Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configurable command and data input circuits for semiconductor memories are described. Example apparatuses include input signal blocks, clock blocking circuits, data input blocks, driver circuits, and data receiver circuits.

Abstract: A phase locked loop (PLL) for a carrier generator includes a front-end circuit that receives a frequency reference signal and generates a control signal based on the frequency reference signal and a feedback signal. A demultiplexer selectively outputs the control signal to a plurality of tuning arrangements. The plurality of tuning arrangements includes a first tuning arrangement that generates a first carrier signal based on the control signal and a second tuning arrangement that generates a second carrier signal based on the control signal. A multiplexer outputs the feedback signal based on the first carrier signal and the second carrier signal.

Abstract: Devices and methods include receiving a command at a command interface to assert on-die termination (ODT) during an operation. An indication of a shift mode register value is received via an input. The shift mode register value corresponds to a number of shifts of a rising edge of the command in a backward direction. A delay pipeline delays the received command the number of shifts in the backward direction to generate a shifted rising edge command signal. Combination circuitry is configured to combine a falling edge command signal with the shifted rising edge command signal to form a transformed command.

Abstract: An embodiment circuit includes a first voltage-controlled delay line (VCDL), a second VCDL, and a first flip-flop. The first VCDL includes a first input terminal configured to receive a first input voltage, and a second input terminal configured to receive a clock signal. The second VCDL includes a first input terminal configured to receive a second input voltage, and a second input terminal configured to receive the clock signal. The first flip-flop includes a reset pin coupled to an output terminal of the first VCDL, and a clock pin coupled to an output terminal of the second VCDL.

Abstract: An apparatus of performing a clock skew adjustment between at least first and second clock signals includes first and second skew sensors and a skew controller. The first skew sensor receives a third clock signal obtained by delaying the first clock signal by a first delay and a fourth clock signal obtained by delaying the second clock signal by a second delay, and generates first information based on the third and fourth clock signals. The second skew sensor receives a fifth clock signal obtained by delaying the first clock signal by a third delay and a sixth clock signal obtained by delaying the second clock signal by a fourth delay, and generates second information based on the fifth and sixth clock signals. Each of the first and second information varies depending on the clock skew. The skew controller performs the clock skew adjustment based on the first and second information.

Abstract: A time register includes: a pair of inputs coupled to a pair of input clocks; a pair of tri-state inverters for producing a pair of level signals; and a pair of outputs coupled to the level signals for producing a pair of output clocks, wherein the tri-state inverters are responsive to a pair of state signals and the pair of input clocks for holding or discharging the level signals.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for implementing asynchronous feedback training sequences are described. A transmitter transmits a training sequence indication to a receiver via a communication channel including a plurality of data lines. The training sequence indication includes a bit sequence to indicate the beginning of a training sequence. The indication includes a transition from a zero to a one at the midpoint of a supercycle of ‘N’ clock cycles in length, followed by a predetermined number of ones. The training sequence indication is then followed by a test pattern. The beginning of the test pattern occurs at the end of a supercycle. The receiver determines if there are any errors in the received test pattern, and then sends feedback to the transmitter that indicates whether any errors were detected. Responsive to receiving the feedback, the transmitter alters delay settings for one or more of the data lines.

Abstract: A comparator circuit outputs a comparison result obtained by comparing a data signal with a threshold whose magnitude is adjusted based on a first offset value at a timing synchronized with a second clock signal whose phase is adjusted based on a difference in phase between the data signal and a first clock signal and a second offset value. An eye monitor circuit thins comparison results obtained in a clock data recovery (CDR) circuit for individual symbols of the data signal by comparing the data signal with a threshold, selects a comparison result corresponding to a symbol for which the comparison result is obtained by the comparator circuit, determines, by comparing the selected comparison result with the comparison result obtained by the comparator circuit, whether or not an error has occurred due to the first or second offset value, and outputs the number of times the error has occurred.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for controlling a display device includes a generation unit configured to generate a reference voltage, a booster unit configured to boost the reference voltage to generate a bias voltage, and a conversion unit. The conversion unit receives a status signal generated from a power supply voltage and is configured to boost a voltage level of the status signal to that of the bias voltage for controlling drive of the display device. A control unit is configured to stop operation of at least one of the generation unit and the booster unit when one of a value of the power supply voltage and a value of a power supply current flowing from a power supply that generates the power supply voltage is lower than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Phase synthesis techniques (PST) useful in a wide variety of communication systems based on wireless, optical and wireline links, disclose methods and circuits for a programmable synthesis of a waveform from a referencing clock with phase resolution matching a single gate delay.

Abstract: Programmable logic units are described. A described unit includes one or more input interfaces to receive one or more input signals; logic elements that are individually programmable; one or more output interfaces to provide one or more output signals; and a programmable interconnect array that is configured to selectively form one or more interconnections within the unit based on one or more programming settings. The programmable interconnect array can be programmable to route the one or more input signals from the one or more input interfaces to at least a portion of the logic elements, programmable to route one or more intermediate signals among at least a portion of the logic elements, and programmable to route one or more signals from at least a portion of the logic elements to produce the one or more output signals via the output interface.

Abstract: A clock generation circuit may include a first clock generator and a second clock generator. The first clock generator may generate a first output clock toggling in synchronization with a rising edge of a first input clock. The second clock generator may generate a second output clock based on a second input clock and the first output clock. The second output clock may have a level changing based on the first output clock, and may be generated at a rising edge of the second input clock.

Abstract: A PVTM-based wide voltage range clock stretching circuit is disclosed. The circuit consists of a PVTM circuit module, a phase clock generation module, a clock synchronization selection module and a control module. The PVTM circuit module monitors in real time the delay information of an on-chip delay unit to monitor the operating environment of the circuit, and feeds the delay information back to the control module. Under the control of a clock stretching enable signal and a clock stretching extent signal, the control module selects a target phase clock from the clocks generated by the phase clock generation module in accordance with the feedback from the PVTM, enabling the stretching of system clock within a single cycle in different PVT conditions. Sophisticated gate devices are not required, and the cost of area and power consumption are kept to minimal.

Abstract: An inductor-less local oscillator (LO) signal generation apparatus configured to generate one or more output signals which reduce a frequency pulling effect. The LO signal generation apparatus includes a multi-phase signal generation circuit, a phase signal generation circuit and one or more output circuits. The multi-phase signal generation circuit receives an input clock signal having a first frequency to generate a multi-phase clock signal. The multi-phase clock signal includes a plurality of clock signals each having the first frequency and different phases. The phase signal generation circuit is coupled to the multi-phase signal generation circuit to receive the multi-phase clock signal and output a plurality of phase signals indicating the phases of the clock signals. The one or more output circuits output the one or more output signals according to the clock signals and the phase signals without receiving feedback of any of the one or more output signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for jitter measurement includes a first delay circuit, a second delay circuit, and a control circuit. The first delay circuit imposes a preliminary phase delay on an input signal to generate a delayed input signal. The second delay circuit operates with the first delay circuit to impose a fine phase delay on the delayed input signal. The control circuit controls amounts of delays imposed by the first and second delay circuits, and fine tunes the phase delay of the delayed input signal according to the amounts of delays respectively imposed by delay elements of the first and second delay circuits, and estimates or calculates a jitter window for the input signal according to adjustment results of the first and second delay circuits.

Abstract: A multi-phase partial response receiver supports various incoming data rates by sampling PrDFE output values at a selected one of at least two clock phases. The receiver includes a calibration circuit that performs a timing analysis of critical data paths in the circuit, and this analysis is then used to select the particular clock phase used to latch the output values. These techniques permit the multiplexer outputs from for each phase of the partial response receiver to directly drive selection of a multiplexer for the ensuing phase, i.e., by avoiding regions of instability or uncertainty in the respective multiplexer outputs.

Abstract: An operation control method of a semiconductor memory device includes executing a Delay Locked Loop (DLL) locking in response to a DLL reset signal and measuring a loop delay of a DLL. The operation control method further includes storing measured loop delay information and DLL locking information; and performing a delay control of a command path using the stored loop delay information and DLL locking information independent of the DLL, during a latency control operation.

Abstract: An on-vehicle electronic device has a generating unit configured to generate a first clock for data communication with another on-vehicle electronic device through a CXPI communication network; and an adjusting unit configured to adjust a duty width of the first clock.

Abstract: A system for controlling a multi-element antenna array comprising a plurality of elements each arranged to receive a signal from a signal source, wherein each of the plurality of elements includes a frequency locking module arranged to lock the frequency of the signal received by each of the elements, and, a phase control module being in communication with each of the frequency locking modules to control the phase of the signal received by each of the elements.

Abstract: A method includes, in at least one aspect, determining a relative delay of a signal path with respect to a timing budget; determining that the signal path is active; determining a value of a voltage being supplied to the signal path; and causing an adjustment in the voltage being supplied to the signal path based on the relative delay, the signal path being active, and the value of the voltage being supplied to the signal path.

Abstract: A system for measuring an access time of a memory includes a first delay unit configured to delay a clock signal by a first delay time and to output a first delayed clock signal, a second delay unit configured to delay the clock signal by a second delay time greater than the first delay time and to output a second delayed clock signal, a memory configured to store data, the data being read from the memory in response to the first delayed clock signal, a detection data storage configured to store the data read from the memory in response to the second delayed clock signal, and a controller configured to measure an access time of the memory based on a comparison of the data in the detection data storage and the data in the memory, the first delayed clock signal and the second delayed clock signal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate a divided clock signal and a control signal in response to (i) an input clock signal and (ii) a configuration signal. The second circuit may be configured to generate an output clock signal in response to (i) the control signal and (ii) the divided clock signal. The second circuit may add a delay to one or more edges of the output clock signal by engaging one or more of a plurality of capacitances. A number of the capacitances engaged may be selected to reduce jitter on the output clock signal. The capacitances may be used each cycle to calibrate the output clock signal.

Abstract: A plurality of latch circuits driven at rising of a clock signal and a plurality of latch circuits driven at falling of the clock signal are alternately connected, and generation circuit generates a plurality of frequency divided clock signals with different phases based on combinations of levels of outputs of the plurality of latch circuits.

Abstract: The display driving circuit including a type detector for receiving a data packet including a 2-bit embedded signal, in which a clock signal embedded in a data signal, and outputting a first reference clock or a second reference clock different from the first reference clock according to a type of the data packet, a window generator for receiving multi-phase clocks and providing to the type detector a first window reference and a second window reference different from the first window reference to be used in determining the type of the data packet, a buffer for delaying the first reference clock by a first interval and delaying the second reference clock by a second interval different from the first interval, and a multiplexer for multiplexing the delayed first and second reference clocks and outputting a multiplexed reference clock may be provided.

Abstract: A static timing analysis method and apparatus that determine an expected design condition surrounding a target cell in an integrated circuit design. A derate adjustment is determined based on the expected design condition for a target cell and a timing derate, representing variation in propagation delay for a default design condition, is then adjusted based on the derate adjustment. An expected timing of a signal path including the target cell is determined based on the adjusted timing derate. The derate adjustment may be determined based on simulated variance of the propagation delay through the target cell for the expected design condition. This approach avoids unnecessary optimism or pessimism in the timing derate, which reduces the number of false positive or false negative detections of timing violations in the static timing analysis.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a digital phase-locked loop (DPLL) arranged to adjust output phase using a phase adjustment signal. In certain embodiments, the phase adjustment signal can be received in a signal path from an output of a time-to-digital converter of the DPLL to an input to the digitally controlled oscillator of the DPLL. Some embodiments relate to adjusting the output phase of the DPLL to reduce a relative phase difference between the output phase of the DPLL and an output phase of another DPLL.

Abstract: This embodiment relates to a clock data recovering apparatus capable of improving consecutive identical digits (CID) resistance. The clock data recovering apparatus includes a clock generating apparatus. The clock generating apparatus includes a signal selection unit, a phase detection unit, a phase control unit, a selection unit, a phase delay unit, a time measurement unit, and a phase selection unit. The phase delay unit includes a plurality of delay elements. The phase selection unit selectively outputs an output signal of any one of the plurality of delay elements as a feedback clock. The phase detection unit detects a phase relation between an edge signal and the feedback clock. The phase control unit outputs a control signal to control a signal selection operation by the phase selection unit such that a phase difference detected by the phase detection unit decreases, to the phase selection unit.

Abstract: A transition enforcing coding (TEC) receiver includes a delay line circuit, a transition detection circuit, a data sampling circuit, and a skew calibration circuit. The delay line circuit employs a calibrated delay setting to delay a plurality of vector signals to generate a plurality of delayed vector signals under a normal mode, respectively. The transition detection circuit detects a transition of at least one specific delayed vector signal among the delayed vector signals. The data sampling circuit samples the vector signals according to a sampling timing, wherein the sampling timing is determined based on an output of the transition detection circuit. The skew calibration circuit sets the calibrated delay setting under a calibration mode, wherein transition skew between different delayed vector signals is reduced by the calibrated delay setting under the normal mode.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for detecting and correcting phased clock error (PCE) in phased clock circuits (e.g., in context of serializer/deserializer (SERDES) transmission (TX) clock circuits). For example, phased input clock signals can be converted into unit interval (UI) clocks, which can be combined to form an output clock signal. PCE in the output clock signal can be detected by digitally sampling the UI clocks to characterize their respective clock pulse widths, and comparing the respective clock pulse widths (i.e., PCE in the output clock signal can result from pulse width differences in UI clocks). Delay can be applied to one or more UI clock generation paths to shift UI clock pulse transitions, thereby adjusting output clock pulse widths to correct for the detected PCE. Approaches described herein can achieve PCE detection over a wide error range and can achieve error correction with small resolution.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a buffer circuit may be provided. The buffer circuit may include a first buffer configured to receive first and second external clock signals and generate a first pre-clock signal based on falling timings of the first and second external clock signals. The buffer circuit may include a second buffer configured to receive the first and second external clock signals and generate a second pre-clock signal based on raising timings of the first and second external clock signals.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may include: a phase detector suitable for generating a delay control signal by comparing the phases of first and second clock signals to first and second target positions, a variable delay unit suitable for shifting the first and second clock signals to the first and second target positions, respectively, in response to the delay control signal, and a position controller suitable for varying the first and second target positions according to an operation mode.

Abstract: Multiple, distributed, clock generating delay-locked loop (DLL) elements are interconnected/coupled in such a way as to reduce the amount of phase error present in the clocks output by these DLL elements. A plurality of DLL elements are interconnected/coupled such that a root input clock is successively relayed down a series of DLL elements. The output clocks from each of these DLL elements are interconnected/coupled to phase-corresponding output clocks from DLL elements in the series. This reduces the amount of phase error on these output clocks when compared to DLL elements that do not have outputs coupled to each other.

Abstract: Circuits and methods are disclosed for low-skew bonding of a plurality of data channels into a multi-lane data channel. In one embodiment, phase-measuring first-in first-out buffer circuits buffer pre-buffer parallel data signals and generate phase-measurement signals. A channel-bonding control circuit receives the phase-measurement signals and generates bit-slip control signals. Transmission bit-slip circuits slip integer numbers of bits based on the bit-slip control signals. Bypass registers may be used when the integer number of bits is greater or equal to the parallel width of a lane. In another embodiment, the channel-bonding control circuit receives the phase-measurement signals from the phase-measuring FIFO buffer circuits and generates clock-slip control signals. Clock slip circuits controllably slip parallel clock signals by integer numbers of unit intervals of a serial clock signal. Various other aspects, features, and embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An all-digital-phase-locked-loop (ADPLL) includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) arranged to generate a DCO output signal, and a feedback loop comprising a set of components for controlling the DCO. The set of components comprise: a time-to-digital converter (TDC) arranged to generate a TDC output code indicative of the phase difference between the reference signal and the enable signal measured within the predetermined observation window; a subset of components arranged to generate the enable signal from the DCO output signal; and an offset calibration system connected to the TDC output, which when activated is arranged to evaluate the difference between the first and second offset delay values by monitoring the TDC output code generated over a predetermined period of time, and to adjust the difference to position the predetermined observation window with respect to the reference signal.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure involve a system and/or method for measuring on-die voltage levels of an integrated circuit through a digital sampling circuit. In particular, the system and/or method utilize a delay line based analog-to-digital sampling circuit that produces a voltage reading over time, such as at every high frequency clock cycle. In one embodiment, the digital sampling circuit or digital voltage monitor circuit includes a coarse delay component or circuit that further delays the propagation of a clock signal through the delay line. The coarse delay circuit may be programmed to delay the propagation of the signal through the delay line in such a manner as to allow for multiple edges of a clock or test signal to travel simultaneously down the delay line and increase the sensitivity of the circuit.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a data signal using an optical transmitter of an optical communications system. The optical transmitter is configured to modulate an optical carrier in successive signalling intervals to generate an optical signal. A modulation scheme is provided which comprises a multi-dimensional symbol constellation. The modulation scheme is designed such that an average degree of polarization of a modulated optical signal output from the optical transmitter has a first value when averaged across a first signalling interval, and has a second value when averaged across more than one and fewer than 100 signalling intervals. The second value is less than 10 percent of the first value. During run-time, an encoder of the optical transmitter encoding a data signal to be transmitted as symbols of the constellation, and a modulator of the optical transmitter modulating available dimensions of the optical carrier in accordance with the symbols.

Abstract: A multi-phase partial response receiver supports various incoming data rates by sampling PrDFE output values at a selected one of at least two clock phases. The receiver includes a calibration circuit that performs a timing analysis of critical data paths in the circuit, and this analysis is then used to select the particular clock phase used to latch the output values. These techniques permit the multiplexer outputs from for each phase of the partial response receiver to directly drive selection of a multiplexer for the ensuing phase, i.e., by avoiding regions of instability or uncertainty in the respective multiplexer outputs.

Abstract: A latency compensation circuit and method. A three dimensional (3D) package is disclosed having a latency compensation circuit to address timing delays introduced by a through silicon via (TSV), including: an input for receiving a reference data signal from a redundant TSV and for receiving a local clock signal; a timing slack sensor that outputs a digital value reflecting a delay between a clock pulse of the local clock signal and the reference data signal; a look-up table that converts the digital value into a set of control bits; and an adjustable delay line that adjusts the local clock signal based on the set of control bits.

Abstract: Disclosed examples include frequency divider circuits to divide a high frequency first clock signal to generate an output clock signal at a lower frequency, including a delay circuit to provide a delayed clock signal, a divider circuit to provide a divided clock signal, a sub-sampling circuit to sub-sample the first clock signal with the divided clock signal, and a feedback circuit to set the delay value of the adjustable delay circuit according to the sub-sampled output signal.

Abstract: To facilitate increasing power and resource efficiency of a mobile device, in the mobile device, with regard to periodic or one-time data transfers, a communication management component can analyze information comprising data transfer parameter information, including jitter information, associated with each application of a subset of applications used by the device and can desirably schedule and/or bundle data transfers associated with the applications to reduce the number of separate data bursts to transfer that data to thereby reduce use of wireless resources and power consumption by the device. A push notification system can receive respective jitter information associated with each application from the mobile device, and the push notification system can desirably schedule and/or bundle push notifications to reduce the number of separate data bursts sent to the device to reduce use of wireless resources and power consumption by the device.

Abstract: An example clock delivery system includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) configured to generate a plurality of input clocks, a phase interpolator configured to receive the plurality of input clocks and generate a plurality of output clocks, and a clock data recovery (CDR) circuit configured to receive the plurality of output clocks. The phase interpolator includes a decoder having a plurality of inputs configured to receive binary codes and a respective plurality of outputs configured to output thermometer codes, and a mixer circuitry segmented into a plurality of unit circuits that are enabled or disabled based on bits of the thermometer codes.

Abstract: A static timing analysis method that determines an expected design condition surrounding a target cell in an integrated circuit design. A derate adjustment is determined based on the expected design condition for a target cell and a timing derate, representing variation in propagation delay for a default design condition, is then adjusted based on the derate adjustment. An expected timing of a signal path including the target cell is determined based on the adjusted timing derate. The derate adjustment may be determined based on simulated variance of the propagation delay through the target cell for the expected design condition. This approach avoids unnecessary optimism or pessimism in the timing derate, which reduces the number of false positive or false negative detections of timing violations in the static timing analysis.

Abstract: A timing control circuit includes a first variable-delay circuit, a multiplexer, a second variable-delay circuit, a decision circuit, and a control circuit. The first variable-delay circuit receives first data having a first communication speed and delays the first data by a variable delay. The multiplexer receives a first variable-delay circuit output and converts, based on a first control signal, the first data into second data having a second communication speed different from the first communication speed. The second variable-delay circuit receives third data having the first communication speed, and delays the third data by another variable-delay corresponding to the variable-delay of the first variable-delay circuit. The decision circuit compares a second variable-delay circuit output phase and a first control signal phase.

Abstract: A noise detection circuit may include a divider configured to receive a clock signal and a clock bar signal, divide the clock signal and the clock bar signal, and generate a first divided signal and a second divided signal. The noise detection circuit may also include a noise detection reference block configured to reflect a power supply voltage level variation on the first divided signal and the second divided signal, and generate a first reference signal and a second reference signal, and a duty sensing circuit configured to generate first duty information and second duty information of the clock signal in response to the first reference signal and the second reference signal. The noise detection circuit may also include a detection circuit configured to generate a noise detection signal in response to the first duty information and the second duty information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a receiving device includes a first PLL circuit, a second PLL circuit, and a control circuit. The first PLL circuit includes a first VCO and extracts a first clock from a received first packet. The second PLL circuit includes a second VCO and outputs a second clock acquired by multiplying the received clock by N. The control circuit applies a control signal of the second VCO to a first line controlling the first VCO during a first time from start of reception of the first packet.

Abstract: A duty cycle correction circuit may include: a phase mixing section capable of mixing a first integrated signal generated by integrating a positive clock signal, with a first compensation signal generated by differentiating and integrating the positive clock signal and a negative clock signal, respectively, to generate a first phase-mixed signal, and mixing a second integrated signal generated by integrating the negative clock signal, with a second compensation signal generated by integrating and differentiating the positive clock signal and the negative clock signal, respectively, to generate a second phase-mixed signal; and a noise removal section capable of receiving and removing a common mode noise between the first phase-mixed signal and the second phase-mixed signal by adjusting a cross-point therebetween, and outputting first and second duty-corrected clock signals.

Abstract: At least one asymmetry element is configured to receive an input signal and is coupled to a first branch of a bi-stable flip-flop comprising the first branch and a second branch. An asymmetry between the first branch and the second branch depends on the input signal. A value indicative of the input signal is determined based on received output signals of a plurality of readout events.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may be used for detecting an incorrect clock frequency. In one example, the apparatus includes a first circuit configured to compare a clock signal period to a delay period. Additionally, in one example, the apparatus includes a second circuit configured to output a first signal. The period of the first signal may be double the clock signal period when the clock signal period is greater than the delay period. The apparatus may, in one example, also include a third circuit configured to output a second signal. The period of the second signal may be greater than double the clock signal period when the clock signal period is greater than the delay period.

Abstract: A frequency divider may include the following elements: a first inverter, a second inverter, and a third inverter, which are connected in a ring structure, wherein the second inverter is connected to an output terminal of the frequency divider; a fourth inverter connected to a first input terminal of the frequency divider and to a power supply terminal of the first inverter; a fifth inverter connected to a second input terminal of the frequency divider and to a power supply terminal of the third inverter; a first transistor connected to the second input terminal of the frequency divider and to a ground terminal of the first inverter; and a second transistor connected to the first input terminal of the frequency divider and to a ground terminal of the third inverter. The second inverter, the fourth inverter, and the fifth inverter may receive a power supply voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus including: a first delay line and a second delay line, wherein the first delay line is configured to receive a clock signal and output a first delayed signal, and wherein the second delay line is configured to receive the first delayed signal and output a second delayed signal; a first control circuit configured to (i) apply a first delay select to the first delay line and the second delay line such that the second delayed signal is delayed with respect to the clock signal by a half-clock period, and (ii) apply a second delay select to the first delay line such that the first delayed signal is delayed with respect to the clock signal by the half-clock period; and a second control circuit configured to control a third delay line based on the first delay select and the second delay select.