Abstract: Implementations are presented herein that include a time delay path.

Abstract: A programmable Local Clock Buffer has a single inverter between the clock input and the delayed clock output. A transistor switch modulates the single inverter stage between a clock signal transmit state and a non-transmitting state. A combination of delay select bits control the timing of the beginning and ending of the transmit state of the inverter relative to the clock input via the transistor switch.

Abstract: A circuit with N primary outputs and a delay chain with M selection multiplexers. M can be less than N, and M is based on the number of primary outputs that simultaneously require a delayed signal from the delay chain. The N primary outputs may include core outputs and/or registers. Each of the M selection multiplexers feed directly or indirectly a subset of the N primary outputs.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first node through which an input signal passes and an adjustment block including at least one delay unit electrically connected to the first node. The semiconductor integrated circuit also includes a correction block configured to generate a control signal which controls whether to activate a delay unit.

Abstract: A system for compensating for power-supply-induced jitter (PSIJ) in a chain of clock buffers within an integrated circuit is described. During operation, the system couples a first supply voltage from a first voltage source to a supply node of each clock buffer in a first chain of clock buffers. Note that a change in the first supply voltage causes a change in a first propagation delay associated with the first chain of the clock buffers. The system also couples a second chain of clock buffers in series with the first chain of clock buffers. The system then couples the first voltage source to each clock buffer in the second chain of clock buffers through coupling circuitry. Next, the system adjusts the coupling circuitry so that the change in the first supply voltage from the first voltage source causes a change in a second propagation delay associated with the second chain of the clock buffers, wherein the change in the first propagation delay and the change in the second propagation delay are complementary.

Abstract: A delay circuit used in a schedule controller includes a voltage detection unit, a timer, and a first electronic switch. The voltage detection unit receives an input voltage and compares the input voltage with a predetermined voltage. The timer is controlled by the voltage detection unit to calculate duration of an interval time. The first electronic switch is switched on or off under the control of the timer. When the input voltage substantially equals or exceeds the predetermined voltage, the timer calculates duration of the interval time, the timer generates and transmits a switch signal to the first electronic switch when the timing is reached, and the first electronic switch is switched on by the switch signal and provides an output voltage.

Abstract: A clock generator for generating a target clock signal, comprising: a control circuit, receiving a reference clock signal, and for generating a clock enable signal and a delay selecting signal according to the reference clock signal; a delay module, coupled to the control circuit, for delaying the reference clock signal according to the delay selecting signal to generate a delayed reference clock signal; and a clock gating unit, coupled to the delay module and the control circuit, for receiving the delayed reference clock signal and the clock enable signal, and for passing the delayed reference clock signal according to the clock enable signal, to generate the target clock signal.

Abstract: A circuit implementing multiplexer, storage, and repeater functions is disclosed. The circuit includes first and second input stages having first and second data inputs, respectively. An output stage is configured to drive an output signal. The first input stage is configured to activate the output stage responsive to a first condition, while the second input stage is configured to activate the output stage responsive to a second condition. An intermediate stage is configured to deactivate the output stage at a first delay time subsequent to one of the first or second input stages activating the output stage. The repeater circuit also includes a storage element configured to store a state of the output signal, and further configured to cause the output node to be held at the state of the output signal subsequent to deactivation of the output stage.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for transmission and/or reception of signals up to EHF utilizing a delay circuit are provided. In this regard, a transceiver may comprise at least one delay circuit which may, in turn, comprise a plurality of delay elements and a variable capacitance. The delay circuit may be enabled to delay a first signal, via at least a portion of the delay elements and via the variable capacitance, to generate a second signal that is 90° phase shifted relative to said first signal. Additionally, the delay circuit may be enabled to mix the first signal with the second signal to generate a third signal that is twice a frequency of the first signal. The third signal may be utilized for up-conversion and/or down-conversion of signals to and/or from baseband, intermediate frequencies, and/or RF frequencies of up to EHF.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, a data processing circuit is discussed that includes a data detector circuit, a detector mimicking circuit, and an error calculation circuit. The data detector circuit is operable to perform a data detection process on a first signal derived from a data input to yield a detected output. The data mimicking circuit is operable to process a second signal derived from the data input to yield a mimicked output. The error calculation circuit is operable to calculate a difference between the second signal and a third signal derived from the mimicked output to yield a feedback signal. The feedback signal is operable to modify the data input during a subsequent period.

Abstract: Equal numbers of variable capacitance elements, capacitance values of which are separately controlled according to a logic value of a corresponding bit of a delay control signal that is in a one-to-one relation with an oscillation frequency, are connected in parallel among differential outputs of all delay circuits excluding a differential non-inverting delay circuit at the end, which extracts a frequency signal to the outside. Bits of the delay control signal are connected in a one-to-one relation to the equal numbers of variable capacitance elements arranged on output sides of all the delay circuits, in a relation in which delay control signals continuous in terms of frequency are not connected to the equal number of variable capacitance elements arranged on an output side of one of the delay circuits.

Abstract: An improved bias generator incorporates a reference voltage and/or a reference current into the generation of bias voltages. In some cases, the output of a biased delay element has a constant voltage swing. A delay line of such constant output voltage swing delay elements may be shown to provide reduced power consumption compared to some known self-biased delay lines. Furthermore, in other cases, providing the reference current to a novel bias generator allows a delay line of delay elements biased by such a novel bias generator to show reduced sensitivity to operating conditions, reduced sensitivity to variation in process parameters and improved signal quality, thereby providing more robust operation.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes transmission lines for conveying signals and transition detectors, each of which checks whether a transmission signal on each of the plurality of transmission lines is transited. If the signal is transited, its transition shape is detected. A signal mode determining unit determines signal transmission modes between adjacent transmission lines in response to output signals from the plurality of transition detectors. Delay units are coupled to the respective transmission lines for adjusting transmission delays of the transmission signals depending on corresponding output signal from the signal mode determining units.

Abstract: A delay cell circuit (200) is disclosed. The delay cell circuit may include a differential stage (202) and a cross-coupled stage (204). The cross-coupled stage can include resistors (210-0 and 210-1) the function to reduce a gain. The differential stage (202) and cross-coupled stage (204) can include variable currents sources (208 and 212), respectively. As frequency of operation increases, variable current source (208) provides a larger current to the differential stage (202) and variable current source (212) provides a smaller current to cross-coupled stage (204). Delay cell circuit (200) may be used in a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). By including gain attenuating devices such as resistors (210-0 and 210-1), a frequency tuning range of the VCO may be increased.

Abstract: Local oscillator circuitry for an antenna array is disclosed. The circuitry includes an array of rotary traveling wave oscillators which are arranged in a pattern over an area and coupled so as to make them coherent. This provides for a set of phase synchronous local oscillators distributed over a large area. The array also includes a plurality of phase shifters each of which is connected to one of the rotary oscillators to provide a phase shifted local oscillator for the array. The phase shifter optionally includes a cycle counter that is configured to count cycles of the rotary oscillator to which it is connected and control circuitry that is then operative to provide a shifted rotary oscillator output based on the count from the cycle counter. A system and method for operating a true-time delay phased array antenna system. The system includes a plurality of antenna element circuits for driving or receiving an rf signal from the elements of the array.

Abstract: A method and circuit for generating an adjustable delay signal is presented, wherein the delay can be linear and monotonic with high resolution delay steps. The circuit utilizes one or more serially coupled delay cells and a load cell. Each delay cell comprises an inverter, a nor-multiplexer, and a programmable capacitor, wherein a first control signal is used to control the operation of the nor-multiplexer and a second control signal is used to control capacitance of the programmable capacitor. Values of the first and the second control signals are selected based on any desired range of total delay time and any desired delay time for a specific application of the circuit.

Abstract: System and method for generating a sense amplifier enable (“SAE”) signal having a programmable delay with a feedback loop to control the SAE signal duty cycle, which can be used in SRAM or DRAM, or other kinds of memory cells. An illustrative non-limiting embodiment comprises: a programmable clock chopper, a low pass filter, a bias generator, a comparator, and a feedback control module.

Abstract: Integrated circuit and programmable delay. One embodiment provides an integrated circuit including a programmable delay element having a plurality of single delay cells. The delay cells include a first input and a second input and a first output. The delay cells are arranged to form a chain such that the first output of a preceding delay cell is coupled to the second input of a successive delay cell. The first inputs of any delay cells are configured to receive an input signal to be delayed. The delay cells out of the plurality of delay cells is configured to constitute a starting point of a signal path including any of the delay cells arranged downstream of the starting point. The first output of the last delay cell in the chain forms an output of the programmable delay element.

Abstract: A method of compensating clock skew may include generating (2M+1) detected values by applying (2M+1) delay clock signals to (2M+1) pieces of delay data, wherein M is a natural number, determining a dominant logic value based on a comparison of a number of logic high detected values and a number of logic low detected values from among the (2M+1) detected values, determining a median delay time based on a number of the (2M+1) detected values having the dominant logic value, and adjusting a phase of a clock signal using the median delay time.

Abstract: An interlock circuit includes an input delay unit and an output suppressing unit. The input delay unit delays a plurality of input signals, provides a plurality of delayed input signals, and provides a plurality of exclusive input signals by performing a logical operation on the plurality of delayed input signals. The output suppressing unit provides a plurality of output signals, which are not simultaneously enabled, based on the plurality of exclusive input signals and the plurality of input signals.

Abstract: A delay module, a delay method, a clock detection apparatus, and a digital locked loop (DLL) are disclosed. The delay module includes a first delay unit, a second delay unit and an inverter. Each of the first delay unit and the second delay unit include two logic gates adapted to invert a phase: a logic gate for gating and a logic gate for delaying. These two logic gates are electrically connected. The input port of the logic gate for gating of the first delay unit is electrically connected to the output port of the inverter; the output port of the logic gate for delaying of the first delay unit is electrically connected to the input port of the logic gate for delaying of the second delay unit; the input port of the inverter is electrically connected to the input port of the logic gate for gating of the second delay unit; the input port of the inverter is adapted to input a clock signal to be delayed, and the logic gate for delaying of the second delay unit is adapted to output a delayed clock signal.

Abstract: A differential oscillation circuit according to the present invention is a differential oscillation circuit including a feedback loop circuit. The differential oscillation circuit includes: delay, circuits, cascade-connected one after another on the feedback loop circuit, each delay circuit configured to delay paired differential input signals which the delay circuit receives, and to output the delayed differential signals as paired differential output signals; and an oscillation activation detector circuit configured to detect whether the oscillation circuit is in an oscillation activation state or in a stable state, and to output a detection signal indicating a result of the detection. Furthermore, on the basis of the detection signal outputted from the oscillation activation detector circuit, each of the delay circuits controls output current values of the differential output signals. This circuit configuration enables the speeding up of the oscillation frequency of the circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a delay line having at least two parallel branches, where each branch includes multiple delay cells coupled in series. The delay line is configured to receive an input signal and to propagate the input signal in parallel through the delay cells in the branches. The apparatus also includes multiple sampling circuits configured to sample the input signal at different taps in the branches of the delay line and to output sampled values. The taps in a first of the branches are associated with different amounts of delay compared to the taps in a second of the branches. At least some of the delay cells in the branches of the delay line could have a minimum delay, and a difference in delay between at least one tap in the first branch and at least one tap in the second branch could be less than a smallest of the minimum delays.

Abstract: A delay circuit with a delay time being more accurate and a circuit area being reduced is provided. The delay circuit includes a resistance element 3, a capacitor element 4 and a connection wiring 6. The connection wiring 6 includes a first polysilicon layer 13a above a substrate 10, and a first silicide layer 14a which connects the resistance element 3 and the capacitor element 4 and is on the first polysilicon layer 13a. The capacitor element 4 includes a diffusion layer 12b in the surface region of the semiconductor substrate 10, a gate insulating layer 15b on the diffusion layer 12b, a second polysilicon layer 13b on the gate insulating layer 15b, and a second silicide layer 14b on the second polysilicon layer 13b. The resistance element 3 includes a third polysilicon layer 13c above the semiconductor substrate 10. The first, second and third polysilicon layers 13a, 13b and 13c are integrally provided. The first and second silicide layers 14a and 14b are integrally provided.

Abstract: An apparatus that is adapted to receive signals from an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus is provided. The apparatus comprises a serial data (SDA) filter, a serial clock (SCL) filter, I2C interface logic, and operational circuitry. The SDA filter is adapted to receive an SDA signal from the I2C bus and includes a hold terminal and a disable terminal. The hold terminal of the SDA filter issues a disable signal when a transient in the SDA signal is detected. The SCL filter is adapted to receive an SCL signal from the I2C bus and includes a hold terminal and a disable terminal. The hold terminal of the SCL filter issues a disable signal when a transient in the SCL signal is detected. Additionally, the hold terminal of the SCL filter is coupled to the disable terminal of the SDA filter, and the hold terminal of the SDA filter is coupled to the disable terminal of the SCL filter.

Abstract: A delay circuit has a long delay time and a semiconductor device includes the delay circuit. The delay circuit includes an inverter circuit unit having at least one inverter. Each of the inverters includes a first transistor connected to a supply voltage and a second transistor connected to a ground voltage. The inverter circuit unit receives a first signal and outputs a second signal by delaying the first signal. At least one capacitor unit is connected to an input terminal of the inverter such that a loading capacitance of the inverter circuit unit is increased.

Abstract: A method and circuit for characterizing a process variation of a semiconductor die is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes operating a circuit at multiple supply voltage levels to generate race condition testing data. The circuit is disposed on at least one die of a wafer and includes at least one racing path circuit having at least two paths. The method further includes collecting the race condition testing data and evaluating the collected race condition testing data. The race condition testing data is correlated to a process variation of the at least one die.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a first flip-flop, a combined circuit and a second flip-flop that form a critical path; a first delay circuit and a third flip-flop that are provided in the post-stage of the combined circuit; a second delay circuit and a fourth flip-flop that are provided in the post-stage of the combined circuit; a first comparison circuit that compares the output of the second flip-flop with the output of the third flip-flop; a second comparison circuit that compares the output of the second flip-flop with the output of the fourth flip-flop: and a control circuit that controls a source voltage supplied to the combined circuit in accordance with the outputs of the comparison circuits. A delay time by the first delay circuit is different from a delay time by the second delay circuit.

Abstract: A clock generator for generating a first target clock signal includes: a control circuit, receiving a reference clock signal, and for generating a first clock enable signal and a first delay selecting signal according to the reference clock signal; a first clock gating unit, coupled to the control circuit, for receiving the reference clock signal and the first clock enable signal, and for passing the reference clock signal according to the first clock enable signal to generate a first clock gated signal; and a first delay module, coupled to the first clock gating unit, for delaying the first clock gated signal according to the first delay selecting signal to generate the first target clock signal.

Abstract: An apparatus that is adapted to receive signals from an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus is provided. The apparatus comprises a serial data (SDA) filter, a serial clock (SCL) filter, I2C interface logic, and operational circuitry. The SDA filter is adapted to receive an SDA signal from the I2C bus and includes a hold terminal and a disable terminal. The hold terminal of the SDA filter issues a disable signal when a transient in the SDA signal is detected. The SCL filter is adapted to receive an SCL signal from the I2C bus and includes a hold terminal and a disable terminal. The hold terminal of the SCL filter issues a disable signal when a transient in the SCL signal is detected. Additionally, the hold terminal of the SCL filter is coupled to the disable terminal of the SDA filter, and the hold terminal of the SDA filter is coupled to the disable terminal of the SCL filter.

Abstract: A delay circuit includes a first delay element, a second delay element, and an initializing section that measures a delay amount generated by the first delay element with respect to each delay setting value. The initializing section includes a first loop path that inputs an output signal of the first delay element into the first delay element and a second loop path that inputs an output signal of the second delay element into the second delay element. The initialization section includes a first measuring section that sequentially sets delay setting values mutually different from the delay setting value in the first delay element and sequentially measures delay amounts in the first delay element, a second measuring section that measures a delay amount in the second delay element, and a delay amount computing section that corrects a delay amount measured by the first measuring section.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first circuit part that is designed under a first corner condition with respect to a process variation, a second circuit part that is designed under a second corner condition narrower than the first condition, and a control part that changes an operating voltage supplied to the first circuit part and the second circuit part according to a delay amount of the first circuit part, and starts the second circuit part when a delay characteristic caused by a change in the operating voltage conforms to a delay characteristic under the second corner condition.

Abstract: A time period of an event is determined by charging a known value capacitor from a constant current source during the event. The resultant voltage on the capacitor is proportional to the event time period and may be calculated from the resultant voltage and known capacitance value. Capacitance is measured by charging a capacitor from a constant current source during a known time period. The resultant voltage on the capacitor is proportional to the capacitance thereof and may be calculated from the resultant voltage and known time period. A long time period event may be measured by charging a first capacitor at the start of the event and a second capacitor at the end of the event, while counting clock times there between. Delay of an event is done by charging voltages on first and second capacitors at beginning and end of event, while comparing voltages thereon with a reference voltage.

Abstract: An improved bias generator incorporates a reference voltage and/or a reference current into the generation of bias voltages. In some cases, the output of a biased delay element has a constant voltage swing. A delay line of such constant output voltage swing delay elements may be shown to provide reduced power consumption compared to some known self-biased delay lines. Furthermore, in other cases, providing the reference current to a novel bias generator allows a delay line of delay elements biased by such a novel bias generator to show reduced sensitivity to operating conditions, reduced sensitivity to variation in process parameters and improved signal quality, thereby providing more robust operation.

Abstract: A signal delay circuit including a capacitive load element is described. The capacitive load element has a first input end, a second input end, and a third input end. The first input end receives a first signal, the second input end receives a second signal inverted to the first signal, and the third input end receives a control signal. The capacitance of the capacitive load element changes with the control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a timing control circuit which receives a first clock having a period T1 and a group of second clocks of L different phases (where L is a positive integer) spaced apart from each other at substantially equal intervals and which generates a fine timing signal delayed from the rising edge of the first clock by a delay td of approximately td=m·T1+n·(T2/L), where m and n are non-negative integers. The timing control circuit has a coarse delay circuit and a fine delay circuit. The coarse delay circuit counts the rising edges of the first clock after an activate signal is activated and generates a coarse timing signal delayed from the first clock by approximately m·T1. The fine delay circuit has a circuit which, after the activate signal is activated, detects a second clock, which has a rising edge that immediately follows the rising edge of the first clock, from among the group of L-phase second clocks.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a first node through which an input signal passes; an adjustment block including at least one delay unit electrically connected to the first node; and a correction block configured to generate a control signal which controls whether to activate a delay unit.

Abstract: A delay circuit includes first and second selective delay stages each including a number of unit delay cells to delay signals applied thereto; and a delay control unit configured to control selectively applying an input signal to the first selective delay stage or the second selective delay stage in response to a code combination of first and second selection signals and produce an output signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system for both open-loop and closed-loop timing synchronization are provided in which a master clock signal, and a plurality of signals that define greater periods of time, are distributed to a plurality of host devices. A frame-sync signal is used to define a “frame” consisting of a predetermined number of clock periods, and a reset signal is used to define a larger period consisting of a predetermined number of frames. Due to a variety of system parameters, the innate delay time associated with each respective timing distribution path may differ. The system is operable to adjust the timing signals propagated to the plurality of host devices along each respective timing distribution path to compensate for these differences so that each host device remains synchronized with all other host devices.

Abstract: Techniques and corresponding circuits for achieving programmable delay of a current mode logic delay buffer are provided. The techniques provide for incremental delay with substantially equal increments. Delay may be achieved through the use of a circuit arrangement that allows biasing current to be controlled effect the response time of the circuit by digital control.

Abstract: A time measurement circuit measures the time difference between edges of a first signal and a second signal. A sampling circuit acquires the logical level of the first signal at a timing of the edge of the second signal. When a sampling circuit enters a metastable state, an output signal thereof transits with a long time scale. A transition time measurement circuit measures a transition time (settling time) of the output signal of the sampling circuit in the metastable state.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillation circuit (15) includes a plurality of independent ring oscillation circuits different in the number of stages; and a selector (22) selectively outputting as a feedback clock signal (FB) an output of one of the ring oscillation circuits, so that any of the outputs of the independent ring oscillation circuits is always outputted as the feedback clock signal, which makes it possible to output the feedback clock signal keeping a proper duty ratio even when the operating speed is high, allowing arbitrary adjustment of the delay time before an input signal (DLLI) is outputted.

Abstract: Delay circuits capable of providing delays closely matching propagation delays of synchronous circuits are described. In one design, an apparatus includes a synchronous circuit and a delay circuit. The synchronous circuit includes a forward path from a data input to a data output. The synchronous circuit receives input data and provides output data with a propagation delay. The delay circuit receives an input signal and provides a delayed input signal having a delay matching the propagation delay of the synchronous circuit. The delay circuit includes at least two logic gates in the forward path of the synchronous circuit. The synchronous and delay circuits may be implemented based on the same or similar circuit architecture. The delay circuit may be based on a replica of the synchronous circuit, with the replica having feedback loops broken and clock input coupled to appropriate logic value to always enable the delay circuit.

Abstract: A register controlled DLL circuit occupies a relatively small area in a semiconductor device by reducing the number of flip-flops for generating timing pulses that are used to control a DLL operation and sequentially toggled. The registered controlled DLL circuit for generating a DLL clock by delaying internal clocks includes a timing pre-pulse generating unit configured to generate a plurality of timing pre-pulses activated sequentially in response to a source clock, the plurality of pre-pulses being repeated two or more times in each delay shifting update period, a mask signal generating unit configured to generating a mask signal having a logic level varied according to toggling of a predetermined one of the timing pre-pulses, and a timing pulse outputting unit configured to output the plurality of timing pre-pulses as a plurality of timing pulses in response to the mask signal.

Abstract: Locked loops, delay lines and methods for delaying signals are disclosed, such as a delay line and delay lock loop using the delay line includes a series of delay stages, each of which consists of a single inverting delay device. The inputs and outputs of a selected stage are applied to a phase inverter that inverts one of the signals and applies it to a first input of a phase mixer with the same delay that the other signal is applied to a second input of the phase inverter. The delay of the signals from the selected delay element are delayed from each other by a coarse delay interval, and the phase mixer interpolates within the coarse delay interval by fine delay intervals. A phase detector compares the timing of a signal generated by the phase interpolator to the timing of a reference clock signal applied to the delay line to determine the selected delay stage and a phase interpolation value.

Abstract: A system for compensating for power-supply-induced jitter (PSIJ) in a chain of clock buffers within an integrated circuit is described. During operation, the system couples a first supply voltage from a first voltage source to a supply node of each clock buffer in a first chain of clock buffers. Note that a change in the first supply voltage causes a change in a first propagation delay associated with the first chain of the clock buffers. The system also couples a second chain of clock buffers in series with the first chain of clock buffers. The system then couples the first voltage source to each clock buffer in the second chain of clock buffers through coupling circuitry. Next, the system adjusts the coupling circuitry so that the change in the first supply voltage from the first voltage source causes a change in a second propagation delay associated with the second chain of the clock buffers, wherein the change in the first propagation delay and the change in the second propagation delay are complementary.

Abstract: A phase recombination circuit includes a first phase input and a first one-shot pulse generator adapted to receive the first phase input and produce a first signal to pull a signal to a first state. The phase recombination circuit also includes a second phase input in phase relationship with the first phase input, and a second one-shot pulse generator adapted to receive the second phase input and produce a second signal to pull a signal to a second state.

Abstract: A time delay adjustment method is provided, which includes the following steps. A same scrambling signal is added into two received signals. The added scrambling signals are then extracted. A delay difference between the two signals is detected according to a difference between the two extracted scrambling signals. The delay difference between the two signals is adjusted by delaying one or both of the two signals. Furthermore, a time delay adjustment device and an optical transmission apparatus are also provided. Therefore, time delay can be adjusted online, and real-time monitoring and adjustment of delay difference is also achieved.

Abstract: A delay circuit has: an inverting receiver with a resistive element, the inverting receiver having an input node for receiving an input signal and an output node coupled to the resistive element; a capacitive element, coupled to the output node of the inverting receiver and the resistive element; a first transistor, having lower turned ON voltage at higher temperature; a second transistor, used for generating a rail to rail signals on a terminal of the first transistor; and an output inverter, having an input node coupled to the first transistor and an output node for outputting an output signal of the delay circuit. Further, a third transistor is used for enhancing pulling low of the output signal of the delay circuit.

Abstract: Integrated circuit and programmable delay. One embodiment provides an integrated circuit including a programmable delay element having a plurality of single delay cells. The delay cells include a first input and a second input and a first output. The delay cells are arranged to form a chain such that the first output of a preceding delay cell is coupled to the second input of a successive delay cell. The first inputs of any delay cells are configured to receive an input signal to be delayed. The delay cells out of the plurality of delay cells is configured to constitute a starting point of a signal path including any of the delay cells arranged downstream of the starting point. The first output of the last delay cell in the chain forms an output of the programmable delay element.