Abstract: Delay circuits, and related systems and methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a delay circuit is provided that uses logic to delay accurately an output enable signal to reduce or avoid data hazards within a slave device. The delay circuit includes two shift register chains configured to receive an output enable in signal based on a slow clock. A first shift register chain is clocked by a positive edge of a fast clock, and provides a first strobe signal. A second shift register chain is clocked by a negative edge of the fast clock, and provides a second strobe signal. The logic uses the first and second strobe signals, and the output enable in signal, to provide a delayed output enable out signal. The delay circuit provides a highly accurate time delay for the output enable signal to reduce or avoid data hazards in an area and power efficient manner.

Abstract: There is provided a continuous time cross-correlator comprising: a quantizer for quantizing the incoming signal into discrete levels; a delay line comprising one or more delay units separating a plurality of delay line taps; for each of said delay line taps, a comparator for comparing the signal level of the delay line tap with a correlation value; a continuous time counter for taking the outputs of the plurality of comparators as its inputs, counting the results of the comparisons and outputting the results of the comparisons; and an output comparator for comparing the counter output with a threshold value. The cross-correlator provides for high speed continuous time cross-correlation with low power consumption and a small chip area. Methods of continuous time cross correlation are also provided.

Abstract: A structure for performing cross-chip communication with mesochronous clocks. The structure includes: a data delay line; a remote clock delay line; a structure that captures at least one value of a state of a delayed remote clock signal on the remote clock delay line; and a control that influences a delay associated with the data delay line and the remote clock delay line.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a network device. The network device includes a first port coupled to a first device to communicate with the first device, and a clock wander compensation module. The first port recovers a first clock based on first signals received from the first device. The clock wander compensation module includes a global counter configured to count system clock cycles based on a system clock of the network device, and a first port counter configured to count first clock cycles based on the recovered first clock. Further, the first port transmits a first pause frame to the first device based on the global counter and the first port counter.

Abstract: The invention provides a device including a binary pulse input signal converter, the output of which is connected to a counter and to a delay line that includes a plurality of delay elements. The counter and the delay line also receive a clock signal as an input. The delay line is combined with a sampler and analog memory that includes a plurality of storage cells that receive the input signal as input. Each element of the a delay line includes an output connected to a corresponding storage cell of the analog so as to sequentially control the sampling and storage of the input signal in the storage cells.

Abstract: A method for source synchronous communication. The method includes dynamically adjusting a delay that is applied to a data signal and a remote clock signal until a delayed remote clock signal is synchronized with a local clock signal, and capturing data from a delayed data signal associated with the delay in a local domain.

Abstract: A hybrid digital pulse width modulator (DPWM) with digital delay-locked loops (DLLs) is provided. In this implementation, the digital pulse-width-modulator is synthesizable and includes a digital delay-locked loop around a delay-line to achieve constant frequency clocked operation. In this implementation, the resolution of the modulator is consistent over a wide range of process or temperature variations. The DPWM may implement trailing-edge, leading-edge, triangular, or phase-shift modulation. In an implementation suitable for DC-DC converters with synchronous rectifiers, for example, the DPWM may include two or more outputs for programmable dead-times. In another implementation, a digital pulse-width-modulator with a digital phase-locked loop is also provided.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, a delaying circuit is configured to delay an input signal based on an internal setting data to output as a timing signal. A delay determining section is configured to determine a delay state of each of a plurality of delay signals obtained by delaying the timing signal, based on the plurality of delay signals. A program section is configured to change the internal setting data based on the delay state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delaying a clock signal for a multiple-data-rate interface. An apparatus provides an integrated circuit including a frequency divider configured to receive a first clock signal and a first variable-delay block configured to receive an output from the frequency divider. Also included is a phase detector configured to receive the first clock signal and an output from the first variable-delay block, and an up/down counter configured to receive an output from the phase detector. A second variable-delay block is configured to receive a second clock signal and a plurality of flip-flops are configured to receive an output from the second variable-delay block. The first variable-delay block and the second variable-delay block are configured to receive an output from the up/down counter.

Abstract: Delay lock loop circuits are described, which may include two or more delay stages that each includes a plurality of selectable delay elements. A reference signal drives an input of the first delay stage, which provides a first output. The first output drives an input of the second delay stage, which provides a second output. The circuits further include a first selector register that is associated with the first delay stage. A value maintained in the first selector register determines a number of the selectable delay elements utilized in the first delay stage. The circuits further include a second selector register associated with the second delay stage. A value maintained in the second selector register determines a number of the selectable delay elements utilized in the second delay stage. Modification of the values maintained in the first and second selector registers are synchronized to the first and second outputs, respectively.

Abstract: A delay line including a phase detector having two inputs and one output. The first input of the phase detector is connected to an input of the delay line. The second input of the phase detector is connected to an output of the delay line. The output of the phase detector is connected to a control circuit which controls current flow at a control node to produce a control voltage at the node. A voltage-controlled delay unit is responsible to the control voltage to control a delay applied to a signal at an input of the delay line.

Abstract: An interface circuit includes a variable delay circuit and a delay adjustment circuit to automatically detect a data valid window of a DQ signal and adjust an optimum delay amount of a DQS signal, and a fixed delay circuit to delay the DQ signal by a delay amount tFIXDLY satisfying tFIXDLY>tMINDLY+tSKEW?tSETUP where a minimum delay amount in the variable delay circuit is tMINDLY, a skew between the DQ signal and the DQS signal is tSKEW, and a setup time of the DQ signal is tSETUP.

Abstract: When certain digital circuit devices receive data bus signals, I/O interfaces need to sample the data signals during a time when these signals are both valid and stable. Typically, the data signals are sampled at a time corresponding to a point halfway between rising and falling edges of a reference clock signal associated with the data bus, which sampling time corresponds to a 90-degree phase shift of the reference clock signal. In one embodiment of the invention, a delay count generator determines a delay value corresponding to a quarter cycle (i.e., 90 degrees) of the reference clock signal. In making this determination, a counter counts the number of clock cycles of an internally generated, relatively high-frequency clock signal, where the number corresponds to a specified portion (e.g., one half) of a period of a divided-down version of the reference clock signal. That number can then be used to generate the 90-degree delay value.

Abstract: A memory device, delay lock loop circuit (DLL) and DLL reset circuitry are described. The DLL includes a shift register and a measured delay for pre-loading the shift register. The reset circuitry selectively filters a clock signal propagation through the measured delay during a reset operation.

Abstract: A delay control circuit capable of controlling a delay time is disclosed. The delay control circuit includes a delay detecting circuit, a first pulse generator, a counter control circuit and a counter. The delay detecting circuit delays an input signal by a first time in response to an output signal and compares the input signal and the delayed input signal to generate a first signal. The first pulse generator generates a second signal in response to the input signal. The counter control circuit generates a count-up signal and a count-down signal in response to the first signal and the second signal. The counter generates the output signal in response to the count-up signal and the count-down signal to divide the first time by 2n intervals, wherein n is a positive integer.

Abstract: The self correcting scheme to match pull up and pull down devices includes: a first comparator for comparing a common mode signal to a high reference limit; a second comparator for comparing the common mode signal to a low reference limit; a first flip flop having an input coupled to an output of the first comparator; a second flip flop having an input coupled to an output of the second comparator; a counter having inputs coupled to the first and second flip flops; and a delay device controlled by an output of the counter, wherein the delay device provides a pull down control signal that is delayed relative to a pull up control signal.

Abstract: High resolution digital delay circuits and methods are provided. A multiplexer receives the outputs of first and second delay elements. At least the second delay element is adjustable using a digital control signal. The multiplexer and the first delay element form a first delay loop. The multiplexer, the first delay element and the second delay element form a second delay loop. A logic circuit monitors the number of times (M) that a signal cycles through the first loop. After M reaches a predetermined value (i.e., when the signal is delayed by a predetermined delay), the multiplexer receives a control signal that causes the second loop to close. A signal cycles through the second loop, which provides additional delay. Preferably, the signal cycles through the second loop only once. Generally, this causes the resolution of the delay circuit to be proportional to the minimum delay adjustment of the second delay element.

Abstract: High resolution digital delay circuits and methods are provided. A multiplexer receives the outputs of first and second delay elements. At least the second delay element is adjustable using a digital control signal. The multiplexer and the first delay element form a first delay loop. The multiplexer, the first delay element and the second delay element form a second delay loop. A logic circuit monitors the number of times (M) that a signal cycles through the first loop. After M reaches a predetermined value (i.e., when the signal is delayed by a predetermined delay), the multiplexer receives a control signal that causes the second loop to close. A signal cycles through the second loop, which provides additional delay. Preferably, the signal cycles through the second loop only once. Generally, this causes the resolution of the delay circuit to be proportional to the minimum delay adjustment of the second delay element.

Abstract: A fuse that includes an arc energy reducing coating to reduce arc energy during a short-circuit and/or a full voltage overload current interrupt is described. The fuse includes end conductor elements, and at least one fuse element secured between and making electrical contact with the end conductor elements. An elongate fuse housing, having a passageway extending longitudinally through the housing, extends between the end conductor elements. The fuse element extends through the housing passageway. An arc energy reducing coating at least partially coats each end portion of the fuse element.

Abstract: In a delay circuit, a voltage detecting circuit is additionally provided. This voltage detecting circuit detects such a condition that a voltage appeared at a measuring terminal of the delay circuit is shifted from a predetermined voltage range for a time duration longer than, or equal to a preset time duration. Even when the measuring terminal of the delay circuit is short-circuited to the power supply voltage, or the ground potential, this delay circuit firmly inverts the output signal level based on delay time set by an internal delay circuit.

Abstract: A fixed-length delay generation circuit comprises a first variable delay circuit (VDC), a clock generation circuit, a VDC group including one or more second VDCs, and a delay controller. The clock signal is input to a second VDC disposed at the initial stage in the VDC group. The delay controller outputs a signal by which delay amount in the first and second VDCs are made smaller when a difference between phases of a delay clock signal output from the VDC group and of the clock signal generated by the clock generation circuit is greater than a predetermined value. The delay controller outputs a signal by which delay amount in the first and second VDCs are made larger when the difference between phases of a delay clock signal output from the VDC group and of the clock signal generated by the clock generation circuit is smaller than such value.

Abstract: A time delay system and method utilize an accurate clock signal with a known frequency to calibrate an inaccurate clock signal that will be used to generate a desired time delay. In the case that the frequency of the inaccurate clock signal is lower than the frequency of the accurate clock signal, the number of cycles of the accurate clock signal that occur during a predetermined portion of the inaccurate clock signal is used to calibrate the inaccurate clock signal. Alternately, if the frequency of the inaccurate clock signal is higher than the frequency of the accurate clock signal, the number of cycles of the inaccurate clock signal that occur during a predetermined portion of the accurate clock signal is used in the calibration. The calibrated inaccurate clock signal is then utilized to generate an accurate time delay.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a delay circuit generates a plurality of delay strobe signals from a plurality of data strobe signals during an operational mode and a calibration signal from a reference signal by an interval during a calibration mode. The plurality of delay strobe signals clocks a plurality of data into a plurality of registers. A calibrator adjusts the interval according to a timing relationship between the calibration signal and the reference signal.

Abstract: A timing circuit which is used to synchronize different circuit to each other. The timing circuit includes adjustable delay apparatus which delay an input signal with a predetermined value. The timing circuit uses counting devices to count the input signal and the delayed output signal and thereby provides a simple and more cost effective timing circuit.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device capable of obtaining an optimum delay time, a plurality of delay circuits are connected in series to one another through points of connections between two adjacent ones of the delay circuits to produce a plurality of reference delay signals derived from the delay circuits. One of the reference delay signals is decided as the optimum delay time with reference to a practical condition. Thus, the delay time can be varied in the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An output delay circuit has a counter which is reset at every input of an input signal of a first signal state thereto and counts input clocks while the input signal of a second signal state is inputted thereto; a comparator for comparing an accumulated number of the input clocks having been counted by the counter with a predetermined clock number set in advance; and a logic circuit for, when it is determined by the comparator that the accumulated number of the input clocks is less than the predetermined clock number, outputting an output signal having a signal state same as the first signal state of the input signal, while for, when it is determined by the comparator that the accumulated number of the input clocks is not less than the predetermined clock number, outputting an output signal having a signal state same as the second signal state of the input signal

Abstract: Automatic test equipment with programmable timing generators to generate digital signals and analog signals. The digital timing generator can be programmed to generate timing signals with a resolution finer than that of the master clock of the timing generator. Extremely fine resolution is achieved by specifying the numerator and denominator of a fractional portion of a period. A similar arrangement is used to allow fine frequency resolution for the analog timing generator. The fine resolution achievable with the timing generators allows the digital timing generator to be synchronized to the analog timing generator.

Abstract: Output pulses of a period which is an integral multiple of the fundamental period T are generated by coarse timing generating means 13 in correspondence with an integral part Di of timing set data read out of a memory 11, and the output pulses are distributed by distributing means 17 to set- and reset-side delay means 26s and 26r under the control of a waveform generation control circuit 18. Pieces of data Dr and Ds, which are obtained by adding a fractional part of the timing set data read out of the memory and set-side skew absorbing data and reset-side skew absorbing data, respectively, are provided as delay control signals to the set- and reset-side delay means 26s and 26r. The pulse distributed to the set-side delay means 26s is delayed by logical delay means 27s for any one of delay times 0, 1T and 2T in accordance with the integral value of the data Ds, and the thus delayed pulse is further delayed by fine delay means 28s in accordance with the fractional value of the data Ds.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit detecting a change in the internal propagation delay and self-compensating such a change. A combination of semiconductor integrated circuits can self-compensate a change in the total propagation delay of the circuit. There is provided a ring oscillator composed of dummy device elements separate from an actually-used logic circuit portion. The oscillating pulses of the ring oscillator are counted relative to a reference pulse signal. The semiconductor integrated circuit has a delay time compensation control circuit block which generates control data used to compensate the change in the propagation delay based on the difference between the first-counted value and a subsequently counted value. In a combination of semiconductor integrated circuits, the delay time compensation control circuit block may be provided for each channel. Alternatively, the delay time compensation control circuit block may be provided for common use by many channels.

Abstract: A waveform formatter for use in testing a semiconductor device is capable of reducing a total size of circuit configuration. The waveform formatter includes a plurality of clock generators in which at low-speed operation, clocks are used to generate waveforms and control signals of drivers, while at high-speed operation, all clocks are used to generate waveforms for drivers. The waveform formatter further includes a parallel-serial converter for converting parallel signals to a serial signal, a data selector for selecting the parallel signals or the serial signal, and a waveform combining circuit for accepting output signals of the clock generators through a format control unit and for generating waveforms and control signals for the drivers using the clocks from the clock generators.