Automatically ranging phase locked loop circuit for microprocessor clock generation
US5903195A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 11, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S331/02
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved phase locked loop (PLL) circuit is provided for use in microprocessor clock generation. A ring oscillator provides an output frequency signal. A voltage to current converter converts differential control voltages to a variable reference current applied to the ring oscillator. A range control reference current generator applies a range control reference current to the ring oscillator. A range control operatively controls the range control reference current generator to sequentially change the range control reference current applied to the ring oscillator. A lock detector coupled to the range control compares the output frequency signal and a reference frequency signal and responsive to the compares signals applies a locked signal to the range control. Responsive to an applied locked signal, the range control stops changing ranges. The phase locked loop (PLL) circuit automatically sweeps through multiple frequency subranges responsive to the range control. A control signal is applied to the voltage to current converter for selectively controlling an operational mode of the voltage to current converter from a squelched operational mode to an unsquelched operational mode af…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.