Single Output With Variable Or Selectable Delay Patents (Class 327/276)
  • Patent number: 7969220
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Joon Ahn, Jong-Chern Lee
  • Patent number: 7961021
    Abstract: A pulse control device is maintained with a constant pulse width corresponding to a change of process or temperature. The pulse control device comprises a fuse set for selectively outputting a delay increase signal and a delay decrease signal that have a different state based on a cutting or non-cutting state of a fuse on which information on a change of process is programmed, and a pulse generator provided with a plurality of delay cells with predetermined time delay for selectively increasing or decreasing the number of the plurality of delay cells depending on the delay increase signal and the delay decrease signal to generate an internal clock with a pulse width corresponding to the number of the increased or decreased delay cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Kyoung-Nam Kim, Tae-Yun Kim
  • Publication number: 20110133748
    Abstract: Provided is a signal output circuit that outputs a signal, comprising an output circuit that changes a characteristic of a signal output therefrom according to a change in power supply voltage supplied thereto and a control signal supplied thereto; and a control section that changes the control signal to compensate for a change in the characteristic due to a change in the power supply voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke HAYASE, Toshiyuki OKAYASU
  • Publication number: 20110133808
    Abstract: An apparatus has a delay circuit, a delay control circuit which detects the delay time of the delay circuit and generates a delay adjustment signal based upon the detection result, and a delay adjustment circuit operable to adjust delay time of the delay circuit in response to the delay adjustment signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Hiroshi AKAMATSU
  • Patent number: 7956647
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first wiring to transmit a first signal, an alteration element to adjust a delay amount being added to the first wiring, and a shield element to shield the alteration element from a second wiring, the second wiring transmitting a second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Katoh
  • Patent number: 7952411
    Abstract: A method of delaying successive first and second input signals by first and second different selectable time periods using a programmable delay line comprising a sequence of delay elements, each introducing a delay, the method comprising the steps of: providing a control signal to each delay element, the control signal selectively being in a first logic state or a second logic state wherein in a first logic state the delay element selects an input from an adjacent delay element thereby to select the delay elements as part of a set of delay elements introducing said selectable time period and in a second logic state the delay element is not selected in the set; setting the control signals for a first number of adjacent delay elements to the first logic state to introduce the first selectable time period wherein the control signals for the delay elements in the sequence not in the first number are set to the second logic state; and setting the control signals of a second number of adjacent delay elements to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventor: Robert G. Warren
  • Patent number: 7944264
    Abstract: A variable delay circuit includes: a first delay section that changes a first drive capability or a first capacity load, receives the reference signals, and generates a first delayed signal by giving a first delay to the reference signal; a second delay section that changes a second drive capability or a second capacity load of the second delay section, receives the reference signal, and generates a second delayed signal by giving a second delay to the reference signal; a first capacity load setting section that sets at least one of the first capacity load and the second capacity load; a first phase comparing section that compares a first phase of the first delayed signal with a second phase of the second delayed signal; and a drive capability setting section that controls the first drive capability and the second drive capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Ryuichi Nishiyama, Naoya Shibayama
  • Publication number: 20110109360
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Dennis, Dale A. Rickard
  • Publication number: 20110095802
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a control target circuit section; and a voltage control section configured to dynamically control a supply voltage to the control target circuit section. The control target circuit section includes: a delay monitor circuit configured to measure a delay in the control target circuit section as a monitor delay; and a target delay register configured to store a target delay data which shows a target delay as a target value of the monitor delay. The delay monitor circuit compares the monitor delay and the target delay shown by the target delay data and sends a comparison resultant signal to the voltage control section to show a result of the comparison. The voltage control section controls the supply voltage based on the comparison resultant signal such that the monitor delay approaches to the target delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Horikoshi, Toshiyuki Saito
  • Patent number: 7932766
    Abstract: There is provided a digitally controlled oscillator, which is capable of widening its operation range with maintaining its resolution and the maximum frequency at which it operates. The digitally controlled oscillator includes a phase compensation block, a coarse block, and a fine block. The phase compensation block 510 generating a PLL signal PLLCLK and a first clock signal CLK1 which has the same phase and frequency as the PLL signal, in response to a phase control signal DISABLE and a fourth clock signal CLK4. The coarse block 520 generating a second clock signal CLK2 and a third clock signal CLK3 which results from delaying the PLL signal PLLCLK and the first clock signal CLK1 for a given time, in response to a m(integer)-bit coarse A control signal COAR_A and an (m?1)-bit coarse B control signal COAR_B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignees: Postech Foundation, Postech Academy-Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Kwang Hee Choi, Hong June Park
  • Patent number: 7928790
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Qimonda AG
    Inventor: Kazimierz Szczypinski
  • Publication number: 20110084750
    Abstract: Provided is a modulation apparatus that outputs an output signal having a designated amplitude and a designated phase, comprising a first variable delay section that outputs a first delayed signal obtained by delaying a periodic signal by a set delay time; a second variable delay section that outputs a second delayed signal obtained by delaying the periodic signal by a set delay time; an adding section that adds together the first delayed signal and the second delayed signal, and outputs the result as the output signal; and a setting section that sets the delay times for the first variable delay section and the second variable delay section according to the designated amplitude and the designated phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventor: Norio KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20110080202
    Abstract: Adaptive voltage scalers (AVSs), systems, and related methods are disclosed. The AVSs are configured to adaptively adjust voltage levels powering a functional circuit(s) based on target operating frequencies and delay variation conditions to avoid or reduce voltage margin. In one embodiment, the AVS includes an AVS database. The AVS database can be configured to store voltage levels for various operating frequencies of a functional circuit(s) to avoid or reduce voltage margin. The AVS database allows rapid voltage level decisions. The voltage levels stored in the AVS database may be initial, minimum, learned, populated, explored, backed out, temperature-based, and/or age-based voltage levels according to disclosed embodiments to further avoid or reduce voltage margin. An AVS module may be a software-based module that consults the AVS database to make voltage level decisions. Providing the AVS module as a software-based module may allow flexibility in configuring the AVS module and/or the AVS database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard A. Moore, Gerald Paul Michalak, Jeffrey T. Bridges
  • Patent number: 7920005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a large time constant steering circuit for slowly changing a voltage on a node between at least two discrete voltage levels. The present invention further relates to a slow steering current DAC comprising said large time constant steering circuit. The present invention further relates to an instrumentation amplifier device comprising a current balancing instrumentation amplifier for amplifying an input signal to an amplified output signal and a DC servo-loop for removing a DC-component from the input signal. The present invention further relates to an EEG acquisition ASIC comprising said instrumentation amplifier device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignees: IMEC, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven K.U., Leuven R&D
    Inventors: Refet Firat Yazicioglu, Patrick Merken
  • Patent number: 7917875
    Abstract: An adjustable buffer including a series of P-channel devices having current paths coupled between a first voltage supply and at least one output node, and a series of N-channel devices having current paths coupled between the output node and a second voltage supply. The control electrodes of the P- and N-channel devices are coupled to a selected one of an input node and a corresponding voltage supply collectively forming first and second sets of selectable connections. The first and second sets of selectable connections are made to adjust delay from the input node to the output node. The selectable connections may be defined in an integrated circuit mask or may be electronic switches. The P- and N-channel devices may be in a balanced configuration or an imbalanced configuration. The P- and N-channel devices may form an inverting buffer or a non-inverting buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas K. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20110068844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a delay control circuit and a method of controlling delay of an output signal generating based on an input signal, wherein a plurality of delayed replicas of a reference signal are generated with dedicated time delays with respect to the reference signal and are sampled at a predetermined timing defined by the input signal. One of the delayed replicas is selected based on the output of the sampling means, and the output signal is generated based on the selected replica. Thereby, a predetermined phase relationship can be generated even in cases where no strict phase relation is given between data and reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2005
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Bernardus M. Kup
  • Patent number: 7898312
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a variable delay apparatus in which, even immediately after the delay amount of the variable delay apparatus is changed, a signal of a timing that is different from a set delay amount is not output. The variable delay apparatus of the invention includes: a variable delay block 108 having N (N is a natural number) delay elements 101a to 101n, and N selectors 102a to 102n; a variable delay block 109 having N delay elements 103a to 103n, and N selectors 104a to 104n; and a selector 107. After selection signals 105a to 105n and 106a to 106n are changed, and after an output timing of a delay amount set by the variable delay blocks 108, 109 is attained, the signal to be output is switched by the selector 107, thereby avoiding a situation where, immediately after the delay amount is changed, a signal of a timing that is different from the set delay amount is output as an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Aoyagi, Hitoshi Asano, Kazuya Toki, Michiaki Matsuo, Suguru Fujita
  • Patent number: 7893741
    Abstract: Signal edge alignment embodiments include multiple delay stages connected in series. Each delay stage includes a delay line, an interface circuit, and a tap selection circuit. The delay line applies fixed-width delays to an input signal to produce delayed versions of the input signal at a plurality of taps. The interface circuit, which is characterized by an inherent interface circuit delay, passes one of the delayed versions to an interface circuit output in response to a control signal. The tap selection circuit determines a finally-identified tap of the plurality of taps by determining an initially-identified tap at which a delayed version of the input signal most closely has a desired alignment with the input signal, and by identifying the finally-identified tap in the control signal as a tap that occurs earlier in the delay line than the initially-identified tap. This compensates for the inherent delay of the delay stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Lipeng Cao, Khoi B. Mai, Hector Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7880524
    Abstract: A DLL circuit includes a delay unit configured to generate a DLL clock signal by delaying a reference clock signal while adjusting a delay amount in response of a level of a control voltage. An initial operation control unit is configured to control an initial level of the control voltage and generate a detection enable signal. A delay control unit is configured to generate the control voltage by comparing a phase of the reference clock signal and a phase of the DLL clock signal in response to the detection enable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Kwan Dong Kim
  • Publication number: 20110012661
    Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads. An activation signal is propagated in the system from one module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to an external power source such as AC power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Yehuda BINDER
  • Patent number: 7868679
    Abstract: A circuit is provided that includes an input for a clock signal, a random event generator for outputting a random signal, in particular random numbers, a settable delay device that is connected to the input for the clock signal and is connected to the random event generator for the purpose of setting a delay of an edge of the clock signal (clk) by means of the random signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Riedel, Jeannette Zarbock, Tilo Ferchland
  • Publication number: 20110001537
    Abstract: A delay line includes a delay amount adjusting unit configured to adjust a delay amount of an input signal in response to a first delay control code, and a delay unit configured to determine a number of first delay blocks having a delay amount with a first variation width and a number of second delay blocks having a delay amount with a second variation width in response to a second delay control code, wherein the delay amount with the first variation width and the delay amount with the second variation width are determined by the delay amount adjusting unit and the first and second variation widths correspond to a level change of a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Kyung-Hoon KIM
  • Patent number: 7863953
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a current mode logic circuit, comprising first and second differential switching stages, each stage arranged being arranged to receive a plurality of clock signals, such that the first and second differential switching stages respond to a combination of the plurality of clock signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Jennic Limited
    Inventor: Kim Li
  • Publication number: 20100295592
    Abstract: An automatic hold time fixing circuit unit includes a first switch having first and second ends connected to data input and output ports. An input end of a memory element is connected to the second end of the first switch. A second switch includes a first end connected to an output end of the memory element and a second end connected to the data output port. A control circuit includes first and second output terminals and first and second input terminals. The first and second output terminals are connected to control ends of the first and second switches. The first and second input terminals allow input of two clocks to the control circuit for controlling connection or disconnection of the first and second switches. The data stored in the memory element can be utilized to fix a hold time of the data, so that correct data can be obtained at the data output port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Liang-An Zheng, Pu-Jen Cheng, Shinn-Horng Chen
  • Publication number: 20100295591
    Abstract: A skew adjustor that can reduce inter-pair skew between differential signals received via a cable is disclosed. In one embodiment, a skew adjustor includes: a skew detector that receives signals from a cable, and provides a detected skew amount when skew is detected between two of the signals; an offset controller for receiving the detected skew amount, and for providing a delay control signal in response thereto; and a skew delay circuit that receives the signals and the delay control signal, and enables one or more delay stages in a path of a first arriving of the two skewed signals based on the delay control signal, such that an adjusted skew between the two skewed signals at an output of the skew delay circuit is less than the detected skew amount by an amount corresponding to the enabled one or more delay stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Quellan Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios Asmanis, Faouzi Chaahoub
  • Publication number: 20100289543
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chen WAN
  • Patent number: 7834674
    Abstract: A delay circuit includes a delay line unit including a plurality of delay units configured to generate a plurality of delay input clocks by delaying an input clock by a unit delay amount in response to at least one delay control signal; and a signal selection unit configured to selectively output at least one of the plurality of delay input clocks in response to the delay control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Jun Cho
  • Patent number: 7834673
    Abstract: A variable delay circuit comprising a first delay element configured to delay an input signal, a second delay element coupled to the first delay element in parallel and also configured to delay the input signal, a control current supply section configured to supply control currents for adjusting a delay amount of the first delay element and a delay amount of the second delay element, and an output signal selecting section configured to select any one of an output signal from the first delay element and an output signal from the second delay element according to a selecting signal for selecting delay time of the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Matsunami
  • Patent number: 7830192
    Abstract: A delay circuit comprising a delay measurement unit, a delay mapping unit and a map delay module. The delay measurement unit generates a mapping table according to a reference signal and a reference clock signal. The delay mapping unit generates a mapped delay selection signal according to an input selection signal and at least a mapping value from the mapping table. The map delay module delays an input data signal to generate an output data signal according to the mapped delay selection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mediatek, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Po Ma, Yuan-Chin Liu
  • Patent number: 7830193
    Abstract: A time-delay buffer having a CMOS inverter and a capacitor is disclosed. The CMOS inverter of the time-delay buffer has a silicide layer partially disposed on the transistor gate of the CMOS and a non-silicide region lain in between the silicide layers. Therefore, the time-delay buffer of the present invention has a resistance therein, and results in a period of time delayed in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Hung-Sung Lin
  • Publication number: 20100277213
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a variable delay circuit, including a first delay portion that delays an input signal; an output portion; and a variable impedance portion provided coupled between the first delay portion and an the output portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITED
    Inventor: Shigetaka Asano
  • Patent number: 7825713
    Abstract: An absolute time delay generating device includes a PVT (process-voltage-temperature) detection device and a delay-timing generator. The PVT detection device includes at least a delay module and a signal phase/frequency control module. The delay module includes a control unit and a reference unit. The control unit differs from the reference unit in sensitivity of delay property to PVT. The delay module compares phase or frequency differences generated when origin signals pass through the control unit and reference unit respectively, and produce delay parameters of the delay module. The signal phase/frequency control module receives and compares the delay parameters to determine an ambient PVT condition for the absolute time delay generating device, so as to control and correct the delay-timing generator and thereby generate accurate absolute time delay. Under various PVT influences, the absolute time delay generating device is capable of generating accurate, absolute time signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Lee, Jui-Yuan Yu, Chien-Ying Yu, Juinn-Ting Chen
  • Publication number: 20100271090
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for mitigating the effects of single event effects or upsets on digital semiconductor device data paths and clocks utilizing an adaptive temporal filter. The adaptive temporal filter includes a master delay line and a slave delay line to generate two output clock signals that remain unaffected by variations in process, voltage and temperature (PVT) conditions. The adaptive temporal filter supplies the three independent clock signals having a programmable phase relationship, to a triple voting register structure for storing and outputting an uncorrupted data value using a majority voter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Brad J. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7808293
    Abstract: A clock distribution circuit includes a monitoring circuit that delays a signal based on a clock signal from a clock tree by using multiple inverter circuits and predicts a timing violation on the basis of the amount of delay produced by the multiple inverter circuits. The clock distribution circuit further includes an OR circuit that controls, on the basis of the result of prediction by the monitoring circuit, a clock gating signal generated by a combinational circuit and a clock gating circuit that supplies a clock signal or stops supply of the clock signal depending on a signal output from the OR circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Toshio Fujisawa
  • Publication number: 20100244921
    Abstract: Embodiments of programmable delay line circuits are disclosed herein. The delay line circuit may comprise a first multiplexer having a first input coupled with an input line; a second multiplexer having a first input, and a second input coupled with an output of the first multiplexer, and an output coupled with a second input of the first multiplexer; a third multiplexer having a first input coupled with the output of the second multiplexer, a second input coupled with the input line, and an output coupled with an output line; a first control gate coupled with the third multiplexer to control the third multiplexer; and a second control gate coupled with the second multiplexer to control the second multiplexer; wherein the first and second control gates selectively control the second and third multiplexer, responsive to a delay value encoded in Gray Code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: M2000 SA.
    Inventor: Jean Barbier
  • Patent number: 7795942
    Abstract: A stage by stage delay current-summing slew rate controller includes a delay controller, a delay cell array, a current source array, a switch array, a load. The delay cell array includes N delay cells, the switch array includes N switches, and the switch includes N current sources, wherein N>1. The delay controller is connected with the control ports of the delay cells respectively, and the delay cells are connected with the control terminal of the switches respectively. One of the connecting terminals of the switch is connected with the output end of the current source, and the other end of the connecting terminals of the switch is connected with one end of the load, and the other end of the load is connected to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: IPGlobal Microelectronics (SiChuan) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Quan, Guosheng Wu
  • Patent number: 7795943
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device has multiple first circuit elements arranged in a first area. A signal distribution circuit that has multiple drive circuits is connected in the form of a tree structure and that distributes a common signal that is input to the starting point of said tree structure to each of the multiple first circuit elements through the same number of levels of drive circuits. At least some of the drive circuits of the tree structure are arranged one each in each of multiple second areas into which the first area is divided to include approximately the same number of the first circuit elements, and the common signal is supplied to the first circuit elements included in the second area where they are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Yutaka Toyonoh, Tomohide Miyagi
  • Patent number: 7786784
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a variable delay circuit, including a first delay portion that delays an input signal; an output portion; and a variable impedance portion provided coupled between the first delay portion and an the output portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Shigetaka Asano
  • Publication number: 20100213999
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to dynamic element matching in delay line circuits to reduce linearity degradation and delay line mismatching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Andreas Wiesbauer, Luis Hernandez, Dietmar Straeussnigg
  • Patent number: 7782109
    Abstract: A delay circuit includes a first delay module, a delay measurement unit and a fault judge unit. The first delay module has a first delay circuit with at least one delay stage. The delay measurement unit is used for measuring a first delay amount and a second delay amount of the first delay chain respectively corresponding to a first number and a second number of delay stages. The fault judge unit is used for determining if the first delay chain has delay faults or not according to the first and second delay amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Po Ma, Yuan-Chin Liu
  • Patent number: 7777544
    Abstract: A method comprises applying a first delay to a first signal that is ahead of a second signal in a series of signals and determining a first number of delay units that provides the first delay to change an order between the delayed first signal and the second signal that has a phase difference with the first signal. The method further comprises determining a similar number for any other pair of signals in the series of signals that have the phase difference. The method further comprises determining a maximum and a minimum from the obtained numbers and determining linearity of the seriels of signals based on a difference between the maximum and the minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Bin Xue
  • Patent number: 7772907
    Abstract: Provided are a digital phase interpolator, which performs linear phase interpolation irrelevantly to input order of two input signals, and a semi-digital delay locked loop (DLL), which includes and controls the same. The phase interpolator includes: a first clocked inverter controlled by a phase indicating signal and providing a first output signal to a common output terminal by inverting a first input signal, and a second clocked inverter controlled by the phase indicating signal and providing a second output signal to the common output terminal by inverting the second input signal. The second clocked inverter is clocked by the first input signal when the phase indicating signal is in a first logic state, and the first clocked inverter is clocked by the second input signal when the phase indicating signal is in a second logic state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-gook Kim, Seung-jun Bae, Kwang-il Park
  • Publication number: 20100176861
    Abstract: A delay circuit is used for receiving an input signal from a signal source. The delay circuit includes a delay unit, a switch unit, and a generator. The switch unit is used for receiving a voltage from a power supply and selectively transmitting the voltage to the delay unit according to the input signal. The generator is coupled to the power supply for generating an output signal. The output signal is equivalent to the input signal that is delayed for a predetermined time period. Wherein the delay unit is used for generating an electrical signal according to the voltage and transmitting the electrical signal to the generator. The delay unit includes an adjustable capacitor coupled between ground and an interconnection of the switch unit and the generator. An electronic device including the delay circuit is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD ., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: LUNG DAI, YU-WEI CAO, WANG-CHANG DUAN
  • Patent number: 7755407
    Abstract: Provided is a variable delay circuit outputting an output signal delayed with respect to an input signal by a designated delay time, including: a delay controller outputting a control voltage according to the delay time; a MOS transistor receiving the control voltage at a gate, and outputs a drain current according to the control voltage; a correction section connected in parallel to a source and a drain of the current controlling MOS transistor, and outputs a correction current on a monotonic decrease as the drain current increases in a range larger than a predetermined boundary current within a normal usage range of the drain current; and a delay element running an output current resulting from adding the correction current to the drain current, between the delay element and an output terminal of the variable delay circuit, in changing a signal value of the output signal according to the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Hasumi, Masakatsu Suda, Satoshi Sudou
  • Patent number: 7750710
    Abstract: A delay circuit has a second delay element 8 supplied with a delay time control signal Vcntl from a frequency variable oscillator 2 including a first delay element 8 of which delay time as a concomitant of signal propagation is controlled by a delay time control signal and a phase inverting element 9 inverting a phase of the signal, and an adjusting element 10, connected in series to the second delay element 8, to which the signal is propagated, wherein a total of the delay time of the second delay element 8 and the delay time of the adjusting element 10 is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited
    Inventor: Kenichi Nomura
  • Patent number: 7750707
    Abstract: High-resolution low-interconnect phase rotator. A signal may be generated having any desired phase (as determined by the step size employed). First and second control signals select a sector (e.g., the range from 0° to 360° is divided into a number of sectors) and a particular phase within that sector. Generally, this range from 0° to 360° is uniformly divided so that each sector is the same. However, if desired, there can alternatively be differences in the sizes of each of the sectors. The use of these two sets of controls signals (one for selecting the sector and one for selecting the particular phase within the sector) allows for very few control signals. N-channel metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (N-MOSFET) based switches and differential pairs of transistors or alternatively p-channel metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (P-MOSFET) based switches and differential pairs of transistors can be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Afshin Momtaz
  • Patent number: 7750711
    Abstract: A phase signal select circuit includes a supporting path coupled to a tri-state inverter circuit. The supporting path reduces effects of hysteresis on signal transfer. An apparatus includes at least one input node responsive to a respective one of at least one input signal. The apparatus includes at least one circuit coupled to a respective one of the at least one input node and coupled to an output node. Individual ones of the at least one circuit are configured to provide a version of the respective input signal to the output node in response to a first state of a respective select signal. The apparatus includes at least one second circuit coupled to a respective one of the at least one circuit. The at least one second circuit is configured to toggle nodes of the at least one circuit in response to a second state of the respective select signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Globalfoundries Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Maheshwari, Meei-Ling Chiang, Emerson S. Fang
  • Patent number: 7750712
    Abstract: A timing control circuit DLY1 receives clock signal CKa with period T1 and activation signal ACT and outputs fine timing signal FT with delay of m*T1+tda measured from the clock signal where m denotes a non-negative integer and tda denotes delay in the analog delay element. The timing control circuit DLY1 comprises a coarse delay circuit CD and a fine delay circuit FD. The coarse delay circuit CD comprises a counter for counting a rising edge of the clock signal CKa after receiving activation signal ACT and outputs coarse timing signal CT with delay of m*T1 measured from a rising edge of the clock signal CKa. The fine delay circuit FD comprises a plurality of analog delay elements and outputs fine delay timing signal FT with delay of tda measured from the coarse timing signal CT. Variation in delay of timing signal is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Ide, Yasuhiro Takai, Akira Kotabe, Tomonori Sekiguchi, Riichiro Takemura, Satoru Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7750664
    Abstract: A programmable phase shifter is constructed of Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) logic elements. The logic elements may include an RSFQ inverter and an RSFQ T flip-flop. A digital word comprising N bits is used to control the amount of phase shift and the phase shifter selectively imparts a respective phase shift for any of 2N states that can be represented by the digital word. The RSFQ logic elements utilize Josephson junctions which operate in the superconducting temperature domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hypres, Inc
    Inventor: Alexander F. Kirichenko
  • Patent number: 7750709
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that biases a floating node within an integrated circuit. During operation, the system first identifies the floating node within the integrated circuit to be biased. The system then determines a desired bias voltage. Next, the system couples a low-power bias source to the floating node to supply the desired bias voltage, wherein the floating node is biased without stopping data transmission through the floating node during biasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin M. Schauer, Robert D. Hopkins