Patent Document

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to the field of frequency lock indicators. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to a programmable sensitivity frequency coincidence detection circuit and method. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In certain circuit applications wherein two clocks need to be tracked, a “frequency lock indicator” may be required. A frequency lock indicator may be activated when it is determined that two clock signals are the same frequency, within a certain tolerance. One example application that requires a frequency lock indicator is a phase-locked loop (PLL) application. A PLL is set up to operate in a certain frequency range and a typical PLL compares a reference clock to a feedback clock via a phase-frequency detector. If the feedback clock is, for example, too slow, the frequency of the feedback clock is increased until the two clocks are of equal phase and frequency and the PLL is considered locked. A lock indicator, such as the output of a phase-frequency detector, provides a mechanism for indicating when the PLL is locked. 
         [0003]    A problem with, for example, current PLL lock indicators is that each PLL is designed for a certain amount of jitter tolerance for operating at high speed in the field and the sensitivity of the lock indicator is fixed accordingly. However, during, for example, manufacturing test operations, the PLL may be running at a low speed, but with the same fixed jitter sensitivity as when running at high speed and, thus, during test operations the PLL may continuously become unlocked. Therefore, during test the use of the PLL lock indicator directly may not be reliable. Consequently, it may be beneficial to develop improved methods of generating frequency lock indicators for PLL and other applications. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, a frequency coincidence detection circuit is provided. The circuit includes a first counter driven by a first periodic signal for counting one or more frequency edges of the first periodic signal and outputting a first frequency count signal representative of at least a portion of the contents of the first counter; a second counter driven by a second periodic signal for counting one or more frequency edges of the second periodic signal and outputting a second frequency count signal representative of at least a portion of the contents of the second counter; a first frequency sensitivity programmer electrically connected to the first counter and a first programmable sensitivity value input for comparing the first frequency count signal with the sensitivity value input to determine a first coincidence window signal for the first periodic signal; a second frequency sensitivity programmer electrically connected to the second counter and the first sensitivity value input for comparing the second frequency count signal with the sensitivity value input to determine a second coincidence window signal for the second periodic signal; and a coincidence detector electrically connected to the first and second frequency sensitivity programmers for outputting a coincidence pulse when the first and second coincidence window signals correspond. 
         [0005]    In yet another embodiment, a frequency coincidence of a plurality of periodic digital signals is provided. The signal includes detecting a plurality of frequency edges for each of a plurality of periodic digital signals; generating a plurality of count indicators for each of the plurality of periodic digital signals, each count indicator representing the detection of a frequency edge and including a unique identifier such that each unique identifier represents one cycle of an interval of cycles from a first cycle to a terminal cycle; comparing each of the plurality of count indicators to a programmable sensitivity input to determine a coincidence window for the corresponding one of each of the plurality of periodic digital signals; determining a signal coincidence of the coincidence windows for each of the plurality of periodic digital signals; and generating a frequency coincidence pulse signal based on the signal coincidence. 
         [0006]    In yet still another embodiment, a frequency coincidence detection circuit is provided. The circuit includes a means for detecting a plurality of frequency edges for each of a plurality of periodic digital signals; means for generating a plurality of count indicators for each of the plurality of periodic digital signals, each count indicator representing the detection of a frequency edge and including a unique identifier such that each unique identifier represents one cycle of an interval of cycles from a first cycle to a terminal cycle; means for comparing each of the plurality of count indicators to a programmable sensitivity input to determine a coincidence window for the corresponding one of each of the plurality of periodic digital signals; means for determining a signal coincidence of the coincidence windows for each of the plurality of periodic digital signals; and means for generating a frequency coincidence pulse signal based on the signal coincidence. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an example of a frequency coincidence detection circuit; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of an example of a coincidence window generator that includes an example of a frequency sensitivity programmer; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a table of an example operation sequence of a frequency coincidence detection circuit; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates a set of waveforms that illustrate the operation of an example coincidence window generator; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C, and  5 D illustrate a schematic diagram of an example frequency coincidence detection circuit; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  illustrates a block diagram of another example of a coincidence window generator of a frequency coincidence detection circuit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a frequency coincidence detection circuit that has programmable frequency sensitivity. In one example, a frequency coincidence detection circuit is provided that includes a first clock that drives a first counter that is connected to a first frequency sensitivity programmer that has a sensitivity program value for comparing the frequency of the first clock therewith, in order to determine a first coincidence window. Additionally, the frequency coincidence detection circuit includes a second clock that drives a second counter that is connected to a second frequency sensitivity programmer that has a sensitivity program value for comparing the frequency of the second clock therewith, in order to determine a second coincidence window. Additionally, the frequency coincidence detection circuit includes a coincidence detector for providing a coincidence pulse when the first and second coincidence windows correspond. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an example of a frequency coincidence detection circuit  100 . Frequency coincidence detection circuit  100  includes at least two coincidence window generators. In one example, frequency coincidence detection circuit  100  includes a first coincidence window generator  110  and a second coincidence window generator  140 . First coincidence window generator  110  further includes a counter  114 , which is driven by a first periodic signal  118  (e.g., a first clock), that is electrically connected to a frequency sensitivity programmer  122 . Frequency sensitivity programmer  122  has a programmable sensitivity value input  126  and generates a coincidence window signal  130 , the timing of which is directly related to the frequency of first periodic signal  118 . Additionally, second coincidence window generator  140  further includes a counter  144 , which is driven by a second periodic signal  148  (e.g., a second clock), that is electrically connected to a frequency sensitivity programmer  152 . Frequency sensitivity programmer  152  generates a coincidence window signal  160 , the timing of which is directly related to the frequency of second periodic signal  148 . In one example, programmable sensitivity value input  126  is common to both frequency sensitivity programmer  122  and frequency sensitivity programmer  152 . In another example, programmable sensitivity value input  126  is different for each of frequency sensitivity programmer  122  and frequency sensitivity programmer  152 . 
         [0016]    Coincidence window signal  130  of frequency sensitivity programmer  122  and coincidence window signal  160  of frequency sensitivity programmer  152  feed the inputs of a coincidence detector  170  of frequency coincidence detection circuit  100 . Coincidence detector  170  produces a coincidence pulse  174  when coincidence window signal  130  and coincidence window signal  160  correspond (e.g., overlap in time). 
         [0017]    Counters  114  and  144  may each be any counter, such as, but not limited to, a counter that counts clock edges. In one example, a counter (e.g., counters  114  and  144 ) may be a binary counter of any bit width. In another example, a counter may be a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) that is acting as counter of any bit width. In one such example, an LFSR is an n-bit shift register, which pseudo-randomly scrolls between 2 n −1 values, but does so very quickly because there is minimal combinational logic involved. Once this exemplary LFSR reaches its final state, it will execute the sequence exactly as before. In another example, counters  114  and  144  may each be any 5-bit counter that is capable of counting  32  events, such as counting  32  edges of first periodic signal  118  and second periodic signal  148 . 
         [0018]    The number of bits forming programmable sensitivity value input  126  may correlate to the bit count of counters  114  and  144 , respectively. Bit for bit, the states of programmable sensitivity value input  126  may be compared to the states of the output bits of counters  114  and  144 , respectively. In doing so, frequency sensitivity programmer  122  generates coincidence window signal  130  and frequency sensitivity programmer  152  generates coincidence window signal  160 . When coincidence window signal  130  and coincidence window signal  160  overlap in time coincidence detector  170  produces coincidence pulse  174 . In one exemplary aspect, a coincidence pulse (e.g., coincidence pulse  174 ) may indicate that first periodic signal  118  and second periodic signal  148  are satisfactorily close in frequency within the programmed frequency sensitivity as selected via programmable sensitivity value input  126 . More details of an example frequency sensitivity programmer, such as frequency sensitivity programmers  122  and  152 , are described with reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 . 
         [0019]    In operation, frequency coincidence detection circuit  100  compares the frequencies of first periodic signal  118  and second periodic signal  148  and provides an indicator (e.g., coincidence pulse  174 ) as to when the two signals have substantially the same frequency. The frequencies of the two signals are compared by use of counters  114  and  144  that may reset each other when a consecutive number of equal frequencies from the two signals do not occur concurrently. However, when a consecutive number of equal frequencies occurs, coincidence pulse  174  may be generated, which indicates that first periodic signal  118  has substantially the same frequency as second periodic signal  148 , regardless of whether the phases are equal. Coincidence pulse  174  may be generated by detecting the coincidence of the output of counters  114  and  144 . The tolerance to the difference between the frequencies of first periodic signal  118  and second periodic signal  148  may be made programmable by making the pulse width of coincidence window signals  130  and  160  of first coincidence window generators  110  and  140 , respectively, programmable via programmable sensitivity value input  126 . 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the pulse width of coincidence window signals  130  and  160  are programmable based on programmable sensitivity value input  126 . Coincidence detector  170  generates coincidence pulse  174  when counters  114  and  144  have been essentially equal for a certain consecutive number of times, which indicates that first periodic signal  118  has substantially the same frequency as second periodic signal  148 . In one example, substantially the same frequency is determined when phases are equal. In another example, substantially the same frequency is determined when phases are not equal. The time at which coincidence window signals  130  and  160  are generated may be a function of counters  114  and  144 , respectively, and the amount of time that it takes for counters  114  and  144  to sequence from a starting count to an ending count is a function of the frequency of first periodic signal  118  and second periodic signal  148 , respectively. Consequently, the occurrence of coincidence window signals  130  and  160  is a function of the frequency of first periodic signal  118  and second periodic signal  148 , respectively. More details of the operation of a frequency coincidence detection circuit, such as frequency coincidence detection circuit  100 , are described with reference to  FIGS. 2 through 5D . 
         [0021]    A frequency coincidence detection circuit, such as frequency coincidence detection circuit  100 , may be used, for example, but not limited to, in any PLL application and in any application or circuit wherein two periodic signals need to be tracked and wherein programmability may be desired. By way of example,  FIG. 1  shows frequency coincidence detection circuit  100  that is utilized in the context of a PLL circuit  186 . 
         [0022]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , a reference clock  190  of PLL circuit  186  may be connected to first periodic signal  118  that feeds counter  114  of first coincidence window generator  110  and a feedback clock  194  of PLL circuit  186  may be connected to second periodic signal  148  that feeds counter  144  of second coincidence window generator  140 . Frequency coincidence detection circuit  100  may be used in combination with PLL circuit  186  in order to generate, for example, a PLL lock indicator. In one example, coincidence pulse  174  of coincidence detector  170  of frequency coincidence detection circuit  100  feeds a pattern discontinuity circuit  178  that produces a frequency lock signal  182 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, frequency lock signal  182  may be a logic high when first periodic signal  118  and second periodic signal  148  have substantially the same frequency within the programmed sensitivity value. Alternatively, frequency lock signal  182  may be a logic low when first periodic signal  118  and second periodic signal  148  do not have substantially the same frequency within the programmed sensitivity value. In this example, frequency lock signal  182  may be monitored by any logic function for any purpose. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of an example of a coincidence window generator  200  that includes an example of a frequency sensitivity programmer  205 . Coincidence window generator  200  includes a 5-bit LFSR  210  that acts as a counter, which is one example of counter  114  of  FIG. 1 . 5-bit LFSR  210  is clocked by a periodic signal  214  and provides a 5-bit output  218  that feeds a first input of a 5-bit comparator  222  and an input of an end-of-cycle (EOS) edge detector  226  of frequency sensitivity programmer  205 . It is noted that although this example utilizes a 5-bit LFSR and a 5-bit comparator, the number of bits may be different in other implementations of a coincidence window generator (e.g., coincidence window generator  200 ). A second input of 5-bit comparator  222  may be a 5-bit programmable sensitivity value input  230 , the value of which may be user selected. An output  234  of 5-bit comparator  222  is active when 5-bit output  218  of 5-bit LFSR  210  is bit-for-bit equivalent to 5-bit programmable sensitivity value input  230 . Output  234  of 5-bit comparator  222  feeds a glitch prevent circuit  238 , which, in one example, may be instantiated as a negative edge triggered D-latch  242  (e.g., output  234  is connected to the D input thereof) that may be clocked by periodic signal  214 . An output  246  of D-latch  242  feeds an input of a signal value holding circuit  250 , which, in one example, may be instantiated as a set/reset latch  254  (e.g., output  246  of D-latch  242  is connected to the set input thereof). Glitch prevent circuit  238  may be optional. Alternatively, in another example, output  234  of 5-bit comparator  222  may be connected directly to the set input of set/reset latch  254 . 
         [0024]    The reset input of set/reset latch  254  may be connected to a reset signal  258  from an OR gate  262 . One input of OR gate  262  may be an output of EOS edge detector  226 . In another example, another input  266  of OR gate  262  may originate from another instance of a frequency sensitivity programmer (e.g., an output of an equivalent EOS edge detector of a frequency sensitivity programmer connected to another counter of a frequency coincidence detector circuit (e.g., circuit  100 )). Optionally, another input of OR gate  262  may be a global system reset signal  270 . EOS edge detector  226  may be a device that generates a pulse when 5-bit LFSR  210  rolls over from a maximum count to zero, e.g., when all bits of 5-bit output  218  transition from all ones to any other value. The amount of time that it takes for 5-bit LFSR  210  to sequence from a starting value to its ending value (e.g., its EOS) is a function of the frequency of its clock, such as periodic signal  214 . More details of the operation of coincidence window generator  200  are described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates a table  300  of an example operation sequence of a frequency coincidence detection circuit that includes, for example, a 5-bit LFSR acting as a counter, such as 5-bit LFSR  210  of  FIG. 2 , which may be configured for a maximal-length sequence of 32. In one embodiment, the 5-bit LFSR may have a sequence that is described by table  300 . Table  300  is exemplary and it is contemplated that variants of an operation sequence for 5-bit and other bit and/or circuit configurations will be clear from the disclosure herein. 
         [0026]    Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , 5-bit output  218  of 5-bit LFSR  210  of  FIG. 2  cycles through the sequence shown in table  300 . Transition from one state to the next may occur on the rising edge of periodic signal  214 . In real time, 5-bit output  218  of 5-bit LFSR  210  may be compared, bit-for-bit, with 5-bit programmable sensitivity value input  230  via 5-bit comparator  222 . When 5-bit output  218  of 5-bit LFSR  210  matches 5-bit programmable sensitivity value input  230 , D-latch  242  stores a logic high value at the next falling edge of periodic signal  214 . The purpose of the negative edge triggered D-latch  242  is to allow 5-bit comparator  222  adequate time to compare, while avoiding propagating any glitches. Set/reset latch  254  is then set, which causes its output (e.g., a coincidence window signal  274 ) to go high. A value for a programmable sensitivity value (e.g., value input  230 ) may be selected in conjunction with an operation sequence (e.g., that of Table  300 ) to give a desired sensitivity to a frequency coincidence detection circuit. 
         [0027]    In the example of  FIG. 2 , EOS edge detector  226  monitors the contents of 5-bit output  218  of 5-bit LFSR  210  to detect the end of the sequence (i.e. 11111, cycle  0  of table  300 ). More specifically, using EOS edge detector  226 , the precise moment when the sequence of 5-bit output  218  of 5-bit LFSR  210  rolls over from 11111 back to 01111 is captured and used to reset set/reset latch  254 , which causes its output (e.g., coincidence window signal  274 ) to go low. A set of waveforms that illustrate the operation of coincidence window generator  200  are described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates a set of waveforms  400  that illustrate the operation of an example coincidence window generator, such as coincidence window generator  200  of  FIG. 2 . In particular, waveforms  400  illustrate an example wherein 5-bit programmable sensitivity value input  230  (e.g., the first bit ( 230 [ 0 ]), the second bit ( 230 [ 1 ]), the third bit ( 230 [ 2 ]), the fourth bit ( 230 [ 3 ]), and the fifth bit ( 230 [ 4 ]) are programmed to a value of 11000, respectively) and the operations resulting therefrom. A first waveform illustrates an exemplary periodic signal  214 , a next set of waveforms illustrate an exemplary 5-bit output  218 [ 0 ],  218 [ 1 ],  218 [ 2 ],  218 [ 3 ], and  218 [ 4 ], respectively, of 5-bit LFSR  210 , a next waveform illustrates an exemplary output  246  of D-latch  242  that sets set/reset latch  254 , a next waveform illustrates an exemplary reset signal  258  that originates from EOS edge detector  226  that resets set/reset latch  254 , and a next waveform illustrates an exemplary coincidence window signal  274 , which is the output of set/reset latch  254 . 
         [0029]    In this example, 5-bit programmable sensitivity value input  230  (e.g., 230 bits [0:4]) is programmed to a value of 11000 which causes the output of 5-bit comparator  222  to be activated at cycle number  3  of periodic signal  214  (see table  300 , marker  310 ), which generates a pulse at output  246  of D-latch  242  at the next falling edge of periodic signal  214 , as shown in waveforms  400 , which sets coincidence window signal  274  to a high, also shown in waveforms  400 . When cycle number  0  of periodic signal  214  is reached (see table  300 , marker  314 ), reset signal  258  from EOS edge detector  226  is generated, as shown in waveforms  400 , which resets coincidence window signal  274  to a low, also shown in waveforms  400 . Consequently, the width of coincidence window signal  274 , which may be compared to another instance of a coincidence window signal at, for example, coincidence detector  170  of  FIG. 1 , may be determined by the programmed value of 5-bit programmable sensitivity value input  230 , which essentially slides marker  310  of table  300  toward cycle  32  or toward cycle  0 . In doing so, the sensitivity of frequency sensitivity programmer  205 , as shown in frequency sensitivity (S) column of table  300  of  FIG. 3 , can be selected. Although the discussion herein may refer to a logical high as coincidence window signal active, it is also contemplated that a logical low may represent a coincidence window signal active. 
         [0030]    Referring again to table  300  of  FIG. 3 , the frequency sensitivity (S) may be calculated for a LFSR acting as a counter, as follows. 
         [0000]        S=f   REF (( N+ 0.5)/ M ); where       S=frequency sensitivity, i.e., how closely the two clock frequencies are matched;   f REF =frequency of a reference clock signal;   M=LFSR max sequence length, e.g., determined by the number of bits in the LFSR, which is designer defined;   N=cycle number, e.g., cycle number  3  of table  300  of  FIG. 3  corresponds to a program value of 111000).         
         [0035]    In one example, for a 5-bit LFSR and a program value of 11000 (see table  300  of  FIG. 3 ) and a 1 gigahertz (GHz) reference clock:
       M=25=32, N=3 (for a programmable sensitivity value input of 11000), and f REF =1 GHz:   S=1 GHz ((3±0.5)/25)=±0.109 GHz, or S may be expressed as ±10.9% of f REF . In this example and referring again to  FIG. 1 , if first periodic signal  118  is the 1 GHz reference clock, coincidence detector  170  generates coincidence pulse  174  as long as the frequency of second periodic signal  148 =1 GHz±10.9%.       
 
         [0038]    A user may control the pulse width of coincidence window signal  274  by changing 5-bit programmable sensitivity value input  230 . Selecting bits near the top of table  300  of  FIG. 3  results in a large pulse width, while selecting bits near the bottom of table  300  produces a smaller pulse width. The pulse width of coincidence window signal  274  is related to the maximum difference in frequency tolerated by the lock indicator according to the formula above. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C, and  5 D illustrate a schematic diagram of an example frequency coincidence detection circuit  500 . More specifically,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a schematic diagram of an example 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 1 , which is a portion of the example frequency coincidence detection circuit  500 .  FIG. 5B  illustrates a schematic diagram of an example 5-bit comparator  514 - 1 , which is another portion of the example frequency coincidence detection circuit  500 .  FIG. 5C  illustrates a schematic diagram of an example EOS edge detector  518 - 1 , which is yet another portion of the example frequency coincidence detection circuit  500 .  FIG. 5D  illustrates a schematic diagram of an example coincidence detector  522  and an example pattern discontinuity circuit  526 , which is still yet another portion of the example frequency coincidence detection circuit  500 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5A  shows 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 1 , which may be a first instance of at least two LFSR counters of frequency coincidence detection circuit  500 . 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 1  may be clocked by a first periodic signal  528  and may be reset via a first crossover reset signal  550 - 1  from EOS edge detector  518 - 1  of  FIG. 5C . 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 1  generates LFSR outputs  530 [ 0 ],  530 [ 1 ],  530 [ 2 ],  530 [ 3 ], and  530 [ 4 ] that are electrically connected to 5-bit comparator  514 - 1  of  FIG. 5B  and EOS edge detector  518 - 1  of  FIG. 5C . 
         [0041]      FIG. 5B  shows 5-bit comparator  514 - 1 , which may be a first instance of at least two comparators of frequency coincidence detection circuit  500 . 5-bit comparator  514 - 1  compares LFSR outputs  530 [ 0 ],  530 [ 1 ],  530 [ 2 ],  530 [ 3 ], and  530 [ 4 ] of 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 1  of  FIG. 5A  to a set of programmable sensitivity value inputs  534 [ 0 ],  534 [ 1 ],  534 [ 2 ],  534 [ 3 ], and  534 [ 4 ]. 5-bit comparator  514 - 1  may be clocked by first periodic signal  528  and reset via first crossover reset signal  550 - 1  from EOS edge detector  518 - 1  of  FIG. 5C . 5-bit comparator  514 - 1  provides an output  538  to EOS edge detector  518 - 1  of  FIG. 5C . 
         [0042]      FIG. 5C  shows EOS edge detector  518 - 1 , which may be a first instance of at least two EOS edge detectors of frequency coincidence detection circuit  500 . EOS edge detector  518 - 1  generates first crossover reset signal  550 - 1  when LFSR outputs  530 [ 0 ],  530 [ 1 ],  530 [ 2 ],  530 [ 3 ], and  530 [ 4 ] of 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 1  of  FIG. 5A  roll over from all ones to any other value. EOS edge detector  518 - 1  generates a coincidence window signal  546 - 1  that feeds coincidence detector  522  of  FIG. 5D . Optionally, EOS edge detector  518 - 1  generates first reset signal  550 - 1  to another instance of an EOS edge detector, shown in  FIG. 5D . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5D  shows that frequency coincidence detection circuit  500  may include a second instance of a LFSR counter, comparator, and EOS edge detector, such as a 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 2 , a 5-bit comparator  514 - 2 , and an EOS edge detector  518 - 2  that are electrically interconnected substantially the same as 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 1 , 5-bit comparator  514 - 1 , and EOS edge detector  518 - 1 . Optionally, first crossover reset signal  550 - 1  from EOS edge detector  518 - 1  may feed EOS edge detector  518 - 2  and a second crossover reset signal  550 - 2  from EOS edge detector  518 - 2  may feed EOS edge detector  518 - 1 . The combination of 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 2 , 5-bit comparator  514 - 2 , and EOS edge detector  518 - 2  may be driven by a second periodic signal  554  and generates a coincidence window signal  546 - 2 . In particular,  FIG. 5D  shows that coincidence window signal  546 - 1  from EOS edge detector  518 - 1  and coincidence window signal  546 - 2  from EOS edge detector  518 - 2  feed coincidence circuit  522 , which may be, for example, but not limited to, an AND gate. 
         [0044]    An output  558  of coincidence circuit  522  may be used to set a set/reset latch  562  within pattern discontinuity circuit  526 . When a pulse occurs at output  558  of coincidence circuit  522 , set/reset latch  562  generates a frequency lock signal  566 , which indicates a frequency lock condition. However, output  558  of coincidence circuit  522  may be gated by a discontinuity signal  570 , which may be generated by an N-bit counter  574 . In one example, N-bit counter  574  may be any counter that has an equal or greater number of bits than, for example, 5-bit LFSR counter  510 - 1  and  510 - 2 . In one example, N-bit counter  574  may be an 8-bit binary counter or an 8-bit LFSR that acts like a counter. N-bit counter  574  may be clocked by, for example, first periodic signal  528  or second periodic signal  554 . N-bit counter  574  may be reset by the occurrence of output  558  of coincidence circuit  522 . Therefore, in the absence of output  558  for a certain period of time that is greater than the timeout time of N-bit counter  574 , N-bit counter  574  times out and discontinuity signal  570  resets set/reset latch  562  and, thus, resets frequency lock signal  566 , which indicates a frequency unlock condition. By contrast, as long as the occurrence of output  558  of coincidence circuit  522  is more frequent than the timeout time of N-bit counter  574 , frequency lock signal  566  is held active by set/reset latch  562 . 
         [0045]    Referring again to  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C, and  5 D, optionally, a global system reset signal  590  may be provided for setting various circuit elements of frequency coincidence detection circuit  500  to a known state. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  illustrates a block diagram of another example of a coincidence window generator  600  of a frequency coincidence detection circuit. Coincidence window generator  600  of  FIG. 6  may be substantially the same as coincidence window generator  200  of  FIG. 2 , except that another programmable sensitivity value input  678  at the counter element, such as an N-bit LFSR  610 , is provided in combination with programmable sensitivity value input  630  at the bit compare element. 
         [0047]    For added sensitivity programmability, programmable sensitivity value input  678  may be used to adjust the maximum sequence length of N-bit LFSR  610 . Programmable sensitivity value input  678  becomes a “seed bit” that initializes N-bit LFSR  610  to any user-defined state. When N-bit LFSR  610  counts down to the end of sequence, N-bit LFSR  610  re-loads the seed and again establishes the maximum sequence length. In one example and referring again to table  300  of  FIG. 3 , if, for example, a user desires to adjust the maximum sequence length a 5-bit LFSR from 32 cycles to 16 cycles, the 5-bit LFSR may be seeded to start its sequence at, for example, cycle  16 , then it counts down to cycle  0  (e.g., via 16 clocks) and then re-loads the seed to cycle  16  rather than to cycle  32 . In this way, the maximum sequence length is adjusted from a possible 32 to 16. In similar fashion, a binary counter may be loaded to any start value and cycled to an ending count. 
         [0048]    Therefore, added flexibility may be built into the circuit as described in the equation: 
         [0000]        S=f   REF (( N+ 0.5)/ M ),       where both M (set by programmable sensitivity value input  678 ) and N (set by programmable sensitivity value input  630 ) are variables that the user can control. In this way, precise frequency sensitivity may be engineered.         
         [0050]    Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Technology Category: 5