Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080246520 | DELAY-LOCKED LOOP (DLL) SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING FORWARD CLOCK PATH DELAY - A delayed locked loop (DLL) system and method for determining a forward clock path delay are disclosed. One embodiment of the DLL system includes a delay line having a plurality of delay stages. The DLL system also includes a measure shot device configured to determine a forward clock path delay of the DLL system. The measure shot device is configured to provide a calibration sequence into the DLL loop and to detect the calibration sequence after the calibration sequence has passed through the DLL loop. The measure shot device is further configured to count the number of clocks for a period of time between providing and detecting the calibration sequence. The number of clocks can be used to calibrate components of the DLL system. | 10-09-2008 |
20080258785 | Periodic signal synchronization apparatus, systems, and methods - Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate to generate a periodic output signal from a periodic input signal, obtain a plurality of samples of a phase difference between the output signal and the input signal, and to adjust a phase of the output signal based on the samples of the phase difference. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 10-23-2008 |
20080297215 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTPUT DATA SYNCHRONIZATION WITH SYSTEM CLOCK - A circuit, delay-locked loop, memory device, system and method of synchronizing a clock are described. A circuit generally includes a delay line configured to delay an external clock signal to produce a substantially in-phase output clock signal, a main loop configured to control delay through the delay line, and a secondary loop configured to adjust delay through the main loop. The clock synchronization method generally includes adjusting a delay along a delay line in response to a first phase difference between an input clock to the delay line and a shared clock signal delayed by a shared dynamic I/O model of an output driver. The method further includes adjusting the shared dynamic I/O model in response to a second phase difference between an output clock signal and the shared clock signal. | 12-04-2008 |
20090079481 | PERIODIC SIGNAL DELAY APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate to delay a periodic input signal in one or more delay elements of a group of delay elements to generate a periodic output signal and to vary a power supply to the delay elements. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 03-26-2009 |
20090146712 | DELAY-LOCKED LOOP (DLL) SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING FORWARD CLOCK PATH DELAY - A delayed locked loop (DLL) system and method for determining a forward clock path delay are disclosed. One embodiment of the DLL system includes a delay line having a plurality of delay stages. The DLL system also includes a measure shot device configured to determine a forward clock path delay of the DLL system. The measure shot device is configured to provide a calibration sequence into the DLL loop and to detect the calibration sequence after the calibration sequence has passed through the DLL loop. The measure shot device is further configured to count the number of clocks for a period of time between providing and detecting the calibration sequence. The number of clocks can be used to calibrate components of the DLL system. | 06-11-2009 |
20090251952 | STATE MACHINE SENSING OF MEMORY CELLS - The present disclosure includes methods, devices, modules, and systems for sensing memory cells using a state machine. One method embodiment includes generating a first sensing reference according to a first output of a state machine. The method includes bifurcating a range of possible programmed levels to which a memory cell can be programmed with the first sensing reference. The method also includes generating a second sensing reference according to a second output of the state machine. The method further includes determining a programmed level of the memory cell with the second generated sensing reference. | 10-08-2009 |
20100014377 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING OSCILLATION IN SYNCHRONOUS CIRCUITS - Control signal oscillation filtering circuits, delay-locked loops, clock synchronization methods and devices and system incorporating control signal oscillation filtering circuits is described. An oscillation filtering circuit includes a first oscillation filter configured to filter oscillations and a majority filter configured to average filter an output of a phase detector and generate in response thereto control signals to an adjustable delay line. | 01-21-2010 |
20100085099 | MULTI-PHASE SIGNAL GENERATOR AND METHOD - Multi-phase signal generators and methods for generating multi-phase signals are described. In one embodiment, the clock generator generates quadrature clock signals including those having 90, 180, 270 and 360 degrees phase difference with a first clock signal. One of the intermediate clock signals may be used as an enable signal to guide locking of all signals. For example, the 180 degree clock signal may be inverted and used as an enable signal to guide locking of the initial and 360 degree signals in a single phase adjustment procedure. The 0 and 360 degree signals may be delayed before their phase is compared to compensate for duty cycle error in the clock signals. | 04-08-2010 |
20100103746 | MULTI-PHASE DUTY-CYCLE CORRECTED CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATOR AND MEMORY HAVING SAME - Memories, multi-phase clock signal generators, and methods for generating multi-phase duty cycle corrected clock signals are disclosed. For example, one such clock signal generator includes a delay-locked loop having a first multi-tap adjustable delay line configured to delay a reference signal to provide a plurality of clock signals having different phases relative to the reference clock signal. A periodic signal generated by the delay-locked loop is provided to a second multi-tap adjustable delay line as an input clock signal. Clock signals from taps of the second multi-tap adjustable delay line are provided as the multi-phase duty cycle corrected clock signals. | 04-29-2010 |
20100110757 | RESISTIVE MEMORY - The present disclosure includes resistive memory devices and systems having resistive memory cells, as well as methods for operating the resistive memory cells. One memory device embodiment includes at least one resistive memory element, a programming circuit, and a sensing circuit. For example, the programming circuit can include a switch configured to select one of N programming currents for programming the at least one resistive memory element, where each of the N programming currents has a unique combination of current direction and magnitude, with N corresponding to the number of resistance states of the at least one memory element. In one or more embodiments, the sensing circuit can be arranged for sensing of the N resistance states. | 05-06-2010 |
20100118632 | CIRCUITS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING SIMULTANEOUS SWITCHING OUTPUT NOISE, POWER NOISE, OR COMBINATIONS THEREOF - Memory devices and methods are provided for reducing simultaneous switching output noise and power supply noise during burst data write and refresh operations. An embodiment of a memory device according to the present invention includes a first power domain coupled to some of the components of the memory device and a second power domain coupled to different components of the memory device. One or more distributed power domain coupling circuits may be coupled to the first and second power domains. The power domain coupling circuit includes a controller configured to generate an enable signal responsive to control signals, data signals, or any combination thereof. The power domain coupling circuit also includes coupling circuitry coupled to the first and second power domains and coupled to the controller. The coupling circuitry is configured to couple the first and second power domains together responsive to the enable signal. | 05-13-2010 |
20100201415 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTPUT DATA SYNCHRONIZATION WITH SYSTEM CLOCK - A circuit, delay-locked loop, memory device, system and method of synchronizing a clock are described. A circuit generally includes a delay line configured to delay an external clock signal to produce a substantially in-phase output clock signal, a main loop configured to control delay through the delay line, and a secondary loop configured to adjust delay through the main loop. The clock synchronization method generally includes adjusting a delay along a delay line in response to a first phase difference between an input clock to the delay line and a shared clock signal delayed by a shared dynamic I/O model of an output driver. The method further includes adjusting the shared dynamic I/O model in response to a second phase difference between an output clock signal and the shared clock signal. | 08-12-2010 |
20100239234 | PERIODIC SIGNAL DELAY APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate to delay a periodic input signal in one or more delay elements of a group of delay elements to generate a periodic output signal and to vary a power supply to the delay elements. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 09-23-2010 |
20100253404 | CLOCK JITTER COMPENSATED CLOCK CIRCUITS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING JITTER COMPENSATED CLOCK SIGNALS - Clock circuits, memories and methods for generating a clock signal are described. One such clock circuit includes a delay locked loop (DLL) configured to receive a reference clock signal and generate an output clock signal having an adjustable phase relationship relative to the reference clock signal, and further includes a clock jitter feedback circuit coupled to a clock tree and the DLL. The clock jitter feedback circuit is configured to synchronize a clock jitter feedback signal and a DLL feedback signal that is based on the output clock signal. The clock jitter feedback circuit is further configured to provide the clock jitter feedback signal to the DLL for synchronization with a buffered reference clock signal. The clock jitter feedback signal is based on and generated in response to receiving a distributed output clock signal from the clock tree circuit and the buffered reference signal is based on the reference clock signal. | 10-07-2010 |
20110001528 | PERIODIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate to generate a periodic output signal from a periodic input signal, obtain a plurality of samples of a phase difference between the output signal and the input signal, and to adjust a phase of the output signal based on the samples of the phase difference. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 01-06-2011 |
20110025389 | CLOCK JITTER COMPENSATED CLOCK CIRCUITS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING JITTER COMPENSATED CLOCK SIGNALS - Clock circuits, memories and methods for generating a clock signal are described. One such clock circuit includes a delay locked loop (DLL) configured to receive a reference clock signal and generate an output clock signal having an adjustable phase relationship relative to the reference clock signal, and further includes a clock jitter feedback circuit coupled to a clock tree and the DLL. The clock jitter feedback circuit is configured to synchronize a clock jitter feedback signal and a DLL feedback signal that is based on the output clock signal. The clock jitter feedback circuit is further configured to provide the clock jitter feedback signal to the DLL for synchronization with a buffered reference clock signal. The clock jitter feedback signal is based on and generated in response to receiving a distributed output clock signal from the clock tree circuit and the buffered reference signal is based on the reference clock signal. | 02-03-2011 |
20110050303 | DIE LOCATION COMPENSATION - Embodiments are described that compensate for a difference in a characteristic (e.g., of performance or operation) of a semiconductor device that is a function of the location of a die in a device. In one embodiment, a clock circuit may generate a clock signal having a timing that varies with the location of a die so that signals are coupled from the die to a substrate at the same time despite differences in the signal propagation time between the substrate and the various die. In other embodiments, for example, differences in the termination impedance or driver drive-strength resulting from differences in the location of a die in a stack may be compensated for. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 03-03-2011 |
20110058406 | RESISTIVE MEMORY - The present disclosure includes resistive memory devices and systems having resistive memory cells, as well as methods for operating the resistive memory cells. One memory device embodiment includes at least one resistive memory element, a programming circuit, and a sensing circuit. For example, the programming circuit can include a switch configured to select one of N programming currents for programming the at least one resistive memory element, where each of the N programming currents has a unique combination of current direction and magnitude, with N corresponding to the number of resistance states of the at least one memory element. In one or more embodiments, the sensing circuit can be arranged for sensing of the N resistance states. | 03-10-2011 |
20110109367 | MULTI-PHASE DUTY-CYCLE CORRECTED CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATOR AND MEMORY HAVING SAME - Memories, multi-phase clock signal generators, and methods for generating multi-phase duty cycle corrected clock signals are disclosed. For example, one such clock signal generator includes a delay-locked loop having a first multi-tap adjustable delay line configured to delay a reference signal to provide a plurality of clock signals having different phases relative to the reference clock signal. A periodic signal generated by the delay-locked loop is provided to a second multi-tap adjustable delay line as an input clock signal. Clock signals from taps of the second multi-tap adjustable delay line are provided as the multi-phase duty cycle corrected clock signals. | 05-12-2011 |
20110116301 | STATE MACHINE SENSING OF MEMORY CELLS - The present disclosure includes methods, devices, modules, and systems for sensing memory cells using a state machine. One method embodiment includes generating a first sensing reference according to a first output of a state machine. The method includes bifurcating a range of possible programmed levels to which a memory cell can be programmed with the first sensing reference. The method also includes generating a second sensing reference according to a second output of the state machine. The method further includes determining a programmed level of the memory cell with the second generated sensing reference. | 05-19-2011 |
20110122720 | CIRCUITS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING SIMULTANEOUS SWITCHING OUTPUT NOISE, POWER NOISE, OR COMBINATIONS THEREOF - Memory devices and methods are provided for reducing simultaneous switching output noise and power supply noise during burst data write and refresh operations. An embodiment of a memory device according to the present invention includes a first power domain coupled to some of the components of the memory device and a second power domain coupled to different components of the memory device. One or more distributed power domain coupling circuits may be coupled to the first and second power domains. The power domain coupling circuit includes a controller configured to generate an enable signal responsive to control signals, data signals, or any combination thereof. The power domain coupling circuit also includes coupling circuitry coupled to the first and second power domains and coupled to the controller. The coupling circuitry is configured to couple the first and second power domains together responsive to the enable signal. | 05-26-2011 |
20110163786 | MULTI-PHASE SIGNAL GENERATOR AND METHOD - A multi-phase signal generators and methods for generating multi-phase signals are described. In one embodiment, a clock generator generates quadrature signals including those having 90, 180, 270 and 360 degrees phase difference with a first signal. The rising edge of an intermediate signal is compared with the rising edges of two of the other signals to generate an UP and DN pulse signal, respectively. The UP and DN signals are used to adjust the delay of a delay line producing the signals to synchronize the signals. In some embodiments, a reset signal generator is used to truncate the UP or DN signal pulse. | 07-07-2011 |
20110169537 | MULTI-PHASE SIGNAL GENERATOR AND METHOD - Multi-phase signal generators and methods for generating multi-phase signals are described. In one embodiment, the clock generator generates quadrature clock signals including those having 90, 180, 270 and 360 degrees phase difference with a first clock signal. One of the intermediate clock signals may be used as an enable signal to guide locking of all signals. For example, the 180 degree clock signal may be inverted and used as an enable signal to guide locking of the initial and 360 degree signals in a single phase adjustment procedure. The 0 and 360 degree signals may be delayed before their phase is compared to compensate for duty cycle error in the clock signals. | 07-14-2011 |
20110193603 | FAST MEASUREMENT INITIALIZATION FOR MEMORY - Systems and methods for synchronization of clock signals are disclosed. In a feedback system such as a delay-lock loop circuit, delays to be applied can be determined adaptively based on a phase difference between a reference signal and a clock signal being delayed. Such adaptive decisions can be made during each feedback cycle, thereby making it possible to achieve a phase lock faster and more efficiently. In some embodiments, such adaptive functionality can be incorporated into existing circuits with minimal impact. | 08-11-2011 |
20110242915 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING OSCILLATION IN SYNCHRONOUS CIRCUITS - Control signal oscillation filtering circuits, delay locked loops, clock synchronization methods and devices and systems incorporating the control signal oscillation filtering circuits are described. An oscillation filtering circuit includes a first oscillation filter configured to filter oscillations and a majority filter configured to average filter an output of a phase detector and generate in response thereto control signals to an adjustable delay line. | 10-06-2011 |
20110248752 | CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATORS HAVING A REDUCED POWER FEEDBACK CLOCK PATH AND METHODS FOR GENERATING CLOCKS - Memories, clock generators and methods for providing an output clock signal are disclosed. One such method includes delaying a buffered clock signal by a adjustable delay to provide an output clock signal, providing a feedback clock signal from the output clock signal, and adjusting a duty cycle of the buffered clock signal based at least in part on the feedback clock signal. An example clock generator includes a forward clock path configured to provide a delayed output clock signal from a clock driver circuit, and further includes a feedback clock path configured to provide a feedback clock signal based at least in part on the delayed output clock signal, for example, frequency dividing the delayed output clock signal. The feedback clock path further configured to control adjustment a duty cycle of the buffered input clock signal based at least in part on the feedback clock signal. | 10-13-2011 |
20120014166 | RESISTIVE MEMORY - The present disclosure includes resistive memory devices and systems having resistive memory cells, as well as methods for operating the resistive memory cells. One memory device embodiment includes at least one resistive memory element, a programming circuit, and a sensing circuit. For example, the programming circuit can include a switch configured to select one of N programming currents for programming the at least one resistive memory element, where each of the N programming currents has a unique combination of current direction and magnitude, with N corresponding to the number of resistance states of the at least one memory element. In one or more embodiments, the sensing circuit can be arranged for sensing of the N resistance states. | 01-19-2012 |
20120119804 | MULTI-PHASE DUTY-CYCLE CORRECTED CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATOR AND MEMORY HAVING SAME - Memories, multi-phase clock signal generators, and methods for generating multi-phase duty cycle corrected clock signals are disclosed. For example, one such clock signal generator includes a delay-locked loop having a first multi-tap adjustable delay line configured to delay a reference signal to provide a plurality of clock signals having different phases relative to the reference clock signal. A periodic signal generated by the delay-locked loop is provided to a second multi-tap adjustable delay line as an input clock signal. Clock signals from taps of the second multi-tap adjustable delay line are provided as the multi-phase duty cycle corrected clock signals. | 05-17-2012 |
20120169388 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING OSCILLATION IN SYNCHRONOUS CIRCUITS - Control signal oscillation filtering circuits, delay locked loops, clock synchronization methods and devices and systems incorporating the control signal oscillation filtering circuits are described. An oscillation filtering circuit includes a first oscillation filter configured to filter oscillations and a majority filter configured to average filter an output of a phase detector and generate in response thereto control signals to an adjustable delay line. | 07-05-2012 |
20120182057 | POWER SUPPLY INDUCED SIGNAL JITTER COMPENSATION - Examples of circuits and methods for compensating for power supply induced signal jitter in path elements sensitive to power supply variation. An example includes a signal path coupling an input to an output, the signal path including a delay element having a first delay and a bias-controlled delay element having a second delay. The first delay of the delay element exhibits a first response to changes in power applied thereto and the second delay of the bias-controlled delay element exhibits a second response to changes in the power applied such that the second response compensates at least in part for the first response. | 07-19-2012 |
20120249193 | MEASUREMENT INITIALIZATION CIRCUITRY - Measurement initialization circuitry is described. Propagation of a start signal through a variable delay line may be stopped by either of two stop signals. One stop signal corresponds to a rising edge of a reference clock signal. A second stop signal corresponds to a falling edge of the reference clock signal. The start signal propagation is stopped responsive to the first to arrive of the first and second stop signals. Accordingly, in some examples, start signal propagation through a variable delay line may be stopped responsive to either a rising or falling edge of the reference clock signal. | 10-04-2012 |
20120268171 | CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATORS HAVING A REDUCED POWER FEEDBACK CLOCK PATH AND METHODS FOR GENERATING CLOCKS - Memories, clock generators and methods for providing an output clock signal are disclosed. One such method includes delaying a buffered clock signal by a adjustable delay to provide an output clock signal, providing a feedback clock signal from the output clock signal, and adjusting a duty cycle of the buffered clock signal based at least in part on the feedback clock signal. An example clock generator includes a forward clock path configured to provide a delayed output clock signal from a clock driver circuit, and further includes a feedback clock path configured to provide a feedback clock signal based at least in part on the delayed output clock signal, for example, frequency dividing the delayed output clock signal. The feedback clock path further configured to control adjustment a duty cycle of the buffered input clock signal based at least in part on the feedback clock signal. | 10-25-2012 |
20120274374 | FAST MEASUREMENT INITIALIZATION FOR MEMORY - Systems and methods for synchronization of clock signals are disclosed. In a feedback system such as a delay-lock loop circuit, delays to be applied can be determined adaptively based on a phase difference between a reference signal and a clock signal being delayed. Such adaptive decisions can be made during each feedback cycle, thereby making it possible to achieve a phase lock faster and more efficiently. In some embodiments, such adaptive functionality can be incorporated into existing circuits with minimal impact. | 11-01-2012 |
20120293221 | DELAY LOCK LOOP AND DELAY LOCK METHOD - A delay lock loop comprising: a first delay loop, for delaying an input signal to generate a first output signal; a second delay loop, for frequency-dividing and delaying the input signal to generate a second output signal, wherein a frequency of the first output signal is higher than which of the second output signal; a phase detector, selectively detecting phases of the input signal, and one of the first delayed output signal and the second delayed output signal, to generate a phase detecting result; and a delay control circuit, for generating a first and a second delay control signal according to the phase detecting result, wherein the first and the second delay control signals are respectively transmitted to the first delay loop and the second delay loop, to control delay amounts of the first delay loop and the second delay loop. | 11-22-2012 |
20120306554 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ALTERING THE TIMING OF A CLOCK SIGNAL - Clock signal timing cells, clock signal timing circuits, clock circuits, memory devices, systems, and method for altering the timing of a clock signal are disclosed. An example method for altering the timing of an output signal provided responsive to an input clock signal includes adjusting a transition of an edge of the output signal from one voltage level to another based at least in part on a bias signal. An example clock signal timing cell includes an inverter and a bias controlled inverter coupled in parallel to the inverter. The bias controlled circuit is configured to provide an output signal wherein a transition of a clock edge of the output signal between first and second voltage levels is based at least in part on a bias signal. | 12-06-2012 |
20130010527 | RESISTIVE MEMORY - The present disclosure includes resistive memory devices and systems having resistive memory cells, as well as methods for operating the resistive memory cells. One memory device embodiment includes at least one resistive memory element, a programming circuit, and a sensing circuit. For example, the programming circuit can include a switch configured to select one of N programming currents for programming the at least one resistive memory element, where each of the N programming currents has a unique combination of current direction and magnitude, with N corresponding to the number of resistance states of the at least one memory element. In one or more embodiments, the sensing circuit can be arranged for sensing of the N resistance states. | 01-10-2013 |
20130037951 | SEMICONDUCTOR PACKAGE STRUCTURE WITH LOW INDUCTANCE - A semiconductor package structure includes: a substrate comprising a plurality of power supply balls on a first surface of the substrate, a first metal conductor on a second surface of the substrate and at least one via coupling a power supply ball to the first metal conductor of the substrate; a die, comprising a plurality of bond pads on a first surface of the die, a first metal conductor on a second surface of the die and at least one via coupling a bond pad to the first metal conductor of the die; and a plurality of first wire bonds for coupling the first metal conductor of the substrate to the first metal conductor of the die. | 02-14-2013 |
20130043918 | MULTI PHASE CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATOR, SIGNAL PHASE ADJUSTING LOOP UTILIZING THE MULTI PHASE CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATOR, AND MULTI PHASE CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATING METHOD - A multi-phase clock signal generator, comprising: a ring phase shifting loop, including a plurality of controllable delay cells, for generating output clock signals having different phases via the controllable delay cells according to a input clock signal, wherein delay amount of the controllable delay cells are determined by a biasing voltage; a phase skew detecting circuit, for computing phase differences of the output clock signals to generate a phase skew detecting signal; and a biasing circuit, for providing the biasing voltage according to the phase skew detecting signal. The above-mentioned ring phase shifting loop can operate independently from the multi-phase clock signal generator, without receiving the biasing voltage, for phase-shifting a input clock signal to generate output clock signals with different phases, wherein the output clock signals are respectively output at different output terminals respectively located between the phase shifting units. | 02-21-2013 |
20130051166 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR COMPENSATING FOR POWER SUPPLY SENSITIVITIES OF A CIRCUIT IN A CLOCK PATH - Apparatuses and methods for compensating for differing power supply sensitivities of a circuit in a clock path. One such method includes altering signal timing of at least one of reference and feedback clock signals differently according to variations in power supply voltage to compensate for differences in delay power supply sensitivities of delays of a forward clock path and of a feedback clock path. Another example method includes providing an output clock signal in phase with an input clock signal and compensating for delay error between delays used in providing at least some of the delay of the output clock signal relative to the input clock signal by providing delays having power supply sensitivities resulting in a combined power supply sensitivity that is inverse to the delay error. | 02-28-2013 |
20130169330 | DUTY CYCLE CONTROLLING CIRCUIT, DUTY CYCLE ADJUSTING CELL, AND DUTYCYCLE DETECTING CIRCUIT - A duty cycle controlling circuit for adjusting duty cycle of a target clock signal to a desired value, comprises: a first duty cycle adjusting cell, for receiving a first duty cycle control signal to adjust duty cycle of an input clock signal to generate a first output clock signal as the target clock signal; and a duty cycle detecting module, for generating the first duty cycle control signal according to the first output clock signal. | 07-04-2013 |
20130188428 | APPARATUSES, CIRCUITS, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING METASTABILITY IN LATCHES - Apparatuses, circuits, and methods are disclosed for reducing metastability in latches. In one such example apparatus, a circuit is configured to provide substantially complementary first and second signals and a latch stage is configured to latch the first and second signals. The latch stage includes a feedback circuit configured to provide positive feedback between the latched first and second signals. | 07-25-2013 |
20130193986 | DELAY LINE SCHEME WITH NO EXIT TREE - A measure initialization path for a delay line structure includes: a forward path, comprising a plurality of delay stages coupled in series; a first output path coupled to at least an output of a delay stage of the forward path, where at least an output of a delay stage is fed forward to the forward path; and a second output path coupled to at least an output of a delay stage of the forward path, where at least an output of a delay stage is fed forward to the forward path. When a signal is propagated through the measure initialization path, the signal successively propagates through a delay stage of the forward path, a delay stage of the first output path and a delay stage of the second output path for performing measure initialization. | 08-01-2013 |
20130241619 | POWER SUPPLY INDUCED SIGNAL JITTER COMPENSATION - Examples of circuits and methods for compensating for power supply induced signal jitter in path elements sensitive to power supply variation. An example includes a signal path coupling an input to an output, the signal path including a delay element having a first delay and a bias-controlled delay element having a second delay. The first delay of the delay element exhibits a first response to changes in power applied thereto and the second delay of the bias-controlled delay element exhibits a second response to changes in the power applied such that the second response compensates at least in part for the first response. | 09-19-2013 |
20130265090 | APPARATUSES, CIRCUITS, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING METASTABILITY IN DATA SYNCHRONIZATION - Apparatuses, circuits, and methods are disclosed for reducing or eliminating unintended operation resulting from metastability in data synchronization. In one such example apparatus, a sampling circuit is configured to provide four samples of a data input signal. A first and a second of the four samples are associated with a first edge of a latching signal, and a third and a fourth of the four samples are associated with a second edge of the latching signal. A masking circuit is configured to selectively mask a signal corresponding to one of the four samples responsive to the four samples not sharing a common logic level. The masking circuit is also configured to provide a decision signal responsive to selectively masking or not masking the signal. | 10-10-2013 |
20130343134 | CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATORS HAVING A REDUCED POWER FEEDBACK CLOCK PATH AND METHODS FOR GENERATING CLOCKS - Memories, clock generators and methods for providing an output clock signal are disclosed. One such method includes delaying a buffered clock signal by an adjustable delay to provide an output clock signal, providing a feedback clock signal from the output clock signal, and adjusting a duty cycle of the buffered clock signal based at least in part on the feedback clock signal. An example clock generator includes a forward clock path configured to provide a delayed output clock signal from a clock driver circuit, and further includes a feedback clock path configured to provide a feedback clock signal based at least in part on the delayed output clock signal, for example, frequency dividing the delayed output clock signal. The feedback clock path further configured to control adjustment a duty cycle of the buffered input clock signal based at least in part on the feedback clock signal. | 12-26-2013 |
20140049305 | FAST MEASUREMENT INITIALIZATION FOR MEMORY - Systems and methods for synchronization of clock signals are disclosed. In a feedback system such as a delay-lock loop circuit, delays to be applied can be determined adaptively based on a phase difference between a reference signal and a clock signal being delayed. Such adaptive decisions can be made during each feedback cycle, thereby making it possible to achieve a phase lock faster and more efficiently. In some embodiments, such adaptive functionality can be incorporated into existing circuits with minimal impact. | 02-20-2014 |
20140097880 | MEASUREMENT INITIALIZATION CIRCUITRY - Measurement initialization circuitry is described. Propagation of a start signal through a variable delay line may be stopped by either of two stop signals. One stop signal corresponds to a rising edge of a reference clock signal. A second stop signal corresponds to a falling edge of the reference clock signal. The start signal propagation is stopped responsive to the first to arrive of the first and second stop signals. Accordingly, in some examples, start signal propagation through a variable delay line may be stopped responsive to either a rising or falling edge of the reference clock signal. | 04-10-2014 |
20140118041 | MULTI PHASE CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATOR, SIGNAL PHASE ADJUSTING LOOP UTILIZING THE MULTI PHASE CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATOR, AND MULTI PHASE CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATING METHOD - A signal phase adjusting loop comprising a multiphase generator and a phase adjusting circuit. The multiphase generator comprises a ring phase shifting loop having a plurality of output terminals and phase shifting units. The ring phase shifting loop phase-shifts the delayed input clock signal to generate output clock signals with different phases, wherein the output clock signals are respectively output at different output terminals. The phase adjusting circuit receives one of the output clock signals and an input signal to adjust a phase of the input signal according to a phase of the one of the output clock signals. | 05-01-2014 |
20140119133 | CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATORS HAVING A REDUCED POWER FEEDBACK CLOCK PATH AND METHODS FOR GENERATING CLOCKS - Memories, clock generators and methods for providing an output clock signal are disclosed. One such method includes delaying a buffered clock signal by an adjustable delay to provide an output clock signal, providing a feedback clock signal from the output clock signal, and adjusting a duty cycle of the buffered clock signal based at least in part on the feedback clock signal. An example clock generator includes a forward clock path configured to provide a delayed output clock signal from a clock driver circuit, and further includes a feedback clock path configured to provide a feedback clock signal based at least in part on the delayed output clock signal, for example, frequency dividing the delayed output clock signal. The feedback clock path further configured to control adjustment a duty cycle of the buffered input clock signal based at least in part on the feedback clock signal. | 05-01-2014 |
20140125390 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DUTY CYCLE ADJUSTMENT - Apparatuses, duty cycle adjustment circuits, adjustment circuits, and methods for duty cycle adjustment are disclosed herein. An example duty cycle adjustment circuit may be configured to receive a signal and adjust a duty cycle of the signal a first amount using a coarse adjustment. The duty cycle adjustment circuit may further be configured, after adjusting the duty cycle of the signal a first amount, to adjust the duty cycle of the signal a second amount different from the first amount using a fine adjustment to provide a duty cycle adjusted signal. | 05-08-2014 |
20140152361 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ALTERING THE TIMING OF A CLOCK SIGNAL - Clock signal timing cells, clock signal timing circuits, clock circuits, memory devices, systems, and method for altering the timing of a clock signal are disclosed. An example method for altering the timing of an output signal provided responsive to an input clock signal includes adjusting a transition of an edge of the output signal from one voltage level to another based at least in part on a bias signal. An example clock signal timing cell includes an inverter and a bias controlled inverter coupled in parallel to the inverter. The bias controlled circuit is configured to provide an output signal wherein a transition of a clock edge of the output signal between first and second voltage levels is based at least in part on a bias signal. | 06-05-2014 |
20140152365 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DELAYING SIGNALS USING A DELAY LINE WITH HOMOGENOUS ARCHITECTURE AND INTEGRATED MEASURE INITIALIZATION CIRCUITRY - Apparatuses and methods for delaying signals using a delay line are described. An example apparatus includes a controller configured to in a first mode, set a delay length, and, in a second mode, to determine an initial delay. The apparatus further including a delay line circuit coupled to the controller and includes delay elements. Each of the delay elements includes delay gates that are the same type of delay gate. The delay line circuit is configured to, in the first mode propagate a signal through one or more of the delay elements to provide a delayed signal. The delay line circuit is further configured to, in the second mode, propagate a pulse signal through one or more of the delay elements and provide a corresponding output signal from each of the one or more delay elements responsive to the pulse signal reaching an output of the corresponding delay element. | 06-05-2014 |
20140240013 | Apparatuses and Methods for Compensating for Power Supply Sensitivities of a Circuit in a Clock Path - Apparatuses and methods for compensating for differing power supply sensitivities of a circuit in a clock path. One such method includes altering signal timing of at least one of reference and feedback clock signals differently according to variations in power supply voltage to compensate for differences in delay power supply sensitivities of delays of a forward clock path and of a feedback clock path. Another example method includes providing an output clock signal in phase with an input clock signal and compensating for delay error between delays used in providing at least some of the delay of the output clock signal relative to the input clock signal by providing delays having power supply sensitivities resulting in a combined power supply sensitivity that is inverse to the delay error. | 08-28-2014 |
20140253198 | APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND CIRCUITS INCLUDING A DELAY CIRCUIT - Apparatuses, methods, and delay circuits for delaying signals are described. An example apparatus includes a fine delay circuit configured to provide an output signal based on a ratio of a first input signal and a second input signal. The fine delay circuit including a phase mixer circuit including first signal drivers configured to receive the first input signal. The fine delay circuit further including second signal drivers configured to receive the second input signal, where at least two of the first signal drivers have different drive strengths and at least two of the second signal drivers have different drive strengths. | 09-11-2014 |
20140320190 | POWER SUPPLY INDUCED SIGNAL JITTER COMPENSATION - Examples of circuits and methods for compensating for power supply induced signal jitter in path elements sensitive to power supply variation. An example includes a signal path coupling an input to an output, the signal path including a delay element having a first delay and a bias-controlled delay element having a second delay. The first delay of the delay element exhibits a first response to changes in power applied thereto and the second delay of the bias-controlled delay element exhibits a second response to changes in the power applied such that the second response compensates at least in part for the first response. | 10-30-2014 |
20140333359 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DELAYING SIGNALS USING A DELAY LINE WITH HOMOGENOUS ARCHITECTURE AND INTEGRATED MEASURE INITIALIZATION CIRCUITRY - Apparatuses and methods for delaying signals using a delay line are described. An example apparatus includes a controller configured to in a first mode, set a delay length, and, in a second mode, to determine an initial delay. The apparatus further including a delay line circuit coupled to the controller and includes delay elements. Each of the delay elements includes delay gates that are the same type of delay gate. The delay line circuit is configured to, in the first mode propagate a signal through one or more of the delay elements to provide a delayed signal. The delay line circuit is further configured to, in the second mode, propagate a pulse signal through one or more of the delay elements and provide a corresponding output signal from each of the one or more delay elements responsive to the pulse signal reaching an output of the corresponding delay element. | 11-13-2014 |
20140347099 | APPARATUSES, CIRCUITS, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING METASTABILITY IN DATA SYNCHRONIZATION - Apparatuses, circuits, and methods are disclosed for reducing or eliminating unintended operation resin ling from metastability in data synchronization. In one such example apparatus, a sampling circuit is configured to provide four samples of a data input signal. A first and a second of the four samples are associated with a first edge of a latching signal, and a third and a fourth of the four samples are associated with a second edge of the latching signal. A masking circuit is configured to selectively mask a signal corresponding to one of the four samples responsive to the four samples not sharing a common logic level. The masking circuit is also configured to provide a decision signal responsive to selectively masking or not masking the signal. | 11-27-2014 |
20140368244 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DUTY CYCLE ADJUSTMENT - Apparatuses and methods for duty cycle adjustment are disclosed herein. An example apparatus may include a node, a phase mixer, and a duty cycle adjuster circuit. The phase mixer may have a first step duty cycle response and may be configured to provide a first output signal to the node in accordance with the first step duty cycle response. The duty cycle adjuster circuit may have a second step duty cycle response complementary to the first step duty cycle response and may be configured to provide a second signal to the node in accordance with the second step duty cycle response. | 12-18-2014 |
20140375366 | MEASUREMENT INITIALIZATION CIRCUITRY - Measurement initialization circuitry is described. Propagation of a start signal through a variable delay line may be stopped by either of two stop signals. One stop signal corresponds to a rising edge of a reference clock signal. A second stop signal corresponds to a falling edge of the reference clock signal. The start signal propagation is stopped responsive to the first to arrive of the first and second stop signals. Accordingly, in some examples, start signal propagation through a variable delay line may be stopped responsive to either a rising or falling edge of the reference clock signal. | 12-25-2014 |
20150048894 | DELAY LINE RING OSCILLATION APPARATUS - The delay line degradation protection architecture as build-in ring oscillation apparatus includes a two gates logical circuit, a buffer, a clock input buffer and a delay lock loop circuit. The two gates logical circuit receives a clock enable signal, specific mode signal, and delayed clock output signal. The two gates logical circuit performs a logical operating on the clock enable signal, the specific mode signal and the delayed clock output signal for generating a mode selecting signal. The buffer generates a feedback signal according to the mode selecting signal and a control signal. The clock input buffer decides whether to transport the input clock signal to an output end of the clock input buffer or not according to the feedback signal. The delay lock loop circuit generates the delayed clock output signal. A frequency of the feedback signal is adjusted according to the control signal. | 02-19-2015 |