Oscillators – Ring oscillators
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-18
2001-11-27
Lam, Tuan T. (Department: 2816)
Oscillators
Ring oscillators
C331S1070DP, C331S115000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06323737
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to oscillators and more particularly to a system and method for generating a multi-phase output signal with a ring oscillator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Oscillators have been formed in a variety of architectures. Conventionally, these architectures have been implemented with transistors. For example, common implementations use transistors or an operational amplifier, which includes a plurality of transistors, in combination with other components such as resistors, capacitors and/or inductors. However, there are several disadvantages associated with using transistors to implement an oscillator.
First of all, devices used in digital circuits are becoming smaller and smaller. As these devices decrease in size, quantum mechanical effects begin to appear. The electrical properties of conventional transistors may be altered in an unacceptable way by these quantum mechanical effects. Secondly, an oscillator implemented with transistors is limited by the switching speed of the transistors, which may be too slow for some applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for generating a multi-phase output signal with a ring oscillator are provided that substantially eliminate or reduce the disadvantages or problems associated with previously developed systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an oscillator that utilizes resonant tunneling diodes instead of transistors.
In one embodiment of the present invention, an oscillator is provided that includes a plurality of bridges and a plurality of transmission lines. Each bridge includes a plurality of negative differential resistance devices. Each transmission line interconnects two adjacent bridges. A clock circuit is coupled to at least one of the bridges.
In another embodiment of the present invention, an oscillator is provided that includes a first continuous negative differential resistance device and a second continuous negative differential resistance device. The second continuous negative differential resistance device is coupled to the first continuous negative differential resistance device.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for generating a multi-phase signal is provided. An oscillator is formed that includes a plurality of negative differential resistance devices. The oscillator is formed into a ring by coupling a first end of the oscillator to a second end of the oscillator. A plurality of multi-phase output signals is produced along the ring.
Technical advantages of the present invention include providing an improved system and method for generating a multi-phase output signal with a ring oscillator. In particular, resonant tunneling diodes are included as a part of the oscillator. Accordingly, reliance on transistors is avoided. As a result, the detrimental effects of quantum mechanics are minimized or not present and switching speed is increased.
Other technical advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3054071 (1962-09-01), Tiemann
patent: 3102962 (1963-09-01), Horna
patent: 3152264 (1964-10-01), Ergott, Jr. et al.
patent: 3171981 (1965-03-01), Wolterman
patent: 5198656 (1993-03-01), Chirovsky
patent: 5444751 (1995-08-01), Sage
patent: 5825240 (1998-10-01), Geis et al.
patent: 5852374 (1998-12-01), Frazier
patent: 6008917 (1999-12-01), Moise et al.
patent: 6037819 (2000-03-01), Broekaert
patent: 0 425 859 A2/A3 (1991-05-01), None
patent: WO 00/41310 (2000-07-01), None
Murata, K., et al, “Optoelectronics Recovery Circuits Using Resonanat Tunnelling Diode and Unitraveling-Carrier Photodiode”,Electronics Letters, vol. 34, No. 14, Jul. 9, 1998, pp. 1424 and 1425.
Kan, S.C. et al, “Optical od Resonant Tunnelling Diode Monolithically Integrated with PIN Photodiode”,IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, vol. 8, No. 5, May 1996, XP 000589262, pp. 641-643.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Lam Tuan T.
Raytheon Company
LandOfFree
System and method for generating a multi-phase signal with a... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with System and method for generating a multi-phase signal with a..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System and method for generating a multi-phase signal with a... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2613501