Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/413,790, filed Apr. 28, 2006, pending, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/896,159, filed Jul. 20, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,057,429, issued Jun. 6, 2006. The disclosure of each of the previously referenced U.S. patent applications and patents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates generally to delay locked loops, and particularly to multiple phase generation using delay locked loops.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     In modern high frequency integrated circuits, it is often necessary to generate internal clocks with predetermined phase relationships to a reference clock. Conventionally, a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) or Delay Locked Loop (DLL) has been used to generate these predetermined phase relationships. For example, many reference input clocks may not have a 50% duty cycle. However, with modern semiconductor devices, such as Double Data Rate (DDR) Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) devices, two data cycles may occur within one clock cycle. An internal clock with a 50% duty cycle may be needed so the two data cycles may be accurately sampled at the rising edge and the falling edge of the clock. Alternatively, an additional clock with a phase delay of 180 degrees relative to the reference clock may be used to sample one data slice and the reference clock may be used to sample the other data slice. Furthermore, modern semiconductor devices, such as DRAMS and processors, may require multiple clocks with defined phase relationships to trigger events at various times during a clock cycle. For example, it may be desirable to have clocks with phase relationships of 90°, 180°, 270°, and 360° relative to a reference clock.  
         [0006]     Various solutions exist for generating these desired duty cycles and clocks with defined phase relationships; these solutions are conventionally referred to as Duty Cycle Correctors (DCC) and phase generators. Conventionally, phase generators may be constructed as a DLL using either analog or digital delay lines. Analog delay lines may allow more precise control but may consume more silicon real estate, consume more power, and take longer to achieve lock. Digital delay lines, on the other hand, are easier to design, smaller, and may consume less power. Digital delay lines may achieve lock faster than analog delay lines; however, digital delay lines may not be able to achieve the continuous fine-tuning available in an analog delay line.  
         [0007]     A conventional phase generator constructed as a DLL is shown in  FIG. 1 . A clock input  5  (also referred to as a ph 0  signal) connects to a first delay line  10 . A ph 180  signal  15 , generated by the first delay line  10 , connects to a second delay line  20 . A ph 360  signal  25 , from the output of the second delay line  20 , feeds back to a phase detector  50 . The phase generator compares the phase of the clock input  5  to the second delay line output of ph 360  signal  25 . Because of the comparison, the phase detector generates the delay control signal  55  controlling the delay lines ( 10  and  20 ) to either increase or decrease the delay. The first delay line  10  and second delay line  20  are of similar construction such that the delay control signal  55 , connected to both delay lines ( 10  and  20 ), causes both delay lines to generate the same amount of delay. With this closed loop, the DLL “locks” on to the clock input  5  so that the ph 360  signal  25  is at substantially the same phase and frequency as the clock input  5 .  
         [0008]     Because the two delay lines generate equivalent delays, the ph 180  signal  15  is at the same frequency as, and 180 degrees out of phase with, the clock input  5 . The phase detector  50  only compares rising edge to rising edge or falling edge to falling edge. As a result, the phase generator will lock and generate the ph 180  signal  15  at 180 degrees out of phase regardless of the duty cycle of the clock input  5 .  
         [0009]     However, conventional digital DLL phase generators have their limits. Due to the structure of the delay lines, there is a minimum delay and a maximum delay possible through each delay line. The lowest frequency input clock that the DLL is able to lock to is defined by the maximum delay. For example, if the maximum delay through each delay line is 50 nSec, the total maximum delay is 100 nSec, and the DLL can lock to clock frequencies of 10 Mhz or higher. On the other hand, if the minimum delay through each delay line is 2.5 nSec, the total minimum delay is 5 nSec. Consequently, if the input clock is faster than 200 Mhz (i.e., a clock period of less than 5 nSec), the DLL can not lock to the clock input because the ph 360  signal  25  cannot be brought any closer to the ph 0  signal  5  than the minimum delay. Conventionally, DLL design is a trade-off between locking range (i.e., maximum delay) and maximum speed (i.e., minimum delay).  
         [0010]     There is a need for a digital phase generator that can lock and operate at higher frequencies without affecting the overall locking range of the DLL within the digital phase generator.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention enables digital phase generators and methods of generating multi-phase signals at higher clock speeds. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of generating three phase related clocks. The method includes delaying a clock input by a phase delay magnitude to generate a first phase signal and delaying the first phase signal by the same phase delay magnitude to generate a last phase signal. The phase signals may be further aligned to generate the proper phase relationships by delaying the clock input by an alignment magnitude to generate a first aligned phase signal and delaying the first phase signal by about one-half of the alignment magnitude to generate a second aligned phase signal. The DLL loop may be closed by detecting a phase difference between the first aligned phase signal and the last phase signal. As a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the phase delay magnitude to adjust delays of the first phase signal and the last phase signal. Also as a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the alignment magnitude to adjust delays of the first aligned phase signal and the second aligned phase signal.  
         [0012]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of generating five phase related clocks. The method includes delaying a clock input by a phase delay magnitude to generate a first phase signal, delaying the first phase signal by the same phase delay magnitude to generate a second phase signal, delaying the second phase signal by the same phase delay magnitude to generate a third phase signal, and delaying the third phase signal by the same phase delay magnitude to generate a last phase signal. The phase signals may be further aligned to generate the proper phase relationships by delaying the clock input by an alignment magnitude to generate a first aligned phase signal, delaying the first phase signal by about ¾ of the alignment magnitude to generate a second aligned phase signal, delaying the second phase signal by about ½ of the alignment magnitude to generate a third aligned phase signal, and delaying the third phase signal by about ¼ of the alignment magnitude to generate a fourth aligned phase signal. The DLL loop may be closed by detecting a phase difference between the first aligned phase signal and the last phase signal. As a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the phase delay magnitude to adjust delays of the first phase signal, the second phase signal, the third phase signal, and the last phase signal. Also as a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the alignment magnitude to adjust delays of the first aligned phase signal, the second aligned phase signal, the third aligned phase signal and the fourth aligned phase signal.  
         [0013]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of generating a variety of phase related clocks. The method includes delaying a clock input by a cycle delay magnitude to generate a full cycle delay signal and generating N delay taps from the clock input, each delay tap including a tap delay magnitude equal to a fractional amount of the cycle delay magnitude. The method further includes delaying the clock input by an alignment magnitude to generate a first aligned phase signal and delaying each of the N delay taps by a tap alignment delay to generate N phase aligned signals. The DLL loop may be closed by detecting a phase difference between the first aligned phase signal and the full cycle delay signal. As a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the cycle delay magnitude to adjust delays of the full cycle delay signal and the N delay taps. Also as a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the alignment magnitude to adjust delays of the first aligned phase signal and the N phase aligned signals.  
         [0014]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a phase generator for generating three phase related clocks, including a first delay line configured to generate a first phase signal with a phase delay magnitude relative to a clock input and a second delay line configured to generate a last phase signal with the same phase delay magnitude relative to the first phase signal. The phase generator further includes a first phase aligner configured to generate a first aligned phase signal with an alignment magnitude relative to the clock input and a second phase aligner configured to generate a second aligned phase signal with substantially ½ the alignment magnitude relative to the first phase signal. A phase detector is included, which may close the DLL loop by detecting a phase difference between the first aligned phase signal and the last phase signal. As a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the phase delay magnitude to adjust delays of the first phase signal and last phase signal. Also as a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the alignment magnitude to adjust delays of the first aligned phase signal and the second aligned phase signal.  
         [0015]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a phase generator for generating five phase related clocks, including a first delay line configured to generate a first phase signal with a phase delay magnitude relative to a clock input, a second delay line configured to generate a second phase signal with the same phase delay magnitude relative to the first phase signal, a third delay line configured to generate a third phase signal with the same phase delay magnitude relative to the second phase signal, and a fourth delay line configured to generate a last phase signal with the same phase delay magnitude relative to the third phase signal. The phase generator further includes a first phase aligner configured to generate a first aligned phase signal with an alignment magnitude relative to the clock input, a second phase aligner configured to generate a second aligned phase signal with substantially ¾ the alignment magnitude relative to the first phase signal, a third phase aligner configured to generate a third aligned phase signal with substantially ½ the alignment magnitude relative to the second phase signal, a fourth phase aligner configured to generate a fourth aligned phase signal with substantially ¼ the alignment magnitude relative to the third phase signal. A phase detector is included, which may close the DLL loop by detecting a phase difference between the first aligned phase signal and the last phase signal. As a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the phase delay magnitude to adjust delays of the first phase signal, the second phase signal, the third phase signal, and the last phase signal. Also as a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the alignment magnitude to adjust delays of the first aligned phase signal, the second aligned phase signal, the third aligned phase signal and the fourth aligned phase signal.  
         [0016]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a phase generator for generating a variety of phase related clocks including an adjustable delay line configured for generating a full cycle delay signal by delaying a clock input by a cycle delay magnitude. The delay line includes N delay taps with each of the N delay taps having a tap delay magnitude equal to a fractional amount of the cycle delay magnitude. The phase generator further includes a first phase aligner configured for generating a first aligned phase signal by delaying the clock input by an alignment magnitude. N phase aligned signals are generated by each of N phase aligners, which are connected to a corresponding delay tap of the N delay taps and are configured to generate a phase aligned signal with a tap alignment delay relative to its delay tap. A phase detector is included, which may close the DLL loop by detecting a phase difference between the first aligned phase signal and the full cycle delay signal. As a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the cycle delay magnitude to adjust delays of the full cycle delay signal and the N delay taps. Also as a result of the phase comparison, the method may comprise adjusting the alignment magnitude to adjust delays of the first aligned phase signal and the N phase aligned signals.  
         [0017]     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a semiconductor device including at least one phase generator according to the invention described herein.  
         [0018]     Another embodiment of the present invention includes at least one semiconductor device including at least one phase generator according to the present invention fabricated on a semiconductor wafer.  
         [0019]     Yet another embodiment, in accordance with the present invention comprises an electronic system including at least one input device, at least one output device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device. The at least one memory device comprises at least one semiconductor memory incorporating at least one phase generator according to the present invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     In the drawings, which illustrate what is currently considered to be the best mode for carrying out the invention:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a conventional digital phase generator;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an exemplary digital phase generator according to the present invention including two delay lines to generate a 180 degree phase signal;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an exemplary digital phase generator according to the present invention including four delay lines to generate a 90 degree phase signal, a 180 degree phase signal, and a 270 degree phase signal;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an exemplary digital phase generator according to the present invention including a delay line with taps for generating N phase signals with various phase alignments;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an exemplary delay line;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6A  is a timing waveform showing operation of various phases for the  FIG. 2  embodiment at a clock cycle of 14 units and substantially zero alignment delay;  
         [0027]      FIG. 6B  is a timing waveform showing operation of various phases for the  FIG. 2  embodiment at a clock cycle of 14 units and a predetermined alignment delay;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6C  is a timing waveform showing operation of various phases for the  FIG. 2  embodiment at a clock cycle of 12 units;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7A  is a timing waveform showing operation of various phases for the  FIG. 2  embodiment at a clock cycle of 10 units;  
         [0030]      FIG. 7B  is a timing waveform showing operation of various phases for the  FIG. 2  embodiment at a clock cycle of 8 units;  
         [0031]      FIG. 7C  is a timing waveform showing operation of various phases for the  FIG. 2  embodiment at a clock cycle of 6 units;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is a timing waveform showing operation of various phases for the  FIG. 3  embodiment at a clock cycle of 8 units;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is a semiconductor wafer including a plurality of semiconductor devices including a phase generator according to the present invention; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is an electronic system diagram showing a plurality of semiconductor memories including a phase generator according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0035]     In the following description, circuits and functions may be shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Conversely, specific circuit implementations shown and described are exemplary only, and should not be construed as the only way to implement the present invention unless specified otherwise herein. Additionally, block definitions and partitioning of logic between various blocks is exemplary of a specific implementation. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced by numerous other partitioning solutions. For the most part, details concerning timing considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention and are within the abilities of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.  
         [0036]     The term “bus” is used to refer to a plurality of signals or conductors, which may be used to transfer one or more various types of information, such as data, addresses, control, or status. Additionally, a bus or collection of signals may be referred to in the singular as a signal.  
         [0037]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a phase generator  100  according to the present invention includes a phase detector  150 , a first delay line  110 , a second delay line  120 , a first phase aligner  160 , and a second phase aligner  170 . A clock input  105  connects to the first delay line  110 . A dly 180  signal  125  (also referred to as a first phase signal) is generated by the first delay line  110  and connects to the second delay line  120 . A ph 360  signal  199  (also referred to as a last phase signal) is generated by the second delay line  120  and feeds back to the phase detector  150 .  
         [0038]     The clock input  105  also connects to the first phase aligner  160 . A ph 0  signal  165  (also referred to as a first aligned phase signal) is generated by the first phase aligner  160  and feeds back to the phase detector  150 . A second phase aligner  170  connects to the dly 180  signal  125  and generates a ph 180  signal  175  (also referred to as a second aligned phase signal).  
         [0039]     The first and second delay lines ( 110  and  120 ) may be configured similarly with the same selectable delay increments. Consequently, both delay lines ( 110  and  120 ) will have substantially the same delay magnitude based on a phase adjustment signal  152 , which is generated by the phase detector  150  and selects the delay increments, and as a result, the delay magnitude for both delay lines.  
         [0040]     An alignment adjustment signal  158 , generated by the phase detector  150 , controls the alignment magnitudes (i.e., delay) of the first and second phase aligners ( 160  and  170 ). The second phase aligner  170  may be configured with delay increments that are ½ the size of the delay increments for the first phase aligner  160 . Consequently, for any given value on the alignment adjustment signal  158 , the second phase aligner  170  generates a delay magnitude that is substantially ½ the delay magnitude generated by the first phase aligner  160 .  
         [0041]     A set of equations may be defined to show the delay relationships from the clock input  105  to the ph 0  signal  165 , the ph 180  signal  175  and the ph 360  signal  199 . In the equations, tA indicates the alignment magnitude for the first phase aligner  160  and tD indicates a phase delay magnitude in the delay lines ( 110  and  120 ). 
 
 td 1( Clkin  to  ph 0)= ph 0 −Clkin=tA  
 
 td 2( Clkin  to  ph 180)= ph 180 −Clkin=tD+ ½  tA  
 
 td 3( Clkin  to  ph 360)= ph 360 −Clkin= 2 *tD  
 
         [0042]     When the phase generator  100  is locked, the ph 360  signal  199  should be about one clock cycle, or other integer multiple of the clock cycle, behind the ph 0  signal  165 . In addition, the ph 180  signal  175  should be substantially near the midpoint between the ph 0  signal  165  and the ph 360  signal  199 . The following equations, derived from combinations of the above equations illustrate the timing relationships between the various outputs when the phase generator  100  is locked. 
 
 tclk=td 4( ph 0 to  ph 360)= td 3 −td 1=(2* tD )− tA  
 
½  tclk=td 5( ph 0 to  ph 180)= td 2 −td 1 =tD− ½  tA  
 
½  tclk=td 6( ph 180 to  ph 360)= td 3 −td 2 =tD− ½  tA  
 
         [0043]     The phase generator  100  may be contemplated as having two operation modes. In a first operation mode, the phase aligners ( 160  and  170 ) may be set to a predetermined value and the pair of delay lines ( 110  and  120 ) may be adjusted to effectively lock to the phase and frequency of the clock input  105 . In other words, using the delay equations, hold tA constant and vary tD to achieve lock.  
         [0044]     In a second operation mode, the pair of delay lines ( 110  and  120 ) may be set to a predetermined value and the alignment magnitude may be adjusted until the phase generator  100  locks the ph 0  signal  165  to the ph 360  signal  199 . In other words, using the delay equations, hold tD constant and vary tA to achieve lock.  
         [0045]     A group of timing diagrams illustrates the locking process, adjustment of the phase delay magnitude, and adjustment of the alignment magnitude. In the timing diagrams, arbitrary units are used to illustrate the various timing edge movements. These arbitrary units are not intended to illustrate actual delay numbers. For example, the clock cycles in the timing diagrams vary between 14 units and 6 units, and illustrate a minimum delay for the delay lines of 6 units. As an example of current process parameters for a design that may implement the present invention, the minimum delay through the delay lines may be about one to two nanoseconds. In addition, the timing diagrams all show references to rising edges of the various signals. It will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the phase detector  150  may, alternatively, operate with respect to falling edges and the timing diagrams would be referenced to falling edges.  
         [0046]     The first operation mode is illustrated by  FIGS. 6A, 6B , and  6 C. The first operation mode may typically be used when the clock cycle is larger than the minimum delay of the first delay line  110  and the second delay line  120  combined. In the first operation mode, with the phase aligners set to a predetermined amount, the phase delay magnitude is adjusted in each of the delay lines to achieve lock.  
         [0047]     For example, with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 6 A, the alignment magnitude (noted in the timing diagrams as tA) is set to substantially near zero. This may be implemented as a bypass function within the first phase aligner  160  and second phase aligner  170 . With the alignment magnitude at substantially zero the second phase aligner  170  has a delay of about ½ the alignment magnitude, which will also be substantially near zero (noted in the timing diagrams as ½ tA). With these settings for the alignment magnitudes, the ph 0  signal  165  follows the clock input  105  and the ph 180  signal  175  follows the dly 180  signal  125 . When the alignment magnitude is substantially near zero, the phase generator  100  is similar to a conventional phase generator. The phase detector  150  compares the ph 0  signal  165  to the ph 360  signal  199  to determine a phase error. As a result of the phase error, the phase detector  150  controls the phase adjustment signal  152  to either increase or decrease the phase delay magnitude (noted in the timing diagrams as tD).  
         [0048]     If the delay lines are implemented as a conventional set of delays controlled by a shift register, the phase adjustment signal  152  may be implemented as shift left/shift right set of signals. Shift left may indicate a smaller phase delay magnitude while shift right may indicate a larger phase delay magnitude. Because the first delay line  110  and second delay line  120  are in series, an indication to change the phase delay magnitude by one increment will actually increase the total delay between the clock input  105  and the ph 360  signal  199  by two increments.  
         [0049]     The feedback loop, including phase comparison combined with increasing or decreasing adjustments of the phase delay magnitude, continues until the phase comparison shows the phase of the clock input  105  and the ph 360  signal  199  are substantially in phase. In  FIG. 6A , with a clock cycle of 14 units, when phase lock is achieved, the phase delay magnitude is about 7 units. As shown by the first alignment indicator  410 , the rising edges of the ph 360  signal  199  is substantially one clock cycle after the ph 0  signal  165 . Also, the second alignment indicator  420  shows the rising edge of the phi  80  signal  175  is substantially ½ the clock cycle after the ph 0  signal  165 .  
         [0050]     In another example of the first operation mode, with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 6 B, the alignment magnitude is set to an initial value of four units. With the alignment magnitude at four units, the second phase aligner  170  has a delay of two units, which is ½ the alignment magnitude. In this example, the ph 0  signal  165  starts out at a delay of four units relative to the clock input  105 . Similarly, the ph 180  signal  175  starts out at a delay of two units relative to the dly 180  signal  125 .  
         [0051]     The feedback loop, including the phase comparison combined with increasing or decreasing adjustments of the phase delay magnitude, continues until the phase comparison shows the phase of the clock input  105  and the ph 360  signal  199  are substantially in phase. In  FIG. 6B , with a clock cycle of 14 units, when phase lock is achieved, the phase delay magnitude is about 9 units. As shown by the first alignment indicator  410 , the rising edges of the ph 360  signal  199  is substantially one clock cycle after the ph 0  signal  165 . Also, the second alignment indicator  420  shows the rising edge of the ph 180  signal  175  is substantially ½ the clock cycle after the ph 0  signal  165 . This phase delay magnitude is consistent with the equations noted above. Namely, td 4  (ph 0  to ph 360 )=(2*tD)−tA=(2*9)−4=14, and td 5  (ph 0  to ph 180 )=tD−½ tA=9−½ (4)=7.  
         [0052]     In a final example of the first operation mode, with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 6 C, the clock period of 12 is substantially near the minimum delay through the first delay line  110  and the second delay line  120 . In this example, the alignment magnitude is set to an initial value substantially near zero giving the first phase aligner  160  and the second phase aligner  170  delays substantially near zero.  
         [0053]     The feedback loop, including the phase comparison combined with increasing or decreasing adjustments of the phase delay magnitude, continues until the phase comparison shows the phase of the clock input  105  and the ph 360  signal  199  are substantially in phase. In  FIG. 6C , with a clock cycle of 12 units, when phase lock is achieved, the phase delay magnitude is about 6 units. As shown by the first alignment indicator  410 , the rising edges of the ph 360  signal  199  is substantially one clock cycle after the ph 0  signal  165 . Also, the second alignment indicator  420  shows the rising edge of the ph 180  signal  175  is substantially ½ the clock cycle after the ph 0  signal  165 . With the clock cycle at or near the minimum delay of the delay lines, the phase delay magnitude cannot be decreased any further and phase lock will not be possible at smaller clock periods unless the alignment magnitude is increased.  
         [0054]     This situation is when the second operation mode becomes advantageous. In the second operation mode, the phase delay magnitude is held constant, perhaps at the minimum delay, while the alignment magnitude is adjusted. The second operation mode is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A, 7B , and  7 C. In the second mode of operation, the first phase aligner  160  may be contemplated as an element that effectively compresses the clock cycle (i.e., the delay between the ph 0  signal  165  and the ph 360  signal  199 ), which could not be completely compressed to match the clock input  205  by the phase delay lines because the phase delay magnitude is held constant.  
         [0055]     For example, with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7 A, the phase delay magnitude is set to the minimum delay of 6 units and the clock cycle is 10 units. With the phase delay magnitude at 6, the rising edge of the ph 360  signal  199  is greater than a clock cycle delay from the rising edge of the clock input  105 . However, the first phase aligner  160  may be used to delay the ph 0  signal  165  so that the delay from the ph 0  signal  165  to the ph 360  signal  199  is substantially near a clock cycle, or integer multiple of a clock cycle. In the second operational mode, the phase detector  150  may detect a phase difference between the ph 0  signal  165  and the ph 360  signal  199 . However, rather than changing the phase adjustment signal  152  to modify the phase delay magnitude, the phase detector  150  changes the alignment adjustment signal  158  to increasing or decreasing the alignment magnitude to achieve phase lock. If the alignment magnitude starts near zero, the phase detector  150  will increase the alignment magnitude until the ph 0  signal  165  and the ph 360  signal  199  are substantially in phase. In  FIG. 7A , the alignment magnitude is adjusted to 2 units. Since the ph 360  signal  199  is essentially held at fixed point and the ph 0  signal  165  is moved closer to the ph 360  signal  199 , the ph 180  signal  175  must also be moved closer to the ph 360  signal  199 . However, the ph 180  signal  175  should only be moved by ½ as much as the ph 0  signal  165  to maintain the phase relationship at 180 degrees. Adjusting the alignment magnitude is consistent with the equations noted above. Namely, td 4  (ph 0  to ph 360 )=(2*tD)−tA=(2*6)−2=10, and td 5  (ph 0  to ph 180 )=tD−½ tA=6−½ (2)=5.  
         [0056]     In another example of the second operation mode, with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7 B, the phase delay magnitude is set near the minimum delay of 6 units and the clock cycle is 8 units. In similar operation to the  FIG. 7A  diagram explained above, the phase detector  150  adjusts the alignment magnitude until the ph 0  signal  165  and the ph 360  signal  199  are substantially in phase. In  FIG. 7B  this results in an alignment magnitude of 4 units for the delay through the first phase aligner  160 , and a delay through the second phase aligner  170  of ½ the alignment magnitude, or 2 units.  
         [0057]     In another example of the second operation mode, with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7 C, operation is shown illustrating an alignment magnitude that approaches the clock period. In the  FIG. 7C  example the phase delay magnitude is set near the minimum delay of 6 units and the clock cycle is 6 units. As a result, the ph 360  signal  199  is about two clock cycles behind the clock input  105 . However, the alignment magnitude may still be adjusted to a value sufficient to adjust the ph 0  signal  165  to be substantially in phase with the ph 360  signal  199 . In this case, the phase lock occurs when the alignment magnitude is at 6 units. This operation may be extrapolated to multiple clock cycles difference between the clock input  105  and the ph 360  signal  199 . Phase lock may still be achieved if the alignment magnitude is adjustable to at least a full clock period.  
         [0058]     The second operation mode is not necessarily limited to operation where the phase delay magnitude is set at the minimum delay. It may be desirable to set the phase delay magnitude at a somewhat larger value and still adjust the alignment magnitude to achieve lock. This may be illustrated by referring back to  FIG. 6B  and  FIG. 2 . Assume the phase delay magnitude is set at 8 units rather than the minimum delay of 6 units. The phase detector  150  may then adjust the alignment magnitude until lock is achieved. In the case of  FIG. 6B , the alignment magnitude would be adjusted to 4 units.  
         [0059]     It will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the first and second operation modes may be combined in various ways. As an example only, the phase detector  150  may set the alignment magnitude to substantially near zero and enter the first operation mode. The first operation mode may reduce the phase delay magnitude until it is substantially near the minimum delay, or some other desirable delay. The phase detector  150  may then enter the second operation mode and begin increasing the alignment magnitude until lock is achieved.  
         [0060]      FIG. 3  illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a phase generator  200 . The  FIG. 3  embodiment is similar to the  FIG. 2  embodiment but the phase delays are broken into four parts allowing quadrature separation of the phase signals to generate phases at 90, 180, 270, and 360 degrees. The phase generator  200  according to the present invention includes a phase detector  250 , a first delay line  210 , a second delay line  220 , a third delay line  230 , a fourth delay line  240 , a first phase aligner  260 , a second phase aligner  270 , a third phase aligner  280  and a fourth phase aligner  290 . A clock input  205  connects to the first delay line  210 . A dly 90  signal  215  (also referred to as a first phase signal) is generated by the first delay line  210  and connects to the second delay line  220 . A dly 180  signal  225  (also referred to as a second phase signal) is generated by the second delay line  220  and connects to the third delay line  230 . A dly 270  signal  235  (also referred to as a third phase signal) is generated by the third delay line  230  and connects to the fourth delay line  240 . A ph 360  signal  299  (also referred to as a last phase signal) is generated by the fourth delay line  240  and feeds back to the phase detector  250 .  
         [0061]     The clock input  205  also connects to the first phase aligner  260 . A ph 0  signal  265  (also referred to as a first aligned phase signal) is generated by the first phase aligner  260  and feeds back to the phase detector  250 . The second phase aligner  270  connects to the dly 90  signal  215  and generates a ph 90  signal  275  (also referred to as a second aligned phase signal). The third phase aligner  280  connects to the dly 180  signal  225  and generates a ph 180  signal  285  (also referred to as a third aligned phase signal). A fourth phase aligner  290  connects to the dly 270  signal  235  and generates a ph 270  signal  295  (also referred to as a fourth aligned phase signal).  
         [0062]     Additionally, all the delay lines are configured similarly with the same selectable delay increments. Consequently, the delay lines will have substantially the same delay magnitude based on a phase adjustment signal  252 , which is generated by the phase detector  250  and selects the delay increments, and as a result, the delay magnitude for the delay lines.  
         [0063]     An alignment adjustment signal  258 , generated by the phase detector  250 , controls the alignment magnitudes (i.e., delay) of the phase aligners. The second phase aligner  270  may be configured with delay increments that are ¾ the size of the delay increments for the first phase aligner  260 . The third phase aligner  280  may be configured with delay increments that are ½ the size of the delay increments for the first phase aligner  260 . The fourth phase aligner  290  may be configured with delay increments that are ¼ the size of the delay increments for the first phase aligner  260 .  
         [0064]     In operation, the  FIG. 3  embodiment is very similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , except that it is configured to generate the additional ph 90  signal  275  and the ph 270  signal  295 .  FIG. 8  is a timing diagram illustrating operation of the  FIG. 3  embodiment. With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 8 , the phase delay magnitude is set to a minimum delay of 3 units and the clock cycle is 8 units. With the phase delay magnitude at 3, the rising edge of the ph 360  signal  299  is greater than a clock cycle delay (i.e., 4 delay lines*3 units=12 units) from the rising edge of the clock input  205 . However, the first phase aligner  260  may be used to delay the ph 0  signal  265  so that the delay from the ph 0  signal  265  to the ph 360  signal  299  is substantially near a clock cycle (indicated by the first alignment indicator  410 ), or integer multiple of a clock cycle. In the second operational mode, the phase detector  250  detects a phase difference between the ph 0  signal  265  and the ph 360  signal  299 . However, rather than changing the phase adjustment signal  252  to modify the phase delay magnitude, the phase detector  250  changes the alignment adjustment signal  258  increasing or decreasing the alignment magnitude to achieve phase lock. If the alignment magnitude starts near zero, the phase detector  250  will increase the alignment magnitude until the ph 0  signal  265  and the ph 360  signal  299  are substantially in phase. In  FIG. 8 , the alignment magnitude is adjusted to 4 units. Since the ph 360  signal  299  is essentially held at a fixed point and the ph 0  signal  265  is moved closer to the ph 360  signal  299 , the ph 90  signal  275 , the phi  80  signal  285 , and the ph 270  signal  295  must also be moved closer to the ph 360  signal  299 . However, the ph 180  signal  285  should only be delayed by ½ as much as the ph 0  signal  265  to maintain the phase relationship at 180 degrees (as show by the second alignment indicator  420 ). Similarly, the ph 90  signal  275  should only be delayed by ¾ as much as the ph 0  signal  265  to maintain the phase relationship at 90 degrees (as shown by the third alignment indicator  430 ) and the ph 270  signal  295  should only be delayed by ¼ as much as the ph 0  signal  265  to maintain the phase relationship at 270 degrees (as shown by the fourth alignment indicator  440 ).  
         [0065]     Operation of the  FIG. 3  embodiment in the first operation mode is similar to that for the  FIG. 2  embodiment and need not be discussed in detail.  
         [0066]      FIG. 4  is another embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . However, rather than having equal size delay lines generating each phase, this embodiment includes a delay line for the entire clock cycle. The delay line includes taps at various points in the delay line to generate desired phases. The phase generator  300  of  FIG. 4  includes a phase detector  350 , an adjustable delay line  310 , a first phase aligner  360 , a second phase aligner  370 , a third phase aligner  380  and a fourth phase aligner  390 . A clock input  305  connects to the adjusted delay line  310 . A first delay tap  322  may be configured at about ¼ of the adjustable delay line  310 , a second delay tap  324 , may be configured at about ½ of the adjustable delay line  310 , and third delay tap  326  may be configured at about ¾ of the adjustable delay line  310 . The delay line output  399  (also referred to as a full cycle delay signal) is generated by the adjustable delay line  310  and feeds back to the phase detector  350 .  
         [0067]     The clock input  305  also connects to the first phase aligner  360 . A ph 0  signal  365  (also referred to as a first aligned phase signal) is generated by the phase aligner and feeds back to the phase detector  350 . A second phase aligner  370  connects to the first delay tap  322  and generates a ph 90  signal  375 . A third phase aligner  380  connects to the second delay tap  324  and generates a ph 180  signal  385 . A fourth phase aligner  390  connects to the third delay tap  326  and generates a ph 270  signal  395 .  
         [0068]     A phase adjustment signal  352 , generated by the phase detector  350 , selects a cycle delay magnitude for the full cycle delay signal  399  and, as a result, the delays to each of the delay tap signals ( 322 ,  324 , and  326 ).  
         [0069]     An alignment adjustment signal  358 , generated by the phase detector  350 , controls the alignment magnitudes (i.e., delay) of the phase aligners ( 360 ,  370 ,  380 , and  390 ). The second phase aligner  370  may be configured with delay increments that are ¾ the size of the delay increments for the first phase aligner  360 . The third phase aligner  380  may be configured with delay increments that are ½ the size of the delay increments for the first phase aligner  360 . The fourth phase aligner  390  may be configured with delay increments that are ¼ the size of the delay increments for the first phase aligner  360 .  
         [0070]     A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that if the taps are placed at ¼, ½, and ¾ of the delay line, then the  FIG. 4  embodiment is similar to the  FIG. 3  embodiment. Similarly, if only a single tap is placed at the midpoint of the delay line, the  FIG. 4  embodiment is similar to the  FIG. 2  embodiment. However, when viewed as a long delay line with taps, it becomes clear that many other configurations are possible.  
         [0071]     For example, it may not be necessary to generate the 180-degree phase. Consequently, the delay line may only include taps at ¼ and ¾ of the delay line. In another example, it may be desirable to have two equidistant phases for triggering events at two timing points within the clock cycle. For this case, equidistant taps at ⅓ and ⅔ of the delay line (not shown in the drawings) may be desirable. It will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that many combinations are possible and encompassed by the scope of the invention.  
         [0072]     General equations for a desired phase alignment delay for any given phase adjuster may be generated based on connection to various delay taps and the alignment magnitude of the first phase aligner  360 . Any given delay tap may be defined to have a “tap delay fraction,” which is a fractional amount of the cycle delay magnitude on the full cycle delay signal  399 . If the delay of any given delay tap is referred to as a tap delay magnitude, the tap delay magnitude may be defined as: (the tap delay fraction*the cycle delay magnitude).  
         [0073]     Similarly, any given phase aligner may have delay increments that are a fractional amount of the delay increments of the first phase aligner  360 . The proportional relationship of the given phase aligner increment size to the first phase aligner  360  increment size may be related to the tap delay fraction of the delay tap to which the given phase aligner is attached. The resulting proportion may be defined as: ((1−the tap delay fraction)*the first phase aligner  360  increment size.  
         [0074]     As an example, suppose a delay tap is set at ⅓ of the delay line (not shown in drawings). The tap delay magnitude would be ⅓ of the cycle delay magnitude. The phase aligner attached to the delay tap may have delay increment sizes proportional to the delay increment sizes of the first phase aligner  360 . The proportional relationship is; ((1−⅓)*the first phase aligner  360  increment size)=⅔* the first phase aligner  360  increment size.  
         [0075]     The delay lines of the embodiments described above may be comprised of a coarse delay line  130  and a fine delay line  140  similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . In the  FIG. 5  embodiment, the alignment adjustment signal  158  may include a group of coarse adjustment signals  158 A and fine adjustment signals  158 B. An input  132  to the delay line connects to the coarse delay line  130 . The coarse delay line output  134  connects to the fine delay line  140 . A fine delay output  136  may be used as the output of the delay line. It will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that many other configurations and connections of coarse delays and fine delays are possible and contemplated within the invention.  
         [0076]     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a semiconductor wafer  400 , in accordance with the present invention, includes a plurality of semiconductor devices  450  incorporating the phase generator ( 100 ,  200 , or  300 , not shown in  FIG. 6 ) described herein. Of course, it should be understood that the semiconductor devices  450  may be fabricated on substrates other than a silicon wafer, such as, for example, a Silicon On Insulator (SOI) substrate, a Silicon On Glass (SOG) substrate, or a Silicon On Sapphire (SOS) substrate, a gallium arsenide wafer, an indium phosphide wafer, or other bulk semiconductor substrate. As used herein, the term “wafer” includes and encompasses all such substrates.  
         [0077]     As shown in  FIG. 10 , an electronic system  500 , in accordance with the present invention, comprises at least one input device  510 , at least one output device  520 , at least one processor  530 , and at least one memory device  540 . The memory device  540  comprises at least one semiconductor memory  450 ′ incorporating the phase generator ( 100 ,  200 , or  300 , not shown in  FIG. 7 ) described herein in a DRAM device. It should be understood that the semiconductor memory  450 ′ may comprise a wide variety of devices other than, or in addition to, a DRAM, including, for example, Static RAM (SRAM) devices, and Flash memory devices.  
         [0078]     Although this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, the invention is not limited to these described embodiments. Rather, the invention is limited only by the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods that operate according to the principles of the invention as described.

Technology Category: 5