SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE HAVING DUTY-CYCLE CORRECTOR

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Inventor(s)

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE HAVING DUTY-CYCLE CORRECTOR - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18624648 titled 'SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE HAVING DUTY-CYCLE CORRECTOR

The apparatus described in the patent application includes two clock paths with duty-cycle adjusters that modify the duty cycle of input clock signals.

The first clock path has a duty-cycle adjuster that alters the duty cycle of the first input clock signal.
The second clock path includes a duty-cycle adjuster that changes the duty cycle of a second input clock signal with a different phase from the first input clock signal.
A control circuit detects the longest or shortest time period between rising and falling edges of the input clock signals to generate a control signal.

Key Features and Innovation:

Dual clock paths with duty-cycle adjusters for input clock signals.
Control circuit to detect and generate a control signal based on phase differences.
Optimization of duty cycles for different input clock signals.

Potential Applications:

Synchronization of multiple clock signals in electronic devices.
Signal processing in communication systems.
Timing adjustments in digital circuits.

Problems Solved:

Ensuring accurate timing and synchronization of clock signals.
Managing phase differences between input clock signals.
Improving overall performance and reliability of electronic systems.

Benefits:

Enhanced precision in timing adjustments.
Increased efficiency in signal processing.
Improved reliability and performance of electronic devices.

Commercial Applications:

This technology can be utilized in telecommunications equipment.
It can be integrated into data processing systems for improved efficiency.
Electronic manufacturers can incorporate this innovation in their products for better performance.

Questions about Clock Signal Synchronization: 1. How does the control circuit determine the longest or shortest time period between rising and falling edges of the input clock signals?

  The control circuit compares the phase differences between the rising and falling edges of the input clock signals to identify the longest or shortest time period accurately.

2. What are the potential challenges in implementing dual clock paths with duty-cycle adjusters in electronic devices?

  Some challenges may include ensuring compatibility with existing systems, managing power consumption, and optimizing the control circuit for different applications.

Original Abstract Submitted

An apparatus according to some embodiments comprises: a first clock path including a first duty-cycle adjuster that adjusts a duty cycle of a first input clock signal, a second clock path including a second duty-cycle adjuster that adjusts a duty cycle of a second input clock signal having a different phase from the first input clock signal; and a control circuit configured to detect longest one or shortest one of first, second, third, and fourth time periods to generate a control signal. The first, second, third and fourth time periods are defined by phase differences between rising edges and falling edges of the first and second input clock signals.