公开(公告)号：US07747892B2

公开(公告)日：2010-06-29

申请号：US12036936

申请日：2008-02-25

Applicant: David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Kazuhiko Miki ,  Jieming Qi

Inventor： David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Kazuhiko Miki ,  Jieming Qi

IPC: G06F1/04

CPC classification number: H03K19/017581 ,  H03K19/00323 ,  H03K19/00346

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system comprising a level shifter configured to receive a first clock signal from a first power domain, to receive a counter signal, to select one of a plurality of intermediate voltages in response to the received counter signal, and to generate a second clock signal in response to the received first clock signal and the selected intermediate voltage. A counter is coupled to the level shifter and configured to receive a divided clock signal and a comparison result signal, and to generate the counter signal in response to the received divided clock signal and comparison result signal. A divider is coupled to the counter and configured to receive the first clock signal and to generate the divided clock signal in response to the received first clock signal. A filter is coupled to the level shifter and configured to receive the second clock signal and to generate a first comparison signal in response to the received second clock signal. A fixed potential is configured to generate a second comparison signal. A comparator is coupled to the filter, the fixed potential, and the counter and configured to receive the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal, and to generate the comparison result signal in response to the received first comparison signal and the second comparison signal.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种系统，包括电平移位器，其被配置为从第一功率域接收第一时钟信号，以接收计数器信号，以响应于所接收的计数器信号选择多个中间电压中的一个，并产生 响应于所接收的第一时钟信号和所选择的中间电压的第二时钟信号。 计数器耦合到电平移位器并被配置为接收分频时钟信号和比较结果信号，并且响应于接收到的分频时钟信号和比较结果信号产生计数器信号。 分频器耦合到计数器并且被配置为接收第一时钟信号并响应于接收到的第一时钟信号产生分频时钟信号。 滤波器耦合到电平移位器并且被配置为接收第二时钟信号并响应于所接收的第二时钟信号产生第一比较信号。 固定电位被配置为产生第二比较信号。 比较器耦合到滤波器，固定电位和计数器，并且被配置为接收第一比较信号和第二比较信号，并且响应于接收的第一比较信号和第二比较信号产生比较结果信号。

公开(公告)号：US07716516B2

公开(公告)日：2010-05-11

申请号：US11471819

申请日：2006-06-21

Applicant: Yosuke Muraki ,  Tetsuji Tamura ,  Iwao Takiguchi ,  Makoto Aikawa ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Byron Lee Krauter ,  Stephen Douglas Weitzel ,  Jieming Qi ,  Kazuhiko Miki ,  David William Boerstler ,  Gilles Gervais ,  Kirk David Peterson ,  Robert Walter Berry, Jr. ,  Sang Hoo Dhong

Inventor： Yosuke Muraki ,  Tetsuji Tamura ,  Iwao Takiguchi ,  Makoto Aikawa ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Byron Lee Krauter ,  Stephen Douglas Weitzel ,  Jieming Qi ,  Kazuhiko Miki ,  David William Boerstler ,  Gilles Gervais ,  Kirk David Peterson ,  Robert Walter Berry, Jr. ,  Sang Hoo Dhong

IPC: G06F1/04 ,  G06F1/24 ,  G06F11/00

CPC classification number: G06F1/04

Abstract: A technology for supplying a power supply voltage to a microprocessor. Before normal arithmetic processing of the microprocessor, duty cycle correction process for adjusting the duty cycle of a clock signal inside the microprocessor is performed. In the duty cycle correction process for adjusting the duty cycle, the duty cycle of the clock signal is adjusted so as to minimize the power voltage at which the microprocessor is still operable.

Abstract translation: 用于向微处理器提供电源电压的技术。 在微处理器的正常运算处理之前，执行用于调整微处理器内的时钟信号占空比的占空比校正处理。 在用于调整占空比的占空比校正处理中，调整时钟信号的占空比以使微处理器仍然可操作的电源电压最小化。

公开(公告)号：US07595675B2

公开(公告)日：2009-09-29

申请号：US11381031

申请日：2006-05-01

Applicant: David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi

Inventor： David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi

IPC: H03K5/04

CPC classification number: G01R31/31727

Abstract: The disclosed methodology and apparatus measure the duty cycle of a reference clock signal that a clock circuit supplies to a duty cycle measurement (DCM) circuit. In one embodiment, the DCM circuit includes a capacitor driven by a charge pump. The reference clock signal drives the charge pump. The clock circuit varies the duty cycle of the reference clock signal among a number of known duty cycle values. The DCM circuit stores resultant capacitor voltage values corresponding to each of the known duty cycle values in a data store. The DCM circuit applies a test clock signal having an unknown duty cycle to the capacitor via the charge pump, thus charging the capacitor to a new voltage value that corresponds to the duty cycle of the test clock signal. Control software accesses the data store to determine the duty cycle to which the test clock signal corresponds.

Abstract translation: 所公开的方法和装置测量时钟电路提供给占空比测量（DCM）电路的参考时钟信号的占空比。 在一个实施例中，DCM电路包括由电荷泵驱动的电容器。 参考时钟信号驱动电荷泵。 时钟电路在多个已知的占空比值之间改变参考时钟信号的占空比。 DCM电路将对应于每个已知占空比值的合成电容电压值存储在数据存储器中。 DCM电路通过电荷泵向电容器施加具有未知占空比的测试时钟信号，从而将电容器充电到对应于测试时钟信号占空比的新电压值。 控制软件访问数据存储，以确定测试时钟信号对应的占空比。

公开(公告)号：US07330061B2

公开(公告)日：2008-02-12

申请号：US11381050

申请日：2006-05-01

Applicant: David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi

Inventor： David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi

IPC: H03K5/04

CPC classification number: H03K5/1565

Abstract: The disclosed methodology and apparatus measure and correct the duty cycle of a reference clock signal that a clock circuit supplies to a duty cycle measurement (DCM) circuit. In one embodiment, the DCM circuit includes a capacitor driven by a charge pump. The reference clock signal drives the charge pump. The clock circuit varies the duty cycle of the reference clock signal among a number of known duty cycle values. The DCM circuit stores resultant capacitor voltage values corresponding to each of the known duty cycle values in a data store. The DCM circuit applies a test clock signal having an unknown duty cycle to the capacitor via the charge pump, thus charging the capacitor to a new voltage value that corresponds to the duty cycle of the test clock signal. Control software accesses the data store to determine the duty cycle to which the test clock signal corresponds, thus providing a measured duty cycle. The apparatus generates an error signal when the measured duty cycle varies from a predetermined duty cycle. The apparatus includes a variable duty cycle clock generator that alters the duty cycle of the test clock signal to reduce the error.

Abstract translation: 所公开的方法和装置测量并校正时钟电路提供给占空比测量（DCM）电路的参考时钟信号的占空比。 在一个实施例中，DCM电路包括由电荷泵驱动的电容器。 参考时钟信号驱动电荷泵。 时钟电路在多个已知的占空比值之间改变参考时钟信号的占空比。 DCM电路将对应于每个已知占空比值的合成电容电压值存储在数据存储器中。 DCM电路通过电荷泵向电容器施加具有未知占空比的测试时钟信号，从而将电容器充电到对应于测试时钟信号占空比的新电压值。 控制软件访问数据存储器以确定测试时钟信号对应的占空比，从而提供测量的占空比。 当测量的占空比从预定的占空比变化时，该装置产生误差信号。 该装置包括可变占空比时钟发生器，其改变测试时钟信号的占空比以减少误差。

公开(公告)号：US20090326862A1

公开(公告)日：2009-12-31

申请号：US12163081

申请日：2008-06-27

Applicant: Jieming Qi ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  David William Boerstler ,  Masaaki Kaneko

Inventor： Jieming Qi ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  David William Boerstler ,  Masaaki Kaneko

IPC: G04F1/00 ,  H03L7/06

CPC classification number: H03K5/1565

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for clock duty cycle measurement. A clock signal and a complement of the clock signal are provided to a charge pump during first and second predetermined timing windows. A charge pump is operable to generate first and second output voltages in response to the clock signal and the complement of the clock signal during the first and second timing windows, respectively. In addition a predetermined positive voltage and a ground voltage are applied to the charge pump during predetermined third and fourth timing windows, respectively. The charge pump is operable to generate third and fourth output voltage signals corresponding to the predetermined positive and ground voltages during the third and fourth timing windows, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth voltages are then used to calculate the duty cycle of the clock.

Abstract translation: 本公开的实施例提供了用于时钟占空比测量的系统和方法。 时钟信号和时钟信号的补码在第一和第二预定定时窗口期间提供给电荷泵。 电荷泵可操作以分别在第一和第二定时窗口期间响应于时钟信号和时钟信号的补码产生第一和第二输出电压。 此外，预定的正电压和接地电压分别在预定的第三和第四定时窗口期间施加到电荷泵。 电荷泵可操作以分别在第三和第四定时窗口期间产生对应于预定正电压和接地电压的第三和第四输出电压信号。 然后，使用第一，第二，第三和第四电压来计算时钟的占空比。

公开(公告)号：US07392419B2

公开(公告)日：2008-06-24

申请号：US11171756

申请日：2005-06-30

Applicant: David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Kazuhiko Miki ,  Jieming Qi

Inventor： David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Kazuhiko Miki ,  Jieming Qi

IPC: G06F1/04

CPC classification number: H03K19/017581 ,  H03K19/00323 ,  H03K19/00346

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system comprising a level shifter configured to receive a first clock signal from a first power domain, to receive a counter signal, to select one of a plurality of intermediate voltages in response to the received counter signal, and to generate a second clock signal in response to the received first clock signal and the selected intermediate voltage. A counter is coupled to the level shifter and configured to receive a divided clock signal and a comparison result signal, and to generate the counter signal in response to the received divided clock signal and comparison result signal. A divider is coupled to the counter and configured to receive the first clock signal and to generate the divided clock signal in response to the received first clock signal. A filter is coupled to the level shifter and configured to receive the second clock signal and to generate a first comparison signal in response to the received second clock signal. A fixed potential is configured to generate a second comparison signal. A comparator is coupled to the filter, the fixed potential, and the counter and configured to receive the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal, and to generate the comparison result signal in response to the received first comparison signal and the second comparison signal.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种系统，包括电平移位器，其被配置为从第一功率域接收第一时钟信号，以接收计数器信号，以响应于所接收的计数器信号选择多个中间电压中的一个，并且产生 响应于所接收的第一时钟信号和所选择的中间电压的第二时钟信号。 计数器耦合到电平移位器并被配置为接收分频时钟信号和比较结果信号，并且响应于接收到的分频时钟信号和比较结果信号产生计数器信号。 分频器耦合到计数器并且被配置为接收第一时钟信号并响应于接收到的第一时钟信号产生分频时钟信号。 滤波器耦合到电平移位器并且被配置为接收第二时钟信号并响应于所接收的第二时钟信号产生第一比较信号。 固定电位被配置为产生第二比较信号。 比较器耦合到滤波器，固定电位和计数器，并且被配置为接收第一比较信号和第二比较信号，并且响应于接收的第一比较信号和第二比较信号产生比较结果信号。

公开(公告)号：US20080143419A1

公开(公告)日：2008-06-19

申请号：US12036936

申请日：2008-02-25

Applicant: David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Kazuhiko Miki ,  Jieming Qi

Inventor： David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Kazuhiko Miki ,  Jieming Qi

IPC: H03L5/00

CPC classification number: H03K19/017581 ,  H03K19/00323 ,  H03K19/00346

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system comprising a level shifter configured to receive a first clock signal from a first power domain, to receive a counter signal, to select one of a plurality of intermediate voltages in response to the received counter signal, and to generate a second clock signal in response to the received first clock signal and the selected intermediate voltage. A counter is coupled to the level shifter and configured to receive a divided clock signal and a comparison result signal, and to generate the counter signal in response to the received divided clock signal and comparison result signal. A divider is coupled to the counter and configured to receive the first clock signal and to generate the divided clock signal in response to the received first clock signal. A filter is coupled to the level shifter and configured to receive the second clock signal and to generate a first comparison signal in response to the received second clock signal. A fixed potential is configured to generate a second comparison signal. A comparator is coupled to the filter, the fixed potential, and the counter and configured to receive the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal, and to generate the comparison result signal in response to the received first comparison signal and the second comparison signal.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种系统，包括电平移位器，其被配置为从第一功率域接收第一时钟信号，以接收计数器信号，以响应于所接收的计数器信号选择多个中间电压中的一个，并且产生 响应于所接收的第一时钟信号和所选择的中间电压的第二时钟信号。 计数器耦合到电平移位器并被配置为接收分频时钟信号和比较结果信号，并且响应于接收到的分频时钟信号和比较结果信号产生计数器信号。 分频器耦合到计数器并且被配置为接收第一时钟信号并响应于接收到的第一时钟信号产生分频时钟信号。 滤波器耦合到电平移位器并且被配置为接收第二时钟信号并响应于所接收的第二时钟信号产生第一比较信号。 固定电位被配置为产生第二比较信号。 比较器耦合到滤波器，固定电位和计数器，并且被配置为接收第一比较信号和第二比较信号，并且响应于接收的第一比较信号和第二比较信号产生比较结果信号。

公开(公告)号：US07363178B2

公开(公告)日：2008-04-22

申请号：US11555018

申请日：2006-10-31

Applicant: David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi ,  Bin Wan

Inventor： David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi ,  Bin Wan

IPC: G01R29/02

CPC classification number: G01R31/31922 ,  G01R29/0273 ,  G01R31/31725 ,  G01R31/31727

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed methodology and apparatus measure relative duty cycle information of a clock signal with respect to an input node as the clock signal travels to selected nodes of a clock distribution network on an electronic circuit. The apparatus operates in a benchmark mode to determine benchmark duty cycle information and then subsequently operates an a relative mode to determine relative duty cycle information of the clock signal at a selected node in comparison to the clock signal at an external input node.

Abstract translation: 在一个实施例中，当时钟信号传播到电子电路上的时钟分配网络的选定节点时，所公开的方法和装置测量相对于输入节点的时钟信号的相对占空比信息。 该装置在基准模式下操作以确定基准占空比信息，然后随后操作相对模式，以确定与外部输入节点处的时钟信号相比在所选节点处的时钟信号的相对占空比信息。

公开(公告)号：US07356716B2

公开(公告)日：2008-04-08

申请号：US11065549

申请日：2005-02-24

Applicant: David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi

Inventor： David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi

IPC: G06F1/26

CPC classification number: G06F1/26

Abstract: A system and system for automatic voltage calibration is presented. A voltage calibration system includes three main units, which are a voltage level trimming unit, a trim detection unit, and a trim control unit. The three units work in conjunction with each other during a trimming operation in order to identify a tap voltage that is closest to a target voltage. In one embodiment, the voltage calibration system may be used to calibrate a voltage regulator. Upon commencement of calibration, the voltage regulator's feedback loop is open, and the target voltage is selected as the input for the feedback port of the amplifier. The voltage regulator serves as a voltage comparator that compares each tap voltage to the target voltage. When the calibration is complete, regulator's feedback loop is closed and the closest tap voltage to the target voltage is used as the regulator's input.

Abstract translation: 提出了一种用于自动电压校准的系统和系统。 电压校准系统包括三个主要单元，它们是电压调整单元，微调检测单元和微调控制单元。 三个单元在微调操作期间相互协调工作，以便识别最接近目标电压的抽头电压。 在一个实施例中，电压校准系统可用于校准电压调节器。 校准开始后，电压调节器的反馈回路打开，目标电压被选为放大器反馈端口的输入。 电压调节器用作将每个抽头电压与目标电压进行比较的电压比较器。 当校准完成时，调节器的反馈回路闭合，并将最接近的目标电压的抽头电压用作调节器的输入。

公开(公告)号：US07333905B2

公开(公告)日：2008-02-19

申请号：US11383570

申请日：2006-05-16

Applicant: David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi

Inventor： David William Boerstler ,  Eskinder Hailu ,  Jieming Qi

IPC: G01R29/02

CPC classification number: G01R29/02 ,  G01R31/31725 ,  G01R31/31726

Abstract: The disclosed methodology and apparatus measures the duty cycle of a clock signal. A variable duty cycle circuit receives a clock signal from a clock signal generator. The variable duty cycle circuit adjusts the duty cycle of the clock signal by an amount dependent on a duty cycle index value that it receives. The variable duty cycle circuit supplies a duty-cycle adjusted clock signal to a divider circuit. The apparatus sweeps the frequency of the clock signal from a starting value up to a maximum frequency above which the divider circuit fails. The apparatus then determines the duty cycle of the duty-cycle adjusted clock signal from the maximum frequency.

Abstract translation: 所公开的方法和装置测量时钟信号的占空比。 可变占空比电路从时钟信号发生器接收时钟信号。 可变占空比电路根据其接收的占空比指数值来调整时钟信号的占空比。 可变占空比电路将占空比调整的时钟信号提供给分频器电路。 该装置将时钟信号的频率从起始值扫描到高于分频器电路故障的最大频率。 然后，该装置从最大频率确定占空比调整的时钟信号的占空比。