Constant propagation delay current reference
First Claim
1. A current reference generator for coupling to a source of a reference frequency signal, said current reference generator comprising:
- phase locking means, responsive to said reference frequency signal and to an operating frequency signal, for providing a current reference signal;
a current to frequency converter, responsive to said current reference signal, for generating the operating frequency signal; and
a current mirroring device, responsive to the current reference signal, for providing an output current essentially equal to the current reference signal.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A constant propagation delay current reference is provided having an external source providing a reference frequency signal. A phase lock loop is provided which is responsive to the reference frequency signal and to an operating frequency signal to provide a current reference signal at the output of the loop. The current reference signal is provided to a current to frequency converter which generates the operating frequency signal. A current mirror, also coupled to the phase lock loop output provides an output current proportional to the current reference signal which is suitable for providing the injector current for I2 L devices. The output current tracks the process, voltage and temperature variations of the integrated circuit, allowing the injector currents to be optimized for maintaining constant propagation delay in the circuits being powered.
26 Citations
15 Claims
-
1. A current reference generator for coupling to a source of a reference frequency signal, said current reference generator comprising:
-
phase locking means, responsive to said reference frequency signal and to an operating frequency signal, for providing a current reference signal; a current to frequency converter, responsive to said current reference signal, for generating the operating frequency signal; and a current mirroring device, responsive to the current reference signal, for providing an output current essentially equal to the current reference signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A method of providing a current reference, having an external source for providing a reference frequency signal, said method comprising:
-
generating a current reference signal; generating an operating frequency signal in response to the current reference signal; phase locking the operating frequency signal with the reference frequency signal to generate a corresponding current reference signal; and generating an output current proportional to the current reference signal. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
-
Specification