Patent ID: 8000162
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: G11C,H03B,H03K,H03L

Abstract:
1. A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), comprising: a first oscillation unit configured to generate a plurality of respective intermediate clock signals at a plurality of first respective nodes to which a plurality of first ring-shaped circuits are multiply connected in response to a control voltage, wherein each one of the plurality of intermediate clock signals has a different phase, a defined relative phase difference with other ones of the plurality of intermediate clock signals, and swings between a first voltage level and a second voltage level; and a second oscillation unit configured to convert voltage levels of the plurality of intermediate clock signals to generate a plurality of respective output clock signals at a plurality of second respective nodes to which a plurality of second ring-shaped circuits are multiply connected, the plurality of second ring-shaped circuits passing the plurality of first nodes, and the plurality of output clock signals swinging between a third voltage level and a fourth voltage level.