Patent Publication Number: US-6664836-B1

Title: Dynamic phase splitter circuit and method for low-noise and simultaneous production of true and complement dynamic logic signals

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to electronic circuits and, more particularly, to phase splitter circuits for generating true and complement logic signals from an input logic signal. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dynamic logic circuits are based on electrical charge storage and transfer. One or more circuit nodes are used to store electrical charge. The nodes are typically charged to one voltage level (i.e., precharged) during a precharge operation, and selectively charged (e.g., discharged) to another voltage level during a subsequent evaluation operation dependent upon one or more input signals. For example, nodes of dynamic logic circuits are commonly precharged to a high voltage level when a synchronizing clock signal is at one voltage level (e.g., a low voltage level), and selectively discharged to a low voltage level dependent upon input signals when the clock signal transitions to another voltage level (e.g., a high voltage level). 
     Dynamic logic circuits typically operate faster, and require less integrated circuit die areas, than similar static logic circuits. On the other hand, dynamic logic circuits are also more sensitive to noise, clock signal timing, signal race conditions, and semiconductor process variations. Due to their drawbacks, dynamic logic circuits are often relegated to highly-specialized hand-tuned circuits, typically those along critical timing paths. 
     Many different types of logic circuits (e.g., memory array circuits) require logic signals and their complements (i.e., “true” and complement signals). When only true signals are provided, the complement signals must be generated. Static logic signals transition between defined logic levels, and generating a complement of a static logic signal requires only a relatively simple inverter gate (i.e., inverter). 
     Dynamic logic signals, on the other hand, are valid only during an evaluation phase of a clock signal. Further, true and complement signals must typically be valid at substantially the same time during the evaluation phase for proper dynamic circuit operation. For these reasons, generating a complement of a dynamic logic signal typically requires a more sophisticated true/complement signal generator (i.e., a phase splitter circuit) producing true and corresponding complement dynamic logic signals that are valid at substantially the same time during an evaluation phase of a clock signal. 
     When a phase splitter requires different amounts of time to produce true and corresponding complement signals dependent upon their logic values, the longest amount of time must typically be allowed for availability of the true and complement signals. As a result, an upper performance limit of a logic circuit using the true and complement signals is reduced. For example, assume a phase splitter requires one amount of time to produce a logic ‘1’ true signal and the corresponding logic ‘0’ complement signal, and a longer amount of time to produce a logic ‘0’ true signal and the corresponding logic ‘1’ complement signal. A logic circuit using the true and complement signals must allow the longer amount of time for availability of the true and complement signals and, as a result, an upper performance limit of the logic circuit is reduced. 
     As mentioned above, dynamic logic circuits are more sensitive to noise than static logic circuits. In addition, noise signals on signal lines are capacitively coupled to charge storage nodes, and are additive. 
     It would thus be advantageous to have a phase splitter circuit that generates relatively little noise during operation, and produces true and complement dynamic logic signals that are valid at substantially the same time during an evaluation phase of a clock signal independent of their logic values. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A phase splitter circuit is disclosed including a clock delay section, a signal converter section and a signal generator section. The clock delay section receives a clock signal and produces a first delayed clock signal and a second delayed clock signal. The first and second delayed clock signals are time delayed versions of the received clock signal, and the second delayed clock signal is delayed in time to a greater extent than the first delayed clock signal. 
     The signal converter section receives a static logic signal, the clock signal and the first delayed clock signal, and converts the static logic signal to a dynamic logic signal dependent upon the clock signal and the first delayed clock signal. The signal generator section receives the dynamic logic signal, the first delayed clock signal and the second delayed clock signal, and produces a pair of complementary dynamic logic output signals dependent upon the dynamic logic signal, the first delayed clock signal, and the second delayed clock signal, wherein one of the complementary dynamic logic output signals has a logic value equal to that of the static logic signal during an evaluation phase of the clock signal. The phase splitter circuit produces the complementary dynamic logic output signals at substantially the same time, and generates relatively little noise during operation. 
     A method is described for generating a pair of complementary dynamic logic signals from a static logic signal. The method includes using the clock signal to produce the above described first and second delayed clock signals. The clock signal and the first delayed clock signal are used to convert the static logic signal to a dynamic logic signal. The dynamic logic signal, the first delayed clock signal and the second delayed clock signal are used to produce the pair of complementary dynamic logic signals, wherein one of the complementary dynamic logic signals has a logic value equal to that of the static logic signal during an evaluation phase of the clock signal. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify similar elements, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a phase splitter circuit receiving a clock signal and a static logic signal and producing a pair of complementary dynamic logic signals, wherein one of the complementary dynamic logic signals has a logic value equal to that of the static logic signal during an evaluation phase of the clock signal; 
     FIG. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating exemplary signal voltages within the phase splitter circuit of FIG. 1 versus time; 
     FIG. 3 is a diagram of a second embodiment of the phase splitter circuit of FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 4 is a timing diagram illustrating exemplary signal voltages within the phase splitter circuit of FIG. 3 versus time. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning network communications, electromagnetic signaling techniques, and the like, have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the understanding of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art. 
     It is further noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functions described herein may be performed in either hardware or software, or some combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, however, the functions are performed by a processor, such as a computer or an electronic data processor, in accordance with code, such as computer program code, software, and/or integrated circuits that are coded to perform such functions, unless indicated otherwise. 
     FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a phase splitter circuit  100 . The phase splitter circuit  100  receives a clock signal ‘LCLK’ and a static logic signal ‘DIN,’ and produces dynamic logic signals ‘OT’ and ‘OC.’ In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the clock signal LCLK cycles between a low voltage range associated with a low logic level (e.g., a logic ‘0’ level) and a high voltage range associated with a high logic level (e.g., a logic ‘1’ level). The phase splitter circuit  100  includes several circuit nodes used to store electrical charge (i.e., dynamic nodes), and each cycle of the clock signal LCLK has a precharge phase and a subsequent evaluation phase. The dynamic nodes are charged (i.e., precharged) to a voltage within the high voltage range during the precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK (i.e., when the clock signal LCLK is low), and selectively discharged to a voltage within the low voltage range during the subsequent evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK (i.e., when the clock signal LCLK is high). 
     In general, the dynamic logic signals OT and OC are valid only during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK (i.e., when the clock signal LCLK is high). In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the dynamic logic signals OT and OC have low logic values (e.g., logic ‘0’ values) during the precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK. During the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK, the dynamic logic signal OT has a logic value equal to that of the static logic signal DIN, and the dynamic logic signal OC has a logic value that is the complement of the logic value of the dynamic logic signal OT. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the amount of time required to generate the dynamic logic signal OT when the dynamic logic signal OT is a logic ‘1’ (and the dynamic logic signal OC remains a logic ‘0’) is substantially equal to the amount of time required to generate the dynamic logic signal OC when the dynamic logic signal OC is a logic ‘1’ (and the dynamic logic signal OT remains a logic ‘0’). In other words, the dynamic logic signals OT and OC are valid at substantially the same time during each evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK (i.e., at substantially the same time after each rising edge transition of the clock signal LCLK) independent of their logic values. 
     In general, the static logic signal DIN is expectedly produced by a static logic gate. More specifically, the static logic signal DIN is expectedly produced at a node (i.e., a static node) driven by the static logic gate, and the static logic gate forms a low resistance path between the static node and one of two power supply voltage levels (e.g., V DD  and V SS ) at all times during operation. The static logic signal DIN expectedly transitions between the logic ‘1’ level and the logic ‘0’ level at most once during each cycle of the clock signal LCLK. Between transitions, the static logic signal DIN expectedly remains in one of the two voltage ranges. The static logic signal DIN may be, for example, a data signal. 
     The phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG. 1 includes a signal converter section  200 , a clock delay section  300  and a signal generator section  400 . The signal converter section  200  receives the clock signal LCLK and the static logic signal DIN, and produces a dynamic logic signal ‘DYN_IN’ at a dynamic node ‘A.’ The dynamic logic signal DYN_IN is a dynamic version of the static logic signal DIN. In general, the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN is produced during the evaluation phase when the clock signal LCLK is high and is valid only during the evaluation phase. 
     An enhancement mode p-channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) device  202 , an enhancement mode n-channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) device  204  and an NMOS device  206  of the signal converter section  200  form a dynamic logic gate driving the dynamic node ‘A.’ The PMOS device  202  is a precharge device. The PMOS device  202  receives the clock signal LCLK at a gate terminal and precharges the dynamic node A when the clock signal LCLK is low. The NMOS device  204  receives the static logic signal DIN at a gate terminal, and the NMOS device  206  receives the clock signal LCLK at a gate terminal. When the static logic signal DIN and the clock signal LCLK are both high, the dynamic node A is discharged through a low resistance path created through the NMOS device  204  and the NMOS device  206 . Thus, the dynamic node A is selectively discharged during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK dependent upon the static logic signal DIN. 
     It is noted that in other embodiments, the NMOS device  204  receiving the static logic signal DIN may be replaced by multiple NMOS devices, connected in series and/or parallel, and forming a pull-down network. Each of the multiple NMOS devices may receive a different input signal, and the dynamic logic gate may drive the dynamic node A according to a result of a logic function of the input signals realized by the pull-down network. 
     A PMOS device  208 , an NMOS device  210  and a PMOS device  212  of the signal converter section  200  form a keeper circuit. The PMOS device  208  and the NMOS device  210  form a static inverter receiving the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN at the dynamic node A. The PMOS device  212  is a keeper device (e.g., a weak PMOS device). The PMOS device  212  receives an output of the static inverter at a gate terminal and charges the dynamic node A when the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN at dynamic node A is high and the output of the static inverter is low. Such keeper circuits are commonly used to compensate for charge losses at dynamic nodes due to charge sharing and leakage currents during low frequency clock operation. 
     An NMOS device  214  and an NMOS device  216  of the signal converter section  200  are optional and are included to reduce electrical power dissipation of the signal converter section  200 . The NMOS device  214  receives the clock signal LCLK at a gate terminal, and the NMOS device  216  receives the output of the static inverter formed by the PMOS device  208  and the NMOS device  210  at a gate terminal. When the clock signal LCLK is high and the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN at node A is low, the output of the static inverter is high, and the dynamic node A is discharged through a low resistance path created through the NMOS device  214  and the NMOS device  216 . 
     The clock delay section  300  receives the clock signal LCLK and uses the clock signal LCLK to produce another clock signal ‘LCLK_D 1 ’ wherein the clock signal LCLK_D 1  is a delayed version of the clock signal LCLK. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the clock delay section  300  includes a first inverter  302  and a second inverter  304  connected in series to form a delay element. The first inverter  302  receives the clock signal LCLK and the second inverter  304  produces the clock signal LCLK_D 1 . 
     The signal generator section  400  receives the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN and the clock signal LCLK_D 1  and uses the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN and the clock signal LCLK_D 1  to produce the dynamic logic signals OT and OC. As described above, the signal generator section  400  produces the dynamic logic signals OT and OC at substantially the same time after each rising edge transition of the clock signal LCLK. 
     A PMOS device  402 , an NMOS device  404  and an NMOS device  406  of the signal generator section  400  form a first dynamic inverter latch. The first dynamic inverter latch drives a dynamic node ‘B,’ and a dynamic logic signal ‘OC_B’ is produced at the dynamic node B. The PMOS device  402  receives the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN at a gate terminal and charges the dynamic node B when the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN is low. The NMOS device  404  receives the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN at a gate terminal, and the NMOS device  406  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 1  at a gate terminal. When the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN and the clock signal LCLK_D 1  are both high, the dynamic node B is discharged through a low resistance path created through the NMOS device  404  and the NMOS device  406 . Thus, the dynamic node B is selectively discharged during an evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK_D 1  dependent upon the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN. It is also true that the dynamic node B is selectively discharged at a particular time during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK dependent upon the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN. 
     The clock signal LCLK_D 1 , delayed in time with respect to the clock signal LCLK, is provided to the first dynamic inverter latch to avoid evaluating the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN while the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN is changing (i.e., transitioning from the high voltage range associated with the high logic level to the low voltage range associated with the low logic level). 
     A PMOS device  408  of the signal generator section  400  is a precharge device. The PMOS device  408  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 1  at a gate terminal and precharges the dynamic node B when the clock signal LCLK_D 1  is low (i.e., during the precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK_D 1 ). 
     A PMOS device  410 , an NMOS device  412  and the NMOS device  406  of the signal generator section  400  form a second dynamic inverter latch. The second dynamic inverter latch drives a dynamic node ‘C,’ and a dynamic logic signal ‘OT_B’ is produced at the dynamic node C. The PMOS device  410  receives the dynamic logic signal OC_B at a gate terminal and charges the dynamic node C when the dynamic logic signal OC_B is low. The NMOS device  412  receives the dynamic logic signal OC_B at a gate terminal and, as described above, the NMOS device  406  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 1  at a gate terminal. When the dynamic logic signal OC_B and the clock signal LCLK_D 1  are both high, the dynamic node C is discharged through a low resistance path created through the NMOS device  412  and the NMOS device  406 . Thus, the dynamic node C is selectively discharged during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK_D 1  dependent upon the dynamic logic signal OC_B. It is also true that the dynamic node C is selectively discharged at a particular time during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK dependent upon the dynamic logic signal OC_B. 
     A PMOS device  416  of the signal generator section  400  is a precharge device. The PMOS device  416  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 1  at a gate terminal and precharges the dynamic node C when the clock signal LCLK_D 1  is low (i.e., during the precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK_D 1 ). 
     A PMOS device  418  and an NMOS device  420  of the signal generator section  400  form a static inverter. The static inverter receives the dynamic logic signal OT_B at the dynamic node C, and inverts the dynamic logic signal OT_B to produce the dynamic logic signal OT. In general, the dynamic logic signal OT has a logic value equal to that of the static logic signal DIN during each evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK, and has a low logic value (e.g., a logic ‘0’ value) during each precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK. 
     A PMOS device  422  and an NMOS device  424  of the signal generator section  400  form another static inverter. The static inverter receives the dynamic logic signal OC_B at the dynamic node C and inverts the dynamic logic signal OC_B to produce the dynamic logic signal OC. The dynamic logic signal OC has a logic value that is the complement of the dynamic logic signal OT during each evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK and has a low logic value (e.g., a logic ‘0’ value) during each precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK. 
     FIG. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating exemplary signal voltages within the phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG. 1 versus time. The signal voltages of FIG. 2 were produced via a computer simulation of the phase splitter circuit  100 . The input clock signal LCLK and static logic signal DIN were selected to demonstrate certain characteristics of the phase splitter circuit  100 . 
     FIG. 2 shows that the phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG. 1 produces the dynamic logic signals OT and OC at substantially the same time following rising edges of the clock signal LCLK as desired. Also, falling edges of the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN precede rising edges of the clock signal LCLK_D 1 , produced by delaying the clock signal LCLK, as desired. 
     However, FIG. 2 also shows that the phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG. 1 has logic hazards that produce glitches (i.e., unwanted deviations) in the dynamic logic signals OC_B, OT_B, and OC. For example, in FIG. 2, a rising edge of the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN precedes a falling edge of the clock signal LCLK_D 1  by a time period Δt 1 , resulting in a relatively large glitch in the dynamic logic signal OC_B as indicated in FIG.  2 . The glitch in the dynamic logic signal OC_B causes a corresponding glitch in the dynamic logic signal OC. In addition, a rising edge of the clock signal LCLK_D 1  precedes a falling edge of the dynamic logic signal OC_B by a time period Δt 2 , resulting in a perturbation in the dynamic logic signal OT_B as indicated in FIG.  2 . 
     The glitches in the dynamic logic signals OC_B, OT_B and OC are noise sources in the phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG. 1, and in any circuit including the phase splitter circuit  100 . As mentioned above, dynamic logic circuits are more sensitive to noise voltages than static logic circuits, and noise signals are additive. The glitches in the dynamic logic signals OC_B, OT_B and OC not only increase the electrical power dissipation of the phase splitter circuit  100 , they may also cause logic errors. It is thus highly desirable to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, the glitches in the dynamic logic signals OC_B, OT_B and OC. 
     FIG. 3 is a diagram of a second embodiment of the phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG. 1 labeled  500  in FIG.  3 . Like the phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG. 1, the phase splitter circuit  500  of FIG. 3 receives the clock signal LCLK and the static logic signal DIN and produces the dynamic logic signals OT and OC at substantially the same time during each evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK independent of their logic values. In general, during the evaluation phase of each cycle of the clock signal LCLK, the dynamic logic signal OT has a logic value equal to that of the static logic signal DIN, and the dynamic logic signal OC has a logic value that is the complement of the logic value of the dynamic logic signal OT. 
     Like the phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG. 1, the phase splitter circuit  500  of FIG. 3 includes several circuit nodes used to store electrical charge (i.e., dynamic nodes). The dynamic nodes are charged (i.e., precharged) to a voltage within the high voltage range during a precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK, and selectively discharged to a voltage within the low voltage range during a subsequent evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK. The precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK occurs when the clock signal LCLK is in the low voltage range associated with the low logic level (i.e., when the clock signal LCLK is low), and the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK occurs when the clock signal LCLK is in the high voltage range associated with the high logic level (i.e., when the clock signal LCLK is high). Thus, the dynamic nodes are precharged when the clock signal LCLK is low, and the dynamic logic signals OT and OC are produced at substantially the same time after each rising edge transition of the clock signal LCLK. In general, the dynamic logic signals OT and OC are valid only when the clock signal LCLK is high. 
     The phase splitter circuit  500  includes a signal converter section  600 , a clock delay section  700  and a signal generator section  800 . Many components of the signal converter section  600 , the clock delay section  700  and the signal generator section  800  are similar to those of the respective signal converter section  200 , clock delay section  300  and signal generator section  400  of the phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG. 1, and are labeled similarly in FIG.  3 . 
     The signal converter section  600  of FIG. 3 receives the clock signal LCLK, the static logic signal DIN and the clock signal LCLK_D 1 , and produces the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN that is the dynamic version of the static logic signal DIN. In general, the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN is produced during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK (i.e., when the clock signal LCLK is high), and is valid only during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK (i.e., when the clock signal LCLK is high). 
     The PMOS device  202 , a PMOS device  602 , the NMOS device  204 , and the NMOS device  206  of the signal converter section  600  form a dynamic logic gate driving the dynamic node A. The dynamic logic signal DYN_IN is produced at the dynamic node A. The PMOS device  202  and the PMOS device  602  form a precharge network. The PMOS device  202  receives the clock signal LCLK at a gate terminal, and the PMOS device  602  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 1  at a gate terminal. The precharge network precharges the dynamic node A when the clock signal LCLK and the clock signal LCLK_D 1  are both low. 
     As the clock signal LCLK_D 1  is a delayed version of the clock signal LCLK, the added PMOS device  602  serves to delay the precharging of the dynamic node A (i.e., to delay the rising edges of the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN). Referring back to FIG. 2, the delaying of the rising edges of the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN reduces the time period Δt 1  by which rising edges of the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN precede falling edges of the clock signal LCLK_D 1 . As a result, the relatively large glitches in the dynamic logic signal OC_B, and the associated smaller glitches in the dynamic logic signal OC, are significantly reduced. It is noted that the phase splitter circuit  500  of FIG. 3 can be configured to eliminate the time period Δt 1  in FIG. 2 by which rising edges of the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN precede falling edges of the clock signal LCLK_D 1 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 3, just as in signal converter section  200  of FIG. 1, the NMOS device  204  receives the static logic signal DIN at a gate terminal, and the NMOS device  206  receives the clock signal LCLK at a gate terminal. When the static logic signal DIN and the clock signal LCLK are both high, the dynamic node A is discharged through a low resistance path created through the NMOS device  204  and the NMOS device  206 . Thus, the dynamic node A is selectively discharged during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK dependent upon the static logic signal DIN. 
     As noted above, in other embodiments, the NMOS device  204  receiving the static logic signal DIN may be replaced by multiple NMOS devices, connected in series and/or parallel, and forming a pull-down network. Each of the multiple NMOS devices may receive a different input signal, and the dynamic logic gate may drive the dynamic node A according to a result of a logic function of the input signals realized by the pull-down network. 
     Just as in the signal converter section  200  of FIG. 1, the PMOS device  208 , the NMOS device  210  and the PMOS device  212  of the signal converter section  600  form the keeper circuit described above. The PMOS device  212  receives the output of the static inverter formed by the PMOS device  208  and the NMOS device  210  at a gate terminal, and charges the dynamic node A when the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN at the dynamic node A is high and the output of the static inverter is low. 
     The NMOS device  214 , the NMOS device  216  and an NMOS device  604  of the signal converter section  600  are optional, and are included to reduce electrical power dissipation of the signal converter section  600 . The NMOS device  214  and the NMOS device  604  are connected in parallel. The NMOS device  214  receives the clock signal LCLK at a gate terminal, and the NMOS device  604  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 1  at a gate terminal. The NMOS device  216  receives the output of the static inverter formed by the PMOS device  208  and the NMOS device  210  at a gate terminal. When the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN at node A is low, the output of the static inverter is high. When the output of the static inverter is high and the clock signal LCLK is high, the dynamic node A is discharged through a low resistance path created through the NMOS device  214  and the NMOS device  216 . When the output of the static inverter is high and the clock signal LCLK_D 1  is high, the dynamic node A is discharged through a low resistance path created through the NMOS device  604  and the NMOS device  216 . 
     The clock delay section  700  receives the clock signal LCLK and uses the clock signal LCLK to produce the clock signal LCLK_D 1  and another clock signal ‘LCLK_D 2 ,’ wherein the clock signals LCLK_D 1  and LCLK_D 2  are both delayed versions of the clock signal LCLK, and the clock signal LCLK_D 2  is delayed in time by a greater amount than the clock signal LCLK_D 1 . In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the clock delay section  700  includes the first inverter  302  and the second inverter  304  connected in series to form a first delay element, and a third inverter  702  and a fourth inverter  704  are connected in series to form a second delay element. As described above, the first inverter  302  receives the clock signal LCLK and the second inverter  304  produces the clock signal LCLK_D 1 . The third inverter  702  receives the clock signal LCLK and the fourth inverter  704  produces the clock signal LCLK_D 2 . 
     The signal generator section  800  receives the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN, the clock signal LCLK_D 1  and the clock signal LCLK_D 2 , and uses the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN and the clock signals LCLK_D 1  and LCLK_D 2  to produce the dynamic logic signals OT and OC. The signal generator section  800  produces the dynamic logic signals OT and OC at substantially the same time after rising edge transitions of the clock signal LCLK. 
     The PMOS device  402 , the NMOS device  404  and the NMOS device  406  of the signal generator section  800  form the first dynamic inverter latch described above. The first dynamic inverter latch drives the dynamic node B, and the dynamic logic signal OC_B is produced at the dynamic node B. The PMOS device  402  receives the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN at the gate terminal and charges the dynamic node B when the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN is low. The NMOS device  404  receives the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN at the gate terminal, and the NMOS device  406  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 1  at the gate terminal. When the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN and the clock signal LCLK_D 1  are both high, the dynamic node B is discharged through the low resistance path created through the NMOS device  404  and the NMOS device  406 . Thus, the dynamic node B is selectively discharged during an evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK_D 1  dependent upon the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN. It is also true that the dynamic node B is selectively discharged at a particular time during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK dependent upon the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN. 
     As in the phase splitter  100  of FIG. 1, the clock signal LCLK_D 1 , delayed in time with respect to the clock signal LCLK, is provided to the first dynamic inverter latch to avoid evaluating the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN while the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN is changing (i.e., transitioning from the high voltage range associated with the high logic level to the low voltage range associated with the low voltage level). 
     The signal generator section  800  includes a PMOS device  802  connected in series with the PMOS device  408  to form a precharge network. The PMOS device  408  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 1  at the gate terminal, and the PMOS device  802  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 2  at a gate terminal. The dynamic node B is precharged when the clock signal LCLK_D 1  and the clock signal LCLK_D 2  are both low. As the clock signal LCLK_D 2  is delayed in time to a greater extent than the clock signal LCLK_D 1 , the added PMOS device  802  serves to delay the precharging of the dynamic node B (i.e., to delay the rising edges of the dynamic logic signal OC_B). 
     A PMOS device  804 , an NMOS device  806  and a PMOS device  808  of the signal converter section  200  form a keeper circuit. The PMOS device  804  and the NMOS device  806  form a static inverter receiving the dynamic logic signal OC_B at the dynamic node B. The PMOS device  808  is a keeper device (e.g., a weak PMOS device). The PMOS device  808  receives an output of the static inverter at a gate terminal and charges the dynamic node B when the dynamic logic signal OC_B at dynamic node B is high and the output of the static inverter is low. 
     An NMOS device  810  and an NMOS device  812  are optional and are included to reduce electrical power dissipation of the signal converter section  800 . The NMOS device  810  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 2  at a gate terminal, and the NMOS device  812  receives the output of the static inverter formed by the PMOS device  804  and the NMOS device  806  at a gate terminal. When the clock signal LCLK_D 2  is high and the dynamic logic signal OC_B at node B is low, the output of the static inverter is high, and the dynamic node B is discharged through a low resistance path created through the NMOS device  810  and the NMOS device  812 . 
     The PMOS device  410 , the NMOS device  412  and an NMOS device  814  of the signal generator section  800  form a second dynamic inverter latch. The second dynamic inverter latch drives the dynamic node C, and the dynamic logic signal OT_B is produced at the dynamic node C. The PMOS device  410  receives the dynamic logic signal OC_B at the gate terminal, and charges the dynamic node C when the dynamic logic signal OC_B is low. The NMOS device  412  receives the dynamic logic signal OC_B at the gate terminal, and the NMOS device  814  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 2  at a gate terminal. When the dynamic logic signal OC_B and the clock signal LCLK_D 2  are both high, the dynamic node C is discharged through a low resistance path created through the NMOS device  412  and the NMOS device  814 . Thus, the dynamic node C is selectively discharged during an evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK_D 2  dependent upon the dynamic logic signal OC_B. It is also true that the dynamic node C is selectively discharged at a particular time during the evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK dependent upon the dynamic logic signal OC_B. 
     Referring back to FIG. 2, the perturbations in the dynamic logic signal OT_B are largely a result of a “false” evaluation of the dynamic logic signal OC_B at the second dynamic latch while the dynamic logic signal OC_B is changing (i.e., transitioning from the high voltage range associated with the high logic level to the low voltage range associated with the low voltage level). Providing the clock signal LCLK_D 2  to the second dynamic latch as shown in FIG. 3, rather than the clock signal LCLK_D 1  as shown in FIG. 1, serves to avoid this false evaluation and significantly reduces the glitches in the dynamic logic signal TO_B apparent in FIG.  2 . 
     A PMOS device  816  of the signal generator section  800  is a precharge device. The PMOS device  816  receives the clock signal LCLK_D 2  at a gate terminal and precharges the dynamic node C when the clock signal LCLK_D 2  is low (i.e., during a precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK_D 2 ). 
     The PMOS device  418  and the NMOS device  420  of the signal generator section  800  form a static inverter as described above. The static inverter receives the dynamic logic signal OT_B at the dynamic node C and inverts the dynamic logic signal OT_B to produce the dynamic logic signal OT. In general, the dynamic logic signal OT has a logic value equal to that of the static logic signal DIN during each evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK and has a low logic value (e.g., a logic ‘0’ value) during each precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK. 
     The PMOS device  422  and the NMOS device  424  of the signal generator section  800  form another static inverter. The static inverter receives the dynamic logic signal OC_B at the dynamic node C and inverts the dynamic logic signal OC_B to produce the dynamic logic signal OC. In general, the dynamic logic signal OC has a logic value that is the complement of the dynamic logic signal OT during each evaluation phase of the clock signal LCLK and has a low logic value (e.g., a logic ‘0’ value) during each precharge phase of the clock signal LCLK. 
     FIG. 4 is a timing diagram illustrating exemplary signal voltages within the phase splitter circuit  500  of FIG. 3 versus time. The signal voltages of FIG. 4 were produced via a computer simulation of the phase splitter circuit  500 . The input clock signal LCLK and static logic signal DIN were selected to demonstrate certain characteristics of the phase splitter circuit  500 . 
     FIG. 4 shows that the phase splitter circuit  500  of FIG. 3 produces the dynamic logic signals OT and OC at substantially the same time following rising edges of the clock signal LCLK as desired. Also, falling edges of the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN precede rising edges of the clock signal LCLK_D 1 , produced by delaying the clock signal LCLK, as desired. 
     FIG. 4 also shows that the glitches in the dynamic logic signals OC_B, OT_B and OC have been substantially reduced over those in FIG.  2 . For example, in FIG. 4, the rising edge of the dynamic logic signal DYN_IN precedes the falling edge of the clock signal LCLK_D 1  by a time period Δt 3 , where the time period Δt 3  is much smaller than the corresponding time period Δt 1  in FIG.  2 . As a result, the relatively large glitch in the dynamic logic signal OC_B in FIG. 2 has been substantially reduced in FIG.  4 . Further, the corresponding glitch in the dynamic logic signal OC, more apparent in FIG. 2, is almost unnoticeable in FIG.  4 . In addition, the rising edge of the clock signal LCLK_D 2  precedes the falling edge of the dynamic logic signal OC_B by a time period Δt 4  in FIG. 4, where the time period Δt 4  is much smaller than the corresponding time period Δt 2  in FIG.  2 . As a result, the corresponding perturbation in the dynamic logic signal OT_B, clearly evident in FIG. 2, is substantially reduced in FIG.  4 . It is noted that the phase splitter circuit  500  of FIG. 3 can be configured to eliminate the time periods Δt 3  and Δt 4  in FIG.  4 . 
     By virtue of producing signals with glitches of reduced magnitude, the phase splitter circuit  500  of FIG. 5 generates less noise than the phase splitter circuit  100 , and is less likely to be a cause of logic errors due to noise than the phase splitter circuit  100 . As a result, the phase splitter circuit  500  of FIG. 5 is more desirable than the phase splitter circuit  100  of FIG.  1 . 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.