments, which may be used to update the duty code.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: an oscillator to output a clock signal on a first line; a switch coupled to the first line; and a voltage divider coupled to the switch. The switch may be controlled to output the clock signal through the voltage divider via the first line to a pin in a non-reset mode and prevent the clock signal from being provided to the pin in a reset mode.

Abstract: A method and system for performing duty-cycle correction (DCC) on a clock signal is provided. The method provides a two-step duty cycle correction. The method can include performing a main DCC of a single-ended clock signal, to generate a duty cycle adjusted single-ended clock signal, wherein a duty cycle of the single-ended clock signal is corrected according to a received duty-cycle continuous control signal and converting the duty cycle adjusted single-ended clock signal to differential clock signals. The method can further include performing a trim DCC by correcting a duty cycle of the differential clock signals according to a duty-cycle trim control signal received and generated in dependence upon duty cycles detected from differential output clock signals to provide error-corrected differential clock signals.

Abstract: A delay locked loop circuit includes a delay line, a phase detector, a selection controller, and a charge pump. The delay line delays, based on a delay control voltage, a reference clock signal to generate an internal clock signal and a feedback clock signal. The phase detector compares phases of the internal clock signal and the feedback clock signal to generate a first detection signal and a second detection signal. The selection controller provides the reference clock signal as an up-signal and a down-signal. The charge pump generates the delay control voltage based on the up-signal and the down-signal.

Abstract: Delay locked loop (DLL) circuitry system and a memory device are disclosed. The DLL circuitry system includes a timer unit and a DLL circuit coupled thereto. The timer unit is enabled to generate a DLL enable signal based on the signal instructing the entry into a low power consumption mode and a predefined timer condition. The DLL enable signal enables the DLL circuit to realign an internal clock signal with an external clock signal. In this way, the DLL circuit is avoided from being unable to align the internal clock signal with the external clock signal because the memory device enters the low power mode which causes the variation of the power supply voltage of the DLL circuit. Moreover, a read or write error that may occur when data is to be read or written immediately after exiting the low power consumption mode is also avoided.

Abstract: Provided herein are delay locked loops (DLLs) with calibration for external delay. In certain embodiments, a timing alignment system includes a DLL including a detector that generates a delay control signal based on comparing a reference clock signal to a feedback clock signal, and a controllable delay line configured to generate the feedback clock signal by delaying the reference clock signal based on the delay control signal. The timing alignment system further includes a delay compensation circuit that provides an adjustment to the controllable delay line to compensate for a delay of the feedback clock signal in reaching the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a frequency estimate of an output signal includes a reference signal generator configured to generate a reference clock signal. The apparatus includes frequency estimation circuitry configured to generate a cycle count based frequency estimation of the output signal based on the reference clock signal and a clock cycle count of the output signal. The frequency estimation circuitry further generates a fractional frequency estimation of the output signal based on the reference clock signal and a plurality of time-to-digital conversion phase samples of the output signal. The frequency estimation circuitry further generates the frequency estimate of the output signal using the cycle count based frequency estimation within a range and a frequency error determined from the fractional frequency estimation. The plurality of time-to-digital conversion phase samples and the cycle count based frequency estimation use a same number of reference clock cycles of the reference clock signal.

Abstract: A method for clock switching includes propagating a first clock signal through a first clock path, propagating a second clock signal through a second clock path, generating a first delay control signal based on the first clock signal, and generating a second delay control signal based on the second clock signal. The method also includes, in a first mode, coupling the first clock path to a delay circuit and inputting the first delay control signal to a control input of the delay circuit. The method also includes, in a second mode, coupling the second clock path to the delay circuit and inputting the second delay control signal to the control input of the delay circuit.

Abstract: A hierarchical time step generator circuit is configured to be used for a time-based analog-to-digital converter. The hierarchical time step generator is configured to generate multiphase clock signals in response to receiving a reference clock signal. The time-based analog-to-digital converter is configured to be controlled to digitize the input signal by the multiphase clock signals. The hierarchical time step generator includes a first level time step generator configured to generate the a set of first level multiphase signals in response to receiving the reference clock signal a phase interpolator circuit configured as second level to generate second level clock signals between each of the first level clock signals and a third level configured to generate the third set of multiphase clock signals using a set of time staggered multi-phase phase locked loops synchronized to each of the second level clock signals.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and a control method, apparatus, and device therefor, and a medium. The data acquisition system comprises: a signal transmission line, the signal transmission line having multiple first signal delay units connected in series, and the output end of each of the first signal delay units forming an acquisition point; multiple acquisition units, the acquisition units being connected to the acquisition points of the first signal delay units to acquire signals at the acquisition points; a clock unit, configured to generate a control signal; a comparison unit, configured to compare the period of the control signal with the period of a standard signal, and generate an adjustment signal according to the comparison result; and an adjustment unit, configured to adjust a power supply voltage for the signal transmission line and the clock unit according to the adjustment signal, so that the ratio of the period of the control signal to the period of the standard signal meets a set threshold range.

Abstract: A system includes a measuring device, a processing device and a signal generating device. The measuring device is configured to measure a voltage difference between a first node and a second node. The processing device is coupled between the first node and the second node. The signal generating device is configured to provide a first clock signal to the processing device to adjust the voltage difference, configured to generate the first clock signal according to a first enable signal and a second clock signal, and configured to align an edge of the first enable signal with an edge of the second clock signal. A method and a device are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A phase detection circuit may include an edge trigger circuit, a strobe generation circuit and a phase detector. The edge trigger circuit generates a falling clock signal and a rising clock signal based on a reference clock signal and a target clock signal. The strobe generation circuit generates a falling strobe signal and a rising strobe signal having pulse widths varying based on a phase relationship between the reference clock signal and the target clock signal. The phase detector generates a phase detection signal based on the falling clock signal, the rising clock signal, the falling strobe signal and the rising strobe signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide a multi-channel signal synchronization system, circuit, and method. The multi-channel signal synchronization system comprises a clock signal generation module, a synchronization signal generation module, and signal receiving modules; the clock signal generation module is configured to generate a first clock signal; the synchronization signal generation module is configured to generate a synchronization signal based on the first clock signal and transmit the synchronization signal to the clock signal generation module; the clock signal generation module generates second clock signals on the basis of the synchronization signal and transmits the second clock signals to the signal receiving modules; the synchronization signal generation module transmits the synchronization signal to the signal receiving modules.

Abstract: Proposed are an ultra-low jitter low-power phase-locked loop using a power-gating injection-locked frequency multiplier-based phase detector (PG-ILFM PD) and an operating method thereof. The proposed PG-ILFM PD includes a replica voltage controlled oscillator (R-VCO) configured to cut off the power supply of the R-VCO repeatedly based on a reference signal SREF and a fundamental sampling phase detector (FSPD) configured to receive an output signal SILFM of the R-VCO as a reference signal for sampling and detect a phase error of a main voltage controlled oscillator (M-VCO).

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a delay locked loop includes a coarse delay circuit configured to delay a reference clock signal to generate a first clock signal, a fine delay circuit configured to delay the first clock signal to generate a second clock signal, a first delay circuit configured to delay the second clock signal to generate a third clock signal, a second delay circuit configured to delay the first clock signal to generate a fourth clock signal, a third delay circuit configured to delay the fourth clock signal to generate a fifth clock signal, a phase detector configured to detect a phase difference between the reference clock signal and the fifth clock signal, and a controller configured to adjust, a first delay amount of the coarse delay circuit, a second delay amount of the fine delay circuit and a third delay amount of the third delay circuit.

Abstract: An all-digital phase-locked loop (ADPLL) and a calibration method thereof are provided. The ADPLL includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), a time-to-digital converter (TDC) coupled to the DCO, and a normalization circuit coupled to the TDC. The DCO is configured to generate a clock signal according to a frequency control signal. The TDC is configured to generate a digital output signal according to a phase error between the clock signal and a reference signal. The normalization circuit is configured to convert the digital output signal into a clock phase value according to a gain parameter. More particularly, the normalization circuit may modify the gain parameter according to a phase error value between the clock phase value and a reference phase value.

Abstract: Provided is a digital fingerprint generator. The digital fingerprint generator includes: a control circuit, configured to generate a control word; a first pulse generation circuit, connected to the control circuit, and configured to output a first pulse signal in response to the control word; a second pulse generation circuit, connected to the control circuit, having a same structure as the first pulse generation circuit, and configured to output a second pulse signal in response to the control word; and an output circuit, connected to the first pulse generation circuit and the second pulse generation circuit, and configured to output a digital fingerprint based on the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal according to a predetermined first rule.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first signal line including a first part and a second part, a second signal line including a third part and a fourth part, a first inverter, a second inverter, and a control circuit. A first signal is input to the first part in a first period. A second signal is input to the third part in a second period. The first inverter outputs, to the second part, a first inverted signal obtained such that a logic of the first signal is inverted. The second inverter outputs, to the fourth part, a second inverted signal obtained such that a logic of the second signal is inverted. The control circuit brings the second signal line into a floating state in the first period, and brings the first signal line into a floating state in the second period.

Abstract: Determining the ratio between two frequencies can be a useful electronic building block in different electronic circuits with very divers functionalities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described, which prior to an event that could result in frequency overshoot, sends a signal to a voltage regulator or generator requesting a temporary supply voltage and/or current boost. This enables a clocking source, such as a phase locked loop (PLL) to lock fast while not needing any long-term voltage guard bands. The apparatus and scheme allows for on-the-fly change in supply voltage and/or clock frequency for a processor with little to no impact on Vmin. During the clock frequency overshoot, the supply voltage is temporarily boosted and then reduced down to the expected voltage level of the power supply. Such boost allows for absorbing the clock frequency overshoot impact. The supply voltage level can be reduced in a step-wise fashion to avoid any potential undershoot in clock frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes: a first input node supplied with a first clock signal; a first clock path configured to output a delayed first clock signal, the first clock path including first and second delay elements coupled in series; a second clock path configured to output additional delayed first clock signal, the second clock path including third and fourth delay elements coupled in series; a first mixer circuit configured to interpolate the delayed first clock signal and the additional delayed first clock signal to reproduce an adjusted clock signal as the first clock signal; and a control circuit configured to control delay amounts of the first, second, third, and fourth delay elements with first, second, third, and fourth codes different from one another.

Abstract: A modular programmable software defined atomic clock system includes an oscillator configured to output a periodic, oscillating electrical signal, an atomic clock physics package system, and a programmable logic controller. The atomic clock physics package system is configured to generate a reference signal based on detected electron spin transitions between two hyperfine energy levels in atoms stored in the atomic clock physics package system. The programmable logic controller is coupled to the oscillator and the atomic clock physics package system. The programmable logic controller is configured to: detect an error signal based on the generated reference signal and the periodic, oscillating electrical signal; adjust the periodic, oscillating electrical signal based on the detected error signal; and generate and output one or more output signals in one or more frequencies from the adjusted periodic, oscillating electrical signal.

Abstract: A device includes a control circuit, a scope circuit, a first logic gate and a second logic gate. The control circuit is configured to generate a first control signal according to a voltage signal and a delayed signal. The scope circuit is configured to generate a first current signal in response to the first control signal and the voltage signal. The first logic gate is configured to perform a first logical operation on the voltage signal and one of the voltage signal and the delayed signal to generate a second control signal. The second logical gate configured to perform a second logical operation on the second control signal and a test control signal to generate a second current signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes: first and second pattern generation circuits generating first and second pattern signal for a sampling section; a first section control part generating a coarse section signal for a first section of the sampling section, according to the first pattern signal; a first filter part generating a first section extract signal by filtering the second pattern signal according to the coarse section signal; a second section control part generating a fine section signal for a second section of the sampling section, according to the first section extract signal; a second filter part generating a second section extract signal by filtering the second pattern signal according to the fine section signal; an output control circuit generating a sampling enable signal according to the first and second section extract signals; and a sampling circuit suitable for sampling an input signal according to the sampling enable signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a main circuit and a peripheral circuit inputting/outputting a signal from/to the main circuit, the main circuit including: a memory cell array; a sense amplifier; a first output holding circuit holding the read data output from the sense amplifier; a second output holding circuit receiving the read data as its input output from the first output holding circuit; and a delay circuit outputting a delay signal for activating the second output holding circuit to be later than the first output holding circuit. The delay circuit includes an element applying a load capacitance to a wiring of the delay signal. A power-supply voltage being a first voltage is supplied to the memory cell array, the sense amplifier and the first output holding circuit. A power-supply voltage being a second voltage is supplied to the delay circuit, the second output holding circuit and the peripheral circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a clock recovery circuit for a display, which recovers a clock from a clock data signal. The clock recovery circuit includes a clock recoverer configured to generate delayed clocks using a multi-stage delay chain including delay units; and a delay compensator configured to control a first delay time of a first delay unit to be the same as a second delay time of remaining delay units. The clock recovery circuit may compensate for a difference in delay time between the first delay time and the second delay time.

Abstract: A delay circuit for a clock signal includes a first signal generator, a first inverting circuit, a second signal generator and a second inverting circuit. The first signal generator is configured to generate a plurality of first switching signals based on a delay code. The first inverting circuit includes a plurality of first inverters that are selectively turned on in response to the plurality of first switching signals, respectively, and is configured to adjust a first delay time for both of a first edge and a second edge of the clock signal. The second signal generator is configured to generate a plurality of second switching signals based on a duty code. The second inverting circuit includes a plurality of second pull-up units and a plurality of second pull-down units, respective ones of the plurality of second pull-up units or respective ones of the plurality of second pull-down units are selectively turned on in response to respective ones of the plurality of second switching signals.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) to DC (DC-DC) converter includes a comparator setting a pulse width of a signal pulse, the pulse width corresponding to a voltage level of an output voltage of the DC-DC converter; a digital delay line (DDL) operatively coupled to the comparator, the DDL adjusting the pulse width of the signal pulse by linearly introducing delays to the signal pulse; a multiplexer operatively coupled to the DDL, the multiplexer selectively outputting a delayed version of the signal pulse; a phase detector operatively coupled to a system clock and the multiplexer, the phase detector generating a phase error between an output of the multiplexer and the system clock; and a logic control circuit operatively coupled to the multiplexer and the DDL, the logic control circuit adjusting the delay introduced to the signal pulse in accordance with the phase error.

Abstract: The application provides a calibration method, a calibration device and a multi-phase clock circuit. The method includes: gating each of multi-phase clock signals as a first primary clock signal and gating a corresponding clock signal as a first auxiliary clock signal according to a first preset rule; gating each of the multi-phase clock signals as a second primary clock signal and gating a corresponding clock signal as a second auxiliary clock signal according to a second preset rule; obtaining a time difference between each primary clock signal and its corresponding auxiliary clock signal under the first preset rule and the second preset rule; determining a delay adjustment amount of each primary clock signal according to the time difference, and obtaining a phase error between the multi-phase clock signals according to the delay adjustment amount; and obtaining a calibration amount of the multi-phase clock signals according to the phase error.

Abstract: A delay circuit including a first output clock generation circuit and a second output clock generation circuit. The first output clock generation circuit generates a first output clock signal by mixing phases of a first clock signal and a second clock signal based on an (n+1)-th generated delay control signal. The second output clock generation circuit generates a second output clock signal by mixing the phases of the first and second clock signals based on both an n-th generated delay control signal and the (n+1)-th generated delay control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a clock generator is configured to generate N clock signals evenly spaced by phase. A clock generator includes a poly phase filter configured to utilize a differential clock signal to generate N intermediate signals, the intermediate signals being spaced approximately 360/N degrees apart in phase. A phase error corrector is configured to receive the intermediate signals and to generate N clock output signals, where a phase error is a measure of a difference in phase between consecutive ones of the clock output signals from 360/N degrees, the phase error corrector being configured to reduce phase error among the clock output signals based on a feedback signal. A phase error detection circuit is configured to receive the clock output signals and to generate the feedback signal based on detected phase errors among the clock output signals.

Abstract: Microelectronic assemblies, and related devices and methods, are disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, a microelectronic assembly may include a package substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; a transmitter/receiver logic (TRL) die coupled to the first surface of the package substrate; a plurality of antenna elements adjacent the second surface of the package substrate; and a transmitter/receiver chain (TRC) die, wherein the TRC die is embedded in the package substrate, and wherein the TRC die is electrically coupled to the RF die and at least one of the plurality of antenna elements via conductive pathways in the package substrate. In some embodiments, a microelectronic assembly may further include a double-sided TRC die. In some embodiments, a microelectronic assembly may further include a TRC die having an amplifier. In some embodiments, a microelectronic assembly may further include a TRL die having a modem and a phase shifter.

Abstract: A delay cell for a delay locked loop, DLL, based serial link is disclosed. The delay cell has a first stage and a second stage, wherein an output of the first stage is an input to the second stage, the first stage comprising a resistive digital to analog converter, R-DAC and the second stage comprising a current starved delay cell.

Abstract: A delay locked loop circuit includes a delay line, a phase detector, a selection controller, and a charge pump. The delay line delays, based on a delay control voltage, a reference clock signal to generate an internal clock signal and a feedback clock signal. The phase detector compares phases of the internal clock signal and the feedback clock signal to generate a first detection signal and a second detection signal. The selection controller provides the reference clock signal as an up-signal and a down-signal. The charge pump generates the delay control voltage based on the up-signal and the down-signal.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device including a cell array unit in which cells are arranged in rows and columns, signal lines, each of the signal lines being arranged corresponding to one of the rows or columns and being connected to corresponding cells, a first electrode via which a signal according to a signal transmitted via at least one of the signal lines passes, a second electrode to which a selection signal is input to select a part of the signal lines; and a third electrode that is electrically connected to a node between cells that are connected to the part of the signal lines selected based on the selection signal and the first electrode. A voltage potential of the third electrode correlates with a voltage potential of the part of the signal lines selected based on the selection signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), two charge-sharing capacitors, two charge-sharing switches, two pre-charge switches, and two DACs. The DCO has a first inverter and a second inverter. A first charge-sharing capacitor has a first terminal coupled to an input terminal of the first inverter through a first charge-sharing switch. A first DAC has an output terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first charge-sharing capacitor through a first pre-charge switch. A second charge-sharing capacitor has a first terminal coupled to an input terminal or an output terminal of the second inverter through a second charge-sharing switch. A second DAC has an output terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second charge-sharing capacitor through a second pre-charge switch.

Abstract: A method includes following operations: a delay line delaying a first clock signal by a delay time to generate an output signal; a controller delaying the output signal by a first time interval to generate a first signal; the controller delaying the first clock signal by a second time interval shorter than the first time interval to generate a second clock signal; and the controller controlling the delay line according to the first signal and the second clock signal to adjust the delay time. A delay locked loop device is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A clock signal delay path unit includes a first delay cell including a first root signal line for delaying and transmitting a clock signal, a first repeater to transmit the clock signal transmitted through the first root signal line without signal attenuation, and a second root signal line for delaying and transmitting the clock signal output from the first repeater, a second delay cell including a first inverting circuit configured to invert the clock signal provided from the first delay cell to generate an inverted clock signal, and a third delay cell including a first branch signal line for delaying and transmitting the inverted clock signal provided from the second delay cell, a second repeater to transmit the inverted clock signal transmitted through the first branch signal line, and a second branch signal line for delaying and transmitting the inverted clock signal output from the second repeater.

Abstract: A data receiving circuit is provided. The data receiving circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a latch circuit. The first transistor has a gate configured to receive an input signal. The latch circuit is configured to output an output signal in response to the input signal. The second transistor has a gate configured to receive a first signal and a drain connected to the latch circuit. The third transistor has a gate configured to receive the first signal and a drain connected to the latch circuit. The second transistor and the third transistor are configured to provide a current to the latch circuit in response to the first signal.

Abstract: A clock generating circuit includes a first frequency multiplier configured to generate a second clock signal having a second frequency based on a first clock signal having a first frequency, and a second frequency multiplier configured to generate a third clock signal having a third frequency based on the second clock signal. The first frequency multiplier includes a circuit configured to control a duty cycle of the first clock signal, a delay circuit configured to receive the duty controlled clock signal, and delay the received signal based on a duty cycle of the second clock signal to output a first delay clock signal, and an XOR gate configured to perform an XOR computation using the duty controlled clock signal and the first delay clock signal to output the second clock signal. The second frequency is greater than the first frequency, and the third frequency is greater than the second frequency.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a voltage droop monitor (VDM) and a voltage droop monitoring method. The method includes: receiving a first reference clock signal and delaying the first reference clock signal as a first clock signal; delaying the first clock signal as a corresponding second clock signal; receiving the corresponding second clock signal from the corresponding first DCDL and generating a corresponding third clock signal via modifying a phase of the corresponding second clock signal; receiving the corresponding third clock signal; receiving a second reference clock signal; and collectively outputting a TDC code combination based on the second reference clock signal and the corresponding third clock signal, wherein the TDC code combination varies in response to a voltage variation of a to-be-monitored voltage.

Abstract: A delay locked loop circuit includes a delay line, a phase detector, a selection controller, and a charge pump. The delay line delays, based on a delay control voltage, a reference clock signal to generate an internal clock signal and a feedback clock signal. The phase detector compares phases of the internal clock signal and the feedback clock signal to generate a first detection signal and a second detection signal. The selection controller provides the reference clock signal as an up-signal and a down-signal. The charge pump generates the delay control voltage based on the up-signal and the down-signal.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of DLL measurement initialization are disclosed. An example apparatus includes: a clock enable circuit that provides a first clock signal having a half frequency of an input clock signal and second clock signals having a quarter frequency of the input clock signal; a coarse delay that provides the first clock signal with a coarse delay; a fine delay that provides the first clock signal with the coarse delay and a fine delay as an output clock signal; a model delay having a feedback delay equivalent to a sum of delays of an input stage and an output stage, and provides a feedback signal that is the output clock signal with the feedback delay; and a measurement initialization circuit that performs measurement initialization. The measurement initialization circuit includes synchronizers that receive the feedback signal and the second clock signals, and provide a stop signal to the coarse delay.

Abstract: An aspect relates to an apparatus, including: a ring oscillator coupled between a first node and a first voltage rail; a control circuit coupled to the first node; a delay line coupled between a second node and the first voltage rail; and a voltage regulator including an input coupled to the first node and an output coupled to the second node.

Abstract: The present application provides a time synchronization method and an electronic device. The method includes sending a clock synchronization signal and first real time clock (RTC) information separately; and the clock synchronization signal is configured to measure a delay between a first module and at least one second module, the delay is used for phase compensation performed on the clock synchronization signal received at the side of the at least one second module, and the clock synchronization signal after being subjected to the phase compensation is configured to trigger the at least one second module to update local second RTC information to the first RTC information.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a quadrature error correction circuit, a clock generation circuit and a data input/output (I/O) buffer. The quadrature error correction circuit performs a locking operation to generate a first corrected clock signal and a second corrected clock signal by adjusting a skew and a duty error of a first through fourth clock signals generated based on a data clock signal and performs a relocking operation to lock the second corrected clock signal to the first corrected clock signal in response to a relock signal. The clock generation circuit generates an output clock signal and a strobe signal based on the first corrected clock signal and the second corrected clock signal. The data I/O buffer generates a data signal by sampling data from a memory cell array based on the output clock signal and transmits the data signal and the strobe signal to a memory controller.

Abstract: A delay locked loop circuit includes a first delay locked loop and a second delay locked loop having different characteristics. The first delay locked loop performs a delay-locking operation on a reference clock signal to generate a delay locked clock signal. The second delay locked loop performs a delay-locking operation on the delay locked clock signal to generate an internal clock signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a delay locked loop (DLL) control circuit coupled to an update trigger generator and a DLL update circuit. The DLL control circuit may receive an update trigger signal and an internal refresh signal and configured to activate the DLL update circuit responsive to an update trigger in the update trigger signal and deactivate the DLL update circuit responsive to an active internal refresh signal. The DLL update circuit may perform DLL update to one or more memory cell arrays when activated and not perform DLL update to the memory cell arrays when deactivated. The DLL control circuit may reactivate the DLL update circuit once the internal refresh signal becomes inactive. In other scenarios, once the DLL update circuit is deactivated, the DLL update circuit stays deactivated until the next update trigger in the update trigger signal.

Abstract: Digital delay lock circuits and methods for operating digital delay lock circuits are provided. A phase detector is configured to receive first and second clock signals and generate a digital signal indicating a relationship between a phase of the first clock signal and a phase of the second clock signal. A phase accumulator circuit is configured to receive the digital signal and generate a phase signal based on values of the digital signal over multiple clock cycles. A decoder is configured to receive the phase signal and generate a digital control word based on the phase signal. A delay element is configured to receive the digital control word. The delay element is further configured to change the relationship between the phase of the first clock signal and the phase of the second clock signal by modifying the phase of the second clock signal according to the digital control word.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating precision phase skews is disclosed. In some embodiments, a phase skew generator includes: a charge pump having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein the first mode of operation provides a first current path during a first time period, and the second mode of operation provides a second current path during a second time period following the first time period; a sample and hold circuit, coupled to a capacitor, and configured to sample a voltage level of the capacitor at predetermined times and provide an output voltage during a third time period following the second time period; and a voltage controlled delay line, coupled to the sample and hold circuit, and having M delay line stages each configured to output a signal having a phase skew offset with respect to preceding or succeeding signal.