Patent Abstract:
In one embodiment, a digital circuit element has a propagation delay that is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages applied to the digital circuit element. In another embodiment, a digital circuit element may include an input node, an output node, and at least one gate coupling the input node and the output node. A plurality of possible voltage transition curves may be associated with a corresponding change of a first voltage at the input node over time, each voltage transition curve being determined by a corresponding supply voltage and the curves intersecting within a relatively narrow range of voltages. The gate may be operable to change a second voltage at the output node in response to the first voltage reaching a threshold voltage of the gate, and the threshold voltage may be set within the relatively narrow range of voltages in which the voltage transition curves intersect in order to reduce the dependence of the propagation delay on the supply voltage. In yet another embodiment, a digital circuit element having a propagation delay that is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages applied to the digital circuit element includes an input node, an output node, and at least one gate coupling the input node and the output node. The gate is operable to change a first voltage at the output node in response to a second voltage at the input node reaching a threshold voltage of the gate, and the threshold voltage of the gate is set such that a delay separating an initial change in the first voltage from an initial change in the second voltage is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages applied to the digital circuit element.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The supply voltage in an integrated circuit (IC) does not remain precisely constant. Instead, the supply voltage fluctuates as a result of noise attributable to the normal operation of the IC. Such noise may be caused, for example, by inductive coupling occurring between the IC and external devices. Typically, supply voltage fluctuation is an undesirable occurrence. For example, in analog ICs, a filter may be used to reduce fluctuation in the supply voltage caused by noise. However, for a number of reasons, similar filters may not be suitable for use in digital ICs. Historically, designers, manufacturers, and end users of digital ICs have simply tolerated supply voltage fluctuation caused by noise, despite the fact that supply voltage fluctuation may adversely affect the performance of the IC. In an all-digital phase-locked loop (ADPLL), for example, a delay circuit is typically used to set the frequency of the loop. Since the propagation delay of a signal through the delay circuit may vary over a range of supply voltages, supply voltage fluctuation attributable to noise may cause the frequency of the ADPLL to fluctuate, a phenomenon commonly known as “jitter,” thereby adversely affecting the performance of the ADPLL and the digital IC containing the ADPLL.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    According to the present invention, disadvantages and problems associated with propagation delay dependence on supply voltage in digital circuits are substantially reduced or eliminated.  
           [0003]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, a digital circuit element has a propagation delay that is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages applied to the digital circuit element.  
           [0004]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a digital circuit element having a propagation delay that is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages applied to the digital circuit element includes an input node, an output node, and at least one gate coupling the input node and the output node. A plurality of possible voltage transition curves is associated with a corresponding change of a first voltage at the input node over time, each voltage transition curve being determined by a corresponding supply voltage and the curves intersecting within a relatively narrow range of voltages. The gate is operable to change a second voltage at the output node in response to the first voltage reaching a threshold voltage of the gate, and the threshold voltage is set within the relatively narrow range of voltages in which the voltage transition curves intersect in order to reduce the dependence of the propagation delay on the supply voltage.  
           [0005]    In yet another embodiment, a digital circuit element having a propagation delay that is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages applied to the digital circuit element includes an input node, an output node, and at least one gate coupling the input node and the output node. The gate is operable to change a first voltage at the output node in response to a second voltage at the input node reaching a threshold voltage of the gate, and the threshold voltage of the gate is set such that a delay separating an initial change in the first voltage from an initial change in the second voltage is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages applied to the digital circuit element.  
           [0006]    The present invention provides a number of important technical advantages over previous digital circuit elements. Properly setting the gate threshold voltage according to the present invention allows for the design, manufacture, and use of delay elements providing propagation delay that is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages, reducing or eliminating the necessity of filtering or making other changes to the supply voltage. Accordingly, jitter in ADPLLs and other digital circuits may be reduced, and the frequency of these digital circuits may be more precisely controlled, in order to improve performance.  
           [0007]    Digital circuits incorporating one or more of these or other technical advantages are well suited for use in modern digital systems. Other technical advantages are readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and the features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary inverting gate;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary plots of the output voltage of an inverting gate versus time;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary delay element including two inverting gates;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary delay element including two inverting gate pairs; and  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary plots of voltage versus time illustrating differences in propagation delay dependence on supply voltage for two different delay circuits.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary inverting gate  10  that includes a p-channel transistor  12  and an n-channel transistor  14 . Although an exemplary inverting gate  10  is primarily described, the present invention encompasses any suitable digital logic gate, such as, for example, an AND gate, a NAND gate, an OR gate, or a NOR gate. Transistors  12  and  14  may have any suitable characteristics according to particular needs. The gate terminals of both transistors  12  and  14  are coupled to an input node  16 , and the drain terminals of both transistors are coupled to an output node  18 . The source terminal of p-channel transistor  12  is coupled to a supply node  20 , and the source terminal of n-channel transistor  14  is coupled to a supply node  22 . The difference between the voltage at supply node  20  (V DD ) and the voltage at supply node  22  (V SS ) is commonly referred to as the supply voltage. Where supply node  22  is coupled to ground  24 , as in FIG. 1, the supply voltage is equal to V DD . However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention contemplates any suitable V SS  and any suitable V DD . For example, V SS  may be a negative voltage and V DD  may be a positive voltage, resulting in a supply voltage equal to V DD  minus V SS .  
         [0015]    In one embodiment, V DD  determines the “high” voltage and V SS  determines the “low” voltage of a node. For example: if V DD  equals 1.6V and V SS  equals 0V, the node voltage representing a “1” may be 1.6V and the node voltage representing a “0” may be 0V; if V DD  equals 1.4V and V SS  equals 0V, the node voltage representing a “1” may be 1.4V and the node voltage representing a “0” may be 0V; and so on. Due to noise, the supply voltage does not remain precisely constant, but instead varies with a range. For example, the supply voltage may fluctuate between 1V and 2V.  
         [0016]    Inverting gate  10  changes the voltage at output node  18  from low to high in response to a change in the voltage at input node  16  from high to low and conversely changes the voltage at output node  18  from high to low in response to a change in the voltage at input node  16  from low to high. The threshold voltage of a gate is commonly considered the input voltage at which the output voltage begins to change from low to high or from high to low. For example, using this definition, the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10  is the voltage at input node  16  at which the voltage at output node  18  begins to change from low to high or from high to low. The threshold voltage of inverting gate  10  is between V DD  and V SS . Accordingly, as the voltage at input node  16  changes from low to high, the voltage at output node  18  will begin to change from high to low when the voltage at input node  16  reaches the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10 . Similarly, as the voltage at input node  16  changes from high to low, the voltage at output node  18  will begin to change from low to high when the voltage at input node  16  reaches the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10 .  
         [0017]    Coupled to output node  18  is a capacitance  26  or other suitable load. Capacitance  26  may include stray lead capacitance, gate capacitance, drain capacitance, or any other capacitance caused by one or more devices internal or external to inverting gate  10 . Additionally, capacitance  26  may be caused by the operation of a capacitor coupled to output node  18 . In this example, capacitance  26  functions as a load driven by inverting gate  10 . In one embodiment, capacitance  26  and n-channel transistor  14  collectively discharge the voltage at output node  18  from approximately V DD  to approximately V SS  when the voltage at input node  16  changes from low to high and p-channel transistor  12  and n-channel transistor  14  are turned “off” and “on,” respectively. Alternatively, capacitance  26  impedes the transition of the voltage at output node  18  from approximately V SS  to approximately V DD  when the voltage at input node  16  changes from high to low and p-channel transistor  12  and n-channel transistor  14  are turned “on” and “off,” respectively. Although exemplary inverting gate  10  has been described primarily as driving capacitance  26 , the present invention contemplates inverting gate  10  coupled in any suitable manner to any suitable load.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary plots  30  of the output voltage of inverting gate  10  versus time. Plots  30  reflect what may be referred to as voltage transition curves. In this particular example, the capacitance  26  driven by inverting gate  10  is equal to 1 pF, although, as described above, any suitable load may be used. Before a time  28  (equal to 1 ns), the voltage at input node  16  is low and the voltage at output node  18  is high. Since supply node  22  is coupled to ground, the voltage at input node  16  is equal to 0V before time  28 . As discussed above, V DD  may fluctuate between 1V and 2V. Accordingly, before time  28 , the voltage at output node  18  is equal to either 1V, 1.2V, 1.4V, 1.6V, 1.8V, or 2V, each voltage corresponding to a V DD  of 1V, 1.2V, 1.4V, 1.6V, 1.8V, or 2V, respectively.  
         [0019]    At time  28 , the voltage at input node  16  changes from low to high, and the voltage at output node  18  begins to change from high to low, being discharged by capacitance  26  and n-channel transistor  14 . The shape of a particular plot  30  of the voltage at output node  18  versus time after time  28  depends on V DD . For example: plot  30   a  of the voltage at output node  18  versus time at a V DD  of 1V is less steep than plot  30   b  of the voltage at output node  18  versus time at a V DD  of 1.2V; plot  30   b  is less steep than plot  30   c  of the voltage at output node  18  versus time at a V DD  of 1.4V ; and so on. The steepness of a particular plot  30 , which represents the rate of discharge of the voltage at output node  18 , may be determined by the amount of current being discharged, which in turn is determined by V DD . For example, when V DD  is higher, there is more current being discharged, resulting in an increased discharge rate and a steeper plot  30 . Similarly, when V DD  is lower, there is less current being discharged, resulting in a decreased discharge rate and a flatter plot  30 .  
         [0020]    The amount of time it takes the voltage at output node  18  to reach a particular voltage after a change in the voltage at input node  16  from low to high or high to low may be referred to as the delay for inverting gate  10 . The delay in reaching a particular voltage may vary, due to the fact that the delay may depend on V DD . For example, plot  30   a  reaches 0.9V approximately 0.83 ns after the voltage at input node  16  changes from low to high, and plot  30   f  reaches 0.9V approximately 1.35 ns after the voltage at input node  16  changes from low to high. Since all other plots  30  reach 0.9V after plot  30   a  and before plot  30   f,  the delay in reaching 0.9V may vary, in this example, as much as approximately 0.52 ns.  
         [0021]    Plots  30  intersect within a relatively narrow region  32  defined by a relatively narrow range  34  of voltages and a relatively narrow range  36  of delays. Compared with the delay in reaching a voltage outside relatively narrow range  34  of voltages, the delay in reaching a voltage within narrow range  34  of voltages is substantially independent of V DD  and therefore substantially constant over changes in V DD . For example, plot  30   a  reaches approximately 0.81V approximately 1.46 ns after the voltage at input node  16  changes from low to high, and plot  30   b  reaches approximately 0.81V approximately 1.52 ns after the voltage at input node  16  changes from low to high. Since all other plots  30  reach 0.81V after plot  30   a  and before plot  30   b,  the delay in reaching approximately 0.81V may vary, in this example, by only as much as approximately 0.06 ns, which is a significantly smaller variation than approximately 0.52 ns. While the discharge of the voltage at output node  18  is primarily described, the present invention also contemplates a transition of the voltage at output node  18  from low to high similarly characterized by a set of plots  30  of the voltage at output node  18  versus time, the shape of each plot  30  being dependent on V DD , and a relatively narrow region  32  within which the plots  30  intersect.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary delay element  38  that includes two exemplary inverting gates  10   a  and  10   b  coupled in series. Although inverting gates  10  are primarily described, the present invention encompasses any suitable digital logic gates, such as, for example, AND gates, NAND gates, OR gates, NOR gates, in any suitable combination. Moreover, although a particular delay element is described, the present invention contemplates any suitable circuit element that includes any suitable number and type of devices. Additionally, the present invention encompasses any digital circuit in which propagation delay might otherwise vary over a range of supply voltages due to noise or for any other reason. Input node  40  is coupled to the gate terminals of p-channel transistor  12   a  and n-channel transistor  14   a,  and the drain terminals of p-channel transistor  12   a  and n-channel transistor  14   a  are coupled to node  42 . Also coupled to node  42  is capacitance  26 , which functions as a load. As discussed above, capacitance  26  may include stray lead capacitance, gate capacitance, drain capacitance, capacitance associated with operation of a capacitor coupled to node  42 , or any other suitable capacitance. The gate terminals of p-channel transistor  12   b  and n-channel transistor  14   b  are also coupled to node  42 , making the output of inverting gate  10   a  the input of inverting gate  10   b.  Output node  44  is coupled to the drain terminals of p-channel transistor  12   b  and n-channel transistor  14   b.  The source terminals of p-channel transistor  12   a  and  12   b  are coupled to supply node  20 , and the source terminals of n-channel transistors  14   a  and  14   b  are coupled to supply node  22 . As discussed above, the difference between the voltage at supply node  20  (V DD ) and the voltage at supply node  22  (V SS ) is commonly referred to as the supply voltage, and V DD  and V SS  determine the “high” voltage and “low” voltage, respectively, of nodes within delay element  38 .  
         [0023]    Inverting gate  10   a  changes the voltage at node  42  from low to high in response to a change in the voltage at input node  40  from high to low and conversely changes the voltage at node  42  from high to low in response to a change in the voltage at input node  40  from low to high. Similarly, inverting gate  10   b  changes the voltage at output node  44  from low to high in response to a change in the voltage at node  42  from high to low and conversely changes the voltage at output node  44  from high to low in response to a change in the voltage at bode  42  from low to high.  
         [0024]    Following a change in the voltage at node  40  from low to high or from high to low, there is a delay in the voltage at node  42  reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b.  As discussed above, the threshold voltage of a gate is commonly considered the input voltage at which the output voltage begins to change from low to high or from high to low. The delay in the voltage at node  42  reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  may vary, due to the fact that V DD  may vary as a result of noise or otherwise. For example, applying the discussion of FIG. 2 to delay element  38  of FIG. 3, the voltage at node  42  (which is the output of inverting gate  10   a  and the input of inverting gate  10   b ) may reach 0.9V approximately 0.83 ns after the voltage at input node  40  changes from low to high when V DD  is equal to 1V, and the voltage at node  42  may reach 0.9V approximately 1.35 ns after the voltage at input node  40  changes from low to high when V DD  is equal to 2V, resulting in a variation in delay of 0.52 ns. Accordingly, if the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  is equal to 0.9V, the delay in the voltage at node  42  reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  may vary as much 0.52 ns.  
         [0025]    However, according to the present invention, if the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  is equal to a substantially constant voltage in the relatively narrow range  34  of voltages (or another suitable relatively narrow range of voltages), the delay in reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  will be substantially constant compared with the delay in reaching a voltage outside range  34  of voltages. For example, the voltage at node  42  will reach approximately 0.81V approximately 1.46 ns after the voltage at input node  40  changes from low to high when V DD  is equal to 1V, and the voltage at node  42  will reach approximately 0.81V approximately 1.52 ns after the voltage at input node  40  changes from low to high when V DD  is equal to 1.2V, resulting in a variation in delay of 0.06 ns. As a result, if the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  is equal to approximately 0.81V, delay in the voltage at node  42  reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  may only vary by approximately 0.06 ns, which is a significantly smaller variation than the approximately 0.52 ns variation associate with a threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  equal to 0.9V. Therefore, if the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  is set at a substantially constant voltage within a relatively narrow range  34  of voltages, the delay in reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  will be substantially constant over a range of supply voltages. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, while a transition in the voltage at node  42  from high to low is primarily described, the present invention similarly contemplates a transition of the voltage at node  40  from low to high.  
         [0026]    The propagation delay through delay element  38  is a function of the delay in the voltage at node  42  reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b.  For example, if the delay in reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  is 1.5 ns, it will take a signal at least 1.5 ns to propagate through delay element  38  since the output node voltage will not begin to change until the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  is reached. In one embodiment, the propagation delay through delay element  38  is almost entirely due to the delay in reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b.  Accordingly, if the delay in reaching the threshold voltage of inverting gate  10   b  is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages, the propagation delay of delay element  38  will also be substantially constant over that range of supply voltages. While exemplary delay element  38  consists of only two inverting gates  10 , delay element  38  may consist of any number of inverting gates  10  coupled in series. For example, one or more inverting gates  10  may be added to delay element  38  to increase the propagation delay of a signal through delay element  38 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary delay element  46  including two inverting gate pairs  58   a  and  58   b.  Although a particular delay element  46  is described, as discussed above the present invention contemplates any suitable circuit element that includes any number and type of devices. Additionally, as discussed above, the present invention encompasses any digital circuit in which propagation delay might otherwise vary over a range of supply voltages.  
         [0028]    The source terminals of various p-channel transistors in delay element  46  are coupled to supply node  20 , and the source terminals of various n-channel transistors are coupled to supply node  22 . Accordingly, as discussed above, the difference between the voltage at supply node  20  (V DD ) and the voltage at supply node  22  (V SS ) is the supply voltage, and V DD  and V SS  determine the “high” voltage and “low” voltage, respectively, of nodes within delay element  46 . Where supply node  22  is coupled to ground  24 , as in FIG. 4, the supply voltage is equal to V DD . However, as discussed above, the present invention contemplates any suitable V SS  and any suitable V DD .  
         [0029]    Node  48  is the input node of delay element  46 , and node  50  is the output node of delay element  46 . Delay element  46  changes the voltage at node  50  from low to high in delayed response to a change in the voltage at node  48  from low to high and conversely changes the voltage at node  50  from high to low in delayed response to a change in the voltage at node  48  from high to low. Nodes  52  and  54  may be used to enable and disable different gates in delay element  46 , and a change in the voltage at node  52  precedes a change in the voltage at node  48 . Node  56  may be used to couple the gate pairs in delay element  46 .  
         [0030]    Gate pair  58   a  includes gate  60   a  and gate  60   b.  Gate pair  58   a  is enabled before the voltage at node  48  changes from low to high and disabled before the voltage at node  48  changes from high to low. Accordingly, gate pair  58   a  “controls” the operation of delay element  46  when the input voltage changes from low to high. Gate pair  58   b  includes gate  60   c  and gate  60   d  and is enabled before the voltage at node  48  changes from high to low and disabled before the voltage at node  48  changes from low to high. Accordingly, gate pair  58   b  “controls” the operation of delay element  46  when the input voltage changes from high to low.  
         [0031]    As previously mentioned, nodes  52  and  54  determine which of gate pairs  58  controls the operation of delay element  46  by enabling one of gate pairs  58  and disabling the other. For example, before the voltage at node  48  changes from low to high, the voltage at node  52  changes from low to high, turning on n-channel transistor  62 . When n-channel transistor  62  is turned “on,” gate  60   a  is enabled and can change the voltage at node  56  from high to low in response to a change in the voltage at node  48  from low to high. When the voltage at node  52  changes from low to high, the voltage at node  54  changes from high to low, turning “on” p-channel transistor  64 . When p-channel transistor  64  is turned “on,” gate  60   b  is enabled and can change the voltage at node  50  from low to high in response to a change in the voltage at node  56  from high to low. Conversely, when the voltage at node  52  is low, n-channel transistor  66  is turned “off,” which disables gate  60   b,  and, when the voltage at node  54  is high, p-channel transistor  68  is turned “off,” which disables gate  60   a.  Accordingly, when gate  60   a  and gate  60   b  are enabled, gate pair  58   a  is enabled, and delay element  46  can change the voltage at node  50  from low to high in delayed response to a change in the voltage at node  48  from low to high. Alternatively, before the voltage at node  48  changes from high to low, the voltage at node  52  changes from high to low, turning “on” p-channel transistor  70 . When p-channel transistor  70  is turned “on,” gate  60   c  is enabled and can change the voltage at node  56  from low to high in response to a change in the voltage at node  48  from high to low. When the voltage at node  52  changes from high to low, the voltage at node  54  changes from low to high, turning “on” n-channel transistor  72 . When n-channel transistor  72  is turned “on,” gate  60   d  is enabled and can change the voltage at node  50  from high to low in response to a change in the voltage at node  56  from low to high. Conversely, when the voltage at node  52  is high, p-channel transistor  74  is turned “off,” which disables gate  60   d,  and, when the voltage at node  54  is low, n-channel transistor  76  is turned “off,” which disables gate  60   c.  Accordingly, when gate  60   c  and gate  60   d  are enabled, gate pair  58   b  is enabled, and delay element  46  can change the voltage at node  50  from high to low in delayed response to a change in the voltage at node  48  from high to low. In this way, when the voltage at node  48  changes from high to low, nodes  52  and  54  enable gate pair  58   b  and disable gate pair  58   a,  and, when the voltage at node  48  changes from low to high, nodes  52  and  54  enable gate pair  58   a  and disable gate pair  58   b.    
         [0032]    Once gate pair  58   a  has been enabled in preparation for a change in the voltage at node  48  from low to high, the voltage at node  48  changes from low to high, turning “off” p-channel transistor  78 . When p-channel transistor  78  is turned “off,” the voltage at node  56  is discharged over a period of time by n-channel transistor  62  from near V DD  to near V SS . In one embodiment, p-channel transistor  78  is “stronger” than n-channel transistor  62 , and the voltage at node  56  cannot be changed from high to low until p-channel transistor  78  is turned “off.” The relative strengths of p-channel and n-channel transistors may be determined by a number of factors. For example, in one embodiment, p-channel transistor  78  is approximately seventeen times shorter than n-channel transistor  62 , causing p-channel transistor  78  to be stronger than n-channel transistor  62 . When the voltage at node  56  reaches the threshold voltage of gate  60   b,  n-channel transistor  80  is turned “off” and, as a result, the voltage at node  50  changes from low to high. In one embodiment, n-channel transistor  80  is stronger than p-channel transistor  64 , and the voltage at node  50  cannot be changed from low to high until n-channel transistor  80  is turned off. N-channel transistor  80  may be approximately seventeen times shorter than p-channel transistor  64 , causing n-channel transistor  80  to be stronger than p-channel transistor  64 .  
         [0033]    According to the present invention, the threshold voltage of gate  60   b  is set at a substantially constant voltage such that the delay in node  56  reaching the threshold voltage of gate  60   b  is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages. The threshold voltage of gate  60   b  may be largely determined by the threshold voltage of n-channel transistor  80 . As discussed above, associated with the output of an inverting gate are a set of plots of the output voltage of the gate versus time corresponding to a range of supply voltages, such as, for example, plots  30  illustrated in FIG. 2. The shape of each plot after a change in the input voltage is determined by the supply voltage level, and the plots intersect in a relatively narrow region defined by a relatively narrow range of voltages and a relatively narrow range of delays, such as, for example region  32  illustrated in FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 4, the threshold voltage of gate  60   b  is set at a substantially constant voltage in the region of intersection of the plots associated with the discharge of the voltage at node  56 , such that the delay in reaching the threshold voltage of gate  60   b  is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages.  
         [0034]    As discussed above, the propagation delay through a delay element is a function of the amount time it takes the voltage at the output of a leading gate, such as gate  60   a,  to reach the threshold voltage of a following gate, such as gate  60   b.  Accordingly, the propagation delay through delay element  46  for a transition from low to high is a function of the delay in node  56  reaching the threshold voltage of gate  60   b.  If the threshold voltage of gate  60   b  is set such that the delay in reaching the threshold voltage of gate  60   b  is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages, the propagation delay through delay element  46  for a transition from low to high will also be substantially constant over that range of supply voltages.  
         [0035]    Once gate pair  58   b  has been enabled in preparation for a change in the voltage at node  48  from high to low, the voltage at node  48  changes from high to low, turning “off” n-channel transistor  82 . When n-channel transistor  82  is turned “off,” the voltage at node  56  increases over a period of time from near V SS  to near V DD . In one embodiment, n-channel transistor  82  is stronger than p-channel transistor  70 , and the voltage at node  56  cannot be changed from low to high until n-channel transistor  82  is turned “off.” N-channel transistor  82  may be approximately seventeen times shorter than p-channel transistor  70 , causing n-channel transistor  82  to be stronger than p-channel transistor  70 . When the voltage at node  56  reaches the threshold voltage of gate  60   d,  p-channel transistor  84  is turned “off” and, as a result, the voltage at node  50  changes from high to low. In one embodiment, p-channel transistor  84  is stronger than n-channel transistor  72 , and the voltage at node  50  cannot be changed from high to low until p-channel transistor  84  is turned “off.” P-channel transistor  84  may be approximately seventeen times shorter than n-channel transistor  72 , causing p-channel transistor  84  to be stronger than n-channel transistor  72 .  
         [0036]    The threshold voltage of gate  60   d  is set at a substantially constant voltage such that the delay in node  56  reaching the threshold voltage of gate  60   d  is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages. The threshold voltage of gate  60   d  may be largely determined by the threshold voltage of p-channel transistor  84 . As discussed above, associated with the output of an inverting gate are a set of plots of the output voltage of the gate versus time corresponding to a range of supply voltages. In the example of FIG. 4, the threshold voltage of gate  60   d  is set at a substantially constant voltage in the region of intersection of the plots associated with the transition of the voltage at node  56  from low to high, such that the delay in reaching the threshold voltage of gate  60   d  is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages.  
         [0037]    As discussed above, the propagation delay of a delay element is a function of the amount time it takes the voltage at the output of a leading gate, such as gate  60   c,  to reach the threshold voltage of a following gate, such as gate  60   d.  Accordingly, the propagation delay through delay element  46  for a transition from high to low is a function of the delay in node  56  reaching the threshold voltage of gate  60   d.  If the threshold voltage of gate  60   d  is set such that the delay in reaching the threshold voltage of gate  60   d  is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages, the propagation delay through delay element  46  for a transition from high to low will also be substantially constant.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary plots of voltage versus time illustrating differences in propagation delay dependence on supply voltage for two different delay circuits. In a particular embodiment, plots  90  and  98  are for delay circuits each having eight delay elements coupled in series, although a delay circuit may include any suitable number of delay elements according to particular needs. One delay circuit is “controlled,” meaning that the propagation delay through each of the delay elements of the delay circuit is substantially constant over a range of supply voltages. The other delay circuit is “uncontrolled,” meaning that the propagation delay through each of the delay elements of the delay circuit varies over a range of supply voltages. In a particular embodiment, the controlled delay circuit includes eight of the delay elements  46  described above with reference to FIG. 4 coupled in series. Node  48  of the first delay element  46  is the input node of the controlled delay circuit, node  50  of the last delay element  46  is the output node of the controlled delay circuit, and node  48  of each delay element  46  between the first delay element  46  and last delay element  46  is coupled to node  50  of the preceding delay element  46 . The uncontrolled delay circuit includes eight delay elements that do not incorporate the present invention.  
         [0039]    At a first time  86 , the input voltage changes from low to high. As described above, V DD  determines the “high” voltage and V SS  determines the “low” voltage. Accordingly, FIG. 5 illustrates six plots  88  of the input voltage versus time, each plot  88  corresponding to a different V DD . For example, plot  88   a  corresponds to an exemplary V DD  of 1V, plot  88   b  corresponds to an exemplary V DD  of 1.2V, and so on. FIG. 5 further illustrate six plots  90  of the output voltage of the exemplary uncontrolled delay circuit, each plot corresponding to a different V DD . For example, plot  90   a  corresponds to an exemplary V DD  of 1V, plot  90   b  corresponds to an exemplary V DD  of 1.2V, and so on. The propagation delay through the uncontrolled delay circuit for a transition from low to high varies substantially as V DD  varies from IV to 2V. For example, plots  88   a    90   a  indicate that when V DD  is 1V the output voltage of the uncontrolled delay circuit changes from low to high approximately 7.43 ns after the input voltage changes from low to high. In contrast, plots  88   f  and  90   f  indicate that when V DD  is 2V the output voltage of the uncontrolled delay circuit changes from low to high approximately 1.96 ns after the input voltage changes from low to high. Accordingly, the propagation delay through the exemplary uncontrolled delay circuit for a transition from low to high may be as short as approximately 1.96 ns or as long as approximately 7.43 ns, resulting in a range  92  of delays spanning approximately 5.47 ns.  
         [0040]    Similarly, the propagation delay through the uncontrolled delay circuit for a transition from high to low varies substantially as V DD  varies from 1V to 2V. At second time  94 , the input voltage changes from high to low. Plot  88   a  and  90   a  indicate that when V DD  is 1V the output voltage of the exemplary uncontrolled delay circuit changes from high to low approximately 7.22 ns after the input voltage changes from high to low. In contrast, plots  88   f  and  90   f,  when V DD  is 2V the output voltage of the uncontrolled delay circuit changes from high to low approximately 1.96 ns after the input voltage changes from high to low. Accordingly, the propagation delay through the exemplary uncontrolled delay circuit for a transition from high to low may be as short as approximately 1.96 ns or as long as approximately 7.22 ns, resulting in a range  96  of delays spanning approximately 5.26 ns.  
         [0041]    In addition to the plots of the input voltage and output voltage of the uncontrolled delay circuit, FIG. 5 includes six plots  98  of the output voltage of the exemplary controlled delay circuit, each plot corresponding to a different V DD . For example, plot  98   a  corresponds to a V DD  of 1V, plot  98   b  corresponds to a V DD  of 1.2V, and so on. Compared with the propagation delay through the uncontrolled delay circuit for a transition from low to high, the propagation delay through the controlled delay circuit for a transition from low to high is substantially constant as V DD  varies from 1V to 2V. For example, plot  88   a  and  98   a  indicate that when V DD  is 1V the output voltage of the exemplary controlled delay circuit changes from low to high approximately 3 ns after the input voltage changes from low to high. Plot  88   f  and  98   f  indicate that when V DD  is 2V the output voltage of the exemplary controlled delay circuit changes from low to high approximately 2.7 ns after the input voltage changes from low to high. Accordingly, the propagation delay through the exemplary controlled delay circuit for a transition from low to high may be as short as approximately 2.7 ns or as long as approximately 3 ns, resulting in a range  100  of delays spanning approximately 0.3 ns. Comparing range  100  of delays with range  92  of delays, the propagation delay through the exemplary controlled delay circuit for a transition from low to high is substantially constant for a V DD  between 1V and 2V.  
         [0042]    Similarly, the propagation delay through the exemplary controlled delay circuit for a transition from high to low is substantially constant as V DD  varies from 1V to 2V. At second time  94 , the input voltage changes from high to low. Plots  88   a  and  98   a  indicate that when V DD  is 1V the output voltage of the exemplary controlled delay circuit changes from high to low approximately 2.83 ns after the input voltage changes from high to low. Plots  88   f  and  98   f  indicate that when V DD  is 2 V the output voltage of the exemplary controlled delay circuit changes from high to low approximately 3.1 ns after the input voltage changes from high to low. Accordingly, the propagation delay through the controlled delay circuit for a transition from high to low may be as short as approximately 2.83 ns or as long as approximately 3.1 ns, resulting in a range  102  of delays spanning approximately 0.27 ns. Comparing range of delays  102  with range of delays  96 , the propagation delay through the exemplary controlled delay circuit for a transition from high to low is substantially constant for a V DD  between 1V and 2V.  
         [0043]    Although the present invention has been described with several embodiments, many changes, variations, alterations, transformations and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompasses such changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7