Patent Abstract:
A ring oscillator is disclosed for generating one or more clock signals. In some embodiments, the ring oscillator includes a first set of n series coupled inverters, a second set of n series coupled inverters, a first reset switch configured to couple a last inverter of the first set of inverters to a first inverter of the second set of inverters and to generate a first signal edge, a second reset switch configured to couple a last inverter of the second set of inverters to a first inverter of the first set of inverters, and a cross-coupling circuit coupled between an output of an inverter of the first set of inverters to a corresponding output of an inverter of the second set of inverters. In some embodiments, 2n clock signals separated in phase by 360°/2n may be generated.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to clock signal generation and, in particular, to a ring oscillator for generating clock signals. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0004]    Modern electronic devices often require coordinating the operation of digital circuits and systems. For example, two or more discrete circuits in a digital system may require that their operations be synchronized with each other in order to function properly. Accordingly, clock signals are widely used to coordinate and synchronize events in and between digital circuits and systems included in electronic devices. 
         [0005]    A clock signal generally consists of a stable signal that oscillates between a high logic level and a low logic level in the form of a square wave having a 50% duty cycle. In some instances, a ring oscillator may be used to generate clock signals. The design and performance of many ring oscillators, however, can be sensitive to imperfections introduced during the manufacturing process. Such imperfections may also adversely affect power consumption. 
         [0006]    Therefore, it is desirable to develop ring oscillator designs that provide for stable clock signal generation that is relatively unaffected by component imperfections introduced during the manufacturing process. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Consistent with some embodiments of the present invention, a ring oscillator includes a first set of n series coupled inverters; a second set of n series coupled inverters; a first reset switch configured to couple a last inverter of the first set of inverters to a first inverter of the second set of inverters and to generate a first signal edge; a second reset switch configured to couple a last inverter of the second set of inverters to a first inverter of the first set of inverters; a cross-coupling circuit coupled between an output of an inverter of the first set of inverters to a corresponding output of an inverter of the second set of inverters. In certain embodiments, the cross-coupling circuit may be configured to maintain differential signal levels at the output of an inverter of the first set of inverters and the corresponding output of an inverter of the second set of inverters. 
         [0008]    Consistent with some embodiments of the present invention, a method of generating one or more clock signals using a ring oscillator includes generating a first signal edge at the input of a first inverter of a first set of series coupled inverters, the first set of inverters including n inverters; generating a second signal edge at the input of a first inverter of a second set of series coupled inverters, the second set of inverters including n inverters; and maintaining differential signal levels an output of an inverter of the first set of inverters and a corresponding output of an inverter of the second set of inverters; wherein and the first and second set of inverters are coupled such the input of the first inverter of the second set of inverters is coupled to an output of a last inverter of the first set of inverters and the input of the first inverter of the first set of inverters is coupled to an output of a last inverter of the second set of inverters. 
         [0009]    Further embodiments and aspects of the invention are discussed with respect to the following figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diagram of a ring oscillator consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary inverter consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic diagram of a ring oscillator in reset mode consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic diagram of a ring oscillator after reset consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary signal timing diagram of a ring oscillator after reset consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary cross-coupling circuit that includes a pair of p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect (“pMOS”) transistors consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary cross-coupling circuit that includes a pair of n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect (“nMOS”) transistors consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary cross-coupling circuit that includes a pair of inverters consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    In the figures, elements having the same designation have the same or similar functions. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diagram of a ring oscillator  100  consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. Ring oscillator  100  includes inverters  102 - 116 , cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124 , and switches  126 - 156 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 1 , ring oscillator  100  includes inverters  102 - 116 , cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124 , and switches  126 - 156 . In some embodiments, ring oscillator  100  may include any even multiple of the number of inverters  102 - 116 , cross-coupling circuits  118 - 114 , and switches  126 - 156  illustrated in  FIG. 1  (e.g., sixteen inverters, eight cross-coupling circuits, thirty-two switches, and the like). 
         [0020]    The outputs of inverters  102 - 116 , corresponding to circuit nodes  158 - 172 , respectively, may be coupled to one of the terminals of switches  126 - 140 , respectively. The inputs of inverters  104 - 116  and  102  may be coupled to the other terminals of switches  126 - 140 , respectively. This configuration allows for the inputs of inverters  102 - 116  to be coupled to the outputs of inverters  104 - 116  and  102 , respectively, when switches  126 - 140  are closed. For example, when switch  126  is closed, the output of inverter  102  is coupled to the input of inverter  104 . In this manner, inverters  102 - 166  may be serially interconnected via switches  126 - 140  to form an inverter ring. 
         [0021]    Switches  142 - 156  may be configured such that when they are closed, the inputs of inverters  104 - 116  and  102 , respectively, are coupled to ground. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the inputs of inverters  104 - 116  and  102  may be respectively coupled to a power terminal by switches  142 - 156 . In some embodiments, switches  142 - 156  may be selectively closed (e.g., any one of switches  142 - 156  may be closed thereby coupling the input of their corresponding inverter to ground). 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, switches  126  and  142  may be integrated into a single switch capable of coupling the inputs of inverter  104  to the output of inverter  102  or to ground. Switches  128  and  144 ,  130  and  146 ,  132  and  148 ,  134  and  150 ,  136  and  152 ,  138  and  154 , and  140  and  156  may be similarly configured. Further, switches  126 - 156  may be implemented using any circuit(s) capable of performing these switching operations and/or any physical switching device. 
         [0023]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , cross-coupling circuit  118  may be coupled between circuit nodes  158  and  166  (i.e., between the outputs of inverters  102  and  110 ). Similarly, cross-coupling circuits  120 - 124  may be coupled between circuit nodes  160  and  168 ,  162  and  170 , and  164  and  172 , respectively. In this manner, cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  couple a pair of ring oscillator  100  circuit nodes that have an equal number of inverters  102 - 116  between them in both directions. As discussed in more detail below, for example, in reference to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8 , cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  function to counteract imperfections of ring oscillator  100 , helping to make the oscillation of ring oscillator  100  sustainable. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary inverter  200  consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. Inverter  200  may be used as inverters  102 - 116  in ring oscillator  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Inverter  200  utilizes complementary metal-oxide semiconductor field effect (“CMOS”) transistor technology. Alternatively, an inverter (e.g., a NOT gate) implemented using other technologies may be utilized as inverter  200  in ring oscillator  100 . For example, n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect (“nMOS”) transistor technology, p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect (“pMOS”) transistor technology, an appropriate combination of NAND gate(s), an appropriate combination of NOR gate(s), and/or any other circuit that functions similarly may be utilized as inverter  200 . 
         [0025]    In the example illustrated in  FIG. 2 , inverter  200  includes input  202 , output  204 , nMOS transistor  206 , pMOS transistor  208 , power terminal (e.g., Vdd)  208 , and ground terminal  212 . Input  202  may be coupled to the gates of nMOS transistor  206  and pMOS transistor  208 . The source of pMOS transistor  208  may be coupled to power terminal  208 . Similarly, the source of nMOS transistor  206  may be coupled to ground terminal  212 . The drain of nMOS transistor  206  and pMOS transistor  208  may be coupled to form inverter output  204 . 
         [0026]    Inverter  200  operates to invert the signal provided at its input  202  (e.g., performs logical negation of its input). For example, if a signal having a high logic value (i.e., a logical one value) is provided to the input  202  of inverter  200 , output  204  of inverter  200  is set to a low logic level (i.e., a logical zero value). Similarly, if a signal having a low logic level is provided to the input  202  of inverter  200 , output  204  of inverter  200  is set to a high logic level. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic diagram of the ring oscillator  100  shown in  FIG. 1  in reset mode consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. In the reset mode shown in  FIG. 3 , switches  128 - 134  and  138 - 140  may be closed, thereby coupling the outputs of inverters  104 - 110  and  114 - 116  to the inputs of  106 - 112  and  116  and  102  respectively. Switches  144 - 150  and  154 - 156  may be opened such that the inputs of inverters  102 ,  106 - 112 , and  116  are decoupled from ground. Switches  126  and  136  may be opened such that the inputs of inverters  104  and  114  are decoupled from the outputs of inverters  102  and  112 . Finally, switches  142  and  152  may be closed, thereby coupling the inputs of inverters  103  and  114  to ground. 
         [0028]    When configured in reset mode, ring oscillator  100  is in a non-oscillating steady state (e.g., the logical signal level values at circuit nodes  302 - 316  do not change). For example, in reset mode, circuit nodes  302 ,  306 ,  310 ,  312 , and  316  may be set to a low logic level (i.e., ground or a logical one value) and may remain at low logic level as long as ring oscillator  100  remains in reset mode. Similarly, circuit nodes  304 ,  308 , and  314  may be set to a high logic level and remain at a high logic level as long as ring oscillator  100  remains in reset mode. 
         [0029]    The aforementioned operation of ring oscillator  100  in reset mode is described for illustrative purposes with respect to switches  126  and  136  being open, switches  132  and  152  being closed, switches  128 - 134  and  138 - 140  being closed, and switches  144 - 150  and  154 - 156  being open. Ring oscillator  100 , however, may be placed in reset mode by orienting any two pairs of switches having an equal number of inverters between them in either direction, respectively, (e.g., switches  128  and  144  and switches  138  and  154 ) in the same manner described above with respect to switches  126  and  136  and switches  132  and  152 , and orienting all other switches in the same manner as switches  128 - 134 ,  138 - 140 ,  144 - 150 , and  154 - 156 . In this manner, the two switches having an equal number of inverters between them in either direction, respectively, may be used to generate two propagating signal edges spaced evenly apart across the ring oscillator. In some embodiments, the ring oscillator may include only those switches necessary to generate a reset of the ring oscillator (e.g., generation of two propagating signal edges spaced evenly apart across the ring oscillator). Further, in some embodiments, ring oscillator  100  may be reset utilizing only those switches necessary to generate a single initial propagating signal edge around ring oscillator  100 . Accordingly, in certain embodiments, ring oscillator  100  may use less switches than those illustrated in FIGS.  1  and  3 - 4 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic diagram of the ring oscillator  100  shown in  FIG. 1  after reset consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. After exiting reset mode as described in reference to  FIG. 3 , switches  126 - 140  may be closed, thereby coupling the outputs of inverters  102 - 116  to the inputs of inverters  104 - 116  and  102  (i.e., circuit nodes  302 - 316 ) respectively. Switches  142 - 156  may be opened such that the inputs of inverters  104 - 116  and  102  (i.e., circuit nodes  302 - 316 ) respectively are decoupled from ground. In this configuration, ring oscillator  100  after reset may be described as a chain of serially connected inverters  102 - 116  and cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  that couple a pair of circuit nodes having an equal number of inverters between them in either direction, respectively. 
         [0031]    By switching the ring oscillator  100  from the switch configuration in reset mode, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , to the switch configuration after reset mode illustrated in  FIG. 4 , two signal edges begin to propagate around the chain of serially connected inverters  102 - 116  (e.g., ring of inverters), starting from nodes  302  and  312  respectively. After these signal edges propagate around ring oscillator  100  once, signal levels at circuit nodes  302 - 316  will subsequently oscillate between a high logic level and a low logic level at or near a frequency equal to the inverse of the combined delay time of inverters  102 - 116  (e.g., the period of the oscillation). Accordingly, eight clock signals each differing in phase by the delay time of one of inverters  102 - 116 , denoted as t, and having a period of  8 t may be extracted from ring oscillator  100  at circuit nodes  302 - 316 . 
         [0032]    Cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  may be arranged to ensure that signal levels at circuit nodes having an equal number of inverters  102 - 116  between them in either direction remain differential. For example, with respect to  FIG. 4 , cross-coupling circuit  118  ensures that the signal levels at nodes  302  and  310  remain differential (e.g., out of phase by 180° or 4t). Further, cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  help to ensure that the oscillation of signal levels in ring oscillator  100  remains sustainable and that the oscillating signals generated by ring oscillator  100  have a 50% duty cycle. In this manner, cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  function to counteract imperfections of ring oscillator  100 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary signal timing diagram  500  of a ring oscillator  100  after reset consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. Particularly,  FIG. 5  illustrates the signal levels at circuit nodes  302 - 316  of ring oscillator  100  displayed in  FIG. 3  starting after reset (i.e., time or ‘t’=0). At t=0, circuit nodes  302  and  312  are at a low logic level. After a time period t (i.e., t=t), circuit node  302  is set to a high logic level as the signal edge propagating around the chain of serially connected inverters generated by the closing of switch  126  after exiting reset reaches circuit node  302 . In some embodiments, t may correspond to the time delay of one of inverters  102 - 118 . In some embodiments, t may correspond to the average time delay of an inverter of inverters  102 - 118 . For illustrative purposes,  FIG. 5  is described in reference to the aforementioned signal edge as it propagates around the ring oscillator. 
         [0034]    At t=2t, the propagating signal edge originating from circuit node  302  reaches circuit node  304 , thereby causing the signal level at circuit node  304  to switch from a high logic level to a low logic level. At t=3t, this propagating signal edge reaches circuit node  306 , thereby causing the signal level at circuit node  306  to switch from a low logic level to a high logic level. This signal edge continues to propagate around the ring oscillator, thereby causing the signal level at circuit nodes  308 - 316  to change their state at corresponding time intervals. After a period of 8t, this signal edge makes a complete trip around the ring oscillator, returning to circuit node  302 , and continues to propagate around the ring oscillator in the same manner thereafter. 
         [0035]    As the signal edge originating from circuit node  302  propagates around the ring oscillator, another signal edge originating from circuit node  312  also propagates around the chain of serially connected inverters generated by the closing of switch  136  after exiting reset. Similar corresponding state changes at nodes  308 - 316  occur as this signal edge propagates around the ring oscillator. After a period of  8 t, this signal edge makes a complete trip around the ring oscillator, returning to circuit node  302 , and continues to propagate around the ring oscillator in the same manner thereafter. 
         [0036]    In the aforementioned manner, after the signal edges generated by reset propagate around the ring oscillator, signal levels at circuit nodes  302 - 316  will subsequently oscillate between a high logic level and a low logic level at or near a frequency equal to the inverse of the combined delay time denoted as of inverters  102 - 116  (e.g., the period of the oscillation), as illustrated by the ring oscillator signal levels shown on the right of  FIG. 5 . Accordingly, eight clock signals of the same frequency, each differing in phase by the delay time of one of inverters  102 - 116 , denoted as t and having a period of 8t, may be extracted from ring oscillator  100  at circuit nodes  302 - 316 . 
         [0037]    Ideally, the oscillation described above will continue in perpetuity. However, due to mismatches between inverters  102 - 116  and/or other components in the ring oscillator as well as noise introduced into the propagating signals, the oscillation may die out over time as delays and/or noise caused by the imperfections can cause the duty cycle of the oscillating signal to wander to either 0 or 1. Accordingly, cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  are configured to ensure that signal levels at circuit nodes having an equal number of inverters  102 - 116  between them in either direction remain differential, thereby ensuring that the oscillation of signal levels in the ring oscillator remains sustainable and have a 50% duty cycle. For example, cross-coupling circuit  118  ensures that the signal levels at nodes  302  and  310  remain differential (e.g., out of phase by 180° or 4t). In this manner, cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  function to counteract imperfections of ring oscillator  100 . Because any imperfections of ring oscillator  100  will generally be small, the relative sizes of cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  may also be small, thus saving power. In some embodiments, cross-coupling circuits  188 - 124  may be designed such that their inverting functionality is strong enough to compensate for any imperfections of ring oscillator  100  without affecting the functionality of inverters  102 - 116 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary cross-coupling circuit  600  that includes a pair of pMOS transistors  606 - 608  consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. Cross-coupling circuit  600  may be used as cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  shown in  FIG. 1 . Cross-coupling circuit  600  includes pMOS transistors  602 - 604 , cross-coupling circuit terminals  606 - 608 , and power terminal  208 . The sources of pMOS transistors  602 - 604  may be coupled to power terminal  610 . The drain of pMOS transistor  602  is coupled to the gate of pMOS transistor  604  to form cross-coupling circuit terminal  606 . Similarly, the drain of pMOS transistor  604  is coupled to the gate of pMOS transistor  602  to form cross-coupling circuit terminal  608 . In certain embodiments, cross-coupling circuits  600  may be coupled between pairs of ring oscillator  100  circuit nodes  158 - 172  that have an equal number of inverters  102 - 116  between them in either direction. 
         [0039]    Cross-coupling circuit  600  operates to keep the signal levels at cross-coupling circuit terminals  606 - 608  differential. For example, if a signal having a high logic value (e.g., a logical one value) is provided at cross-coupling circuit terminal  606 , cross-coupling circuit  600  operates to ensure that the signal at cross-coupling terminal  608  is set to a low logic value (e.g., a logical zero value). Similarly, if a signal having a low logic value is provided at cross-coupling circuit terminal  606 , cross-coupling circuit  600  operates to ensure that the signal at cross-coupling circuit terminal  608  is set to a high logic value. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary cross-coupling circuit  700  that includes a pair of nMOS transistors  702 - 704  consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. Cross-coupling circuit  700  may be used as cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  shown in  FIG. 1 . Cross-coupling circuit  700  includes nMOS transistors  702 - 704 , cross-coupling circuit terminals  706 - 708 , and ground terminal  710 . The sources of nMOS transistors  702 - 704  may be coupled to ground terminal  710 . The drain of nMOS transistor  702  is coupled to the gate of nMOS transistor  704  to form cross-coupling circuit terminal  706 . Similarly, the drain of nMOS transistor  704  is coupled to the gate of nMOS transistor  702  to form cross-coupling circuit terminal  708 . In certain embodiments, cross-coupling circuits  700  may be coupled between pairs of ring oscillator  100  circuit nodes  158 - 172  that have an equal number of inverters  102 - 116  between them in either direction. 
         [0041]    Cross-coupling circuit  700  operates to keep the signal levels at cross-coupling circuit terminals  706 - 708  differential. For example, if a signal having a high logic value (e.g., a logical one value) is provided at cross-coupling circuit terminal  706 , cross-coupling circuit  700  operates to ensure that the signal at cross-coupling terminal  708  is set to a low logic value (e.g., a logical zero value). Similarly, if a signal having a low logic value is provided at cross-coupling circuit terminal  706 , cross-coupling circuit  700  operates to ensure that the signal at cross-coupling circuit terminal  708  is set to a high logic value. 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary cross-coupling circuit  800  that includes a pair of inverters  802 - 804  consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. Cross-coupling circuit  800  may be used as cross-coupling circuits  118 - 124  shown in  FIG. 1 . Cross-coupling circuit  800  includes inverters  802 - 804  and cross-coupling circuit terminals  806 - 808 . As illustrated, the input of inverter  802  may be coupled with the output of inverter  804  to form cross-coupling circuit terminal  806 . Similarly, the input of inverter  804  may be coupled to the output of inverter  802  to form cross-coupling circuit terminal  808 . In certain embodiments, cross-coupling circuits  800  may be coupled between pairs of ring oscillator  100  circuit nodes  158 - 172  that have an equal number of inverters  102 - 116  between them in either direction. 
         [0043]    Inverter  802  operates to invert the signal provided at cross-coupling circuit terminal  806 . Inverter  804  operates to invert the signal provided at cross-coupling circuit terminal  808 . For example, if a signal having a high logic value (e.g., a logical one value) is provided at cross-coupling circuit terminal  806 , inverters  802  and  804  operate to ensure that cross-coupling circuit terminal  808  is set to a low logic value (e.g., a logical zero value). In this manner, cross-coupling circuit  800  operates to keep the signal levels at cross-coupling circuit terminals  806 - 808  differential. 
         [0044]    In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It may, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set for in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7