The present invention relates to the field of electronic circuits. More specifically, the present invention relates to comparator electronic devices.
Integrated circuit (“IC”) chips are becoming more densely packed with millions of electronic components. In order to manufacture various IC chips for specific applications, new technologies have been developed to satisfy the requirements of these chips. Each technology typically requires a set of specifications, such as voltage and frequency requirements. With the increasing number of semiconductor technologies in recent years, industries and/or IEEE have adopted various standards to facilitate communications between various chips. For example, when multiple chips are mounted on a printed circuit board (“PCB”), it is critical to understand what standard each chip follows so that they can properly communicate with each other. However, with the increasing number of standards on a single PCB, testing a PCB with various IC chips becomes more difficult.
A conventional test mechanism used in the past for testing a PCB is the boundary-scan testing. For example, IEEE 1149.1 supports testing of interconnections between IC pins. Scan test is typically performed by various scan circuits, also known as scan cells. Scan cells are usually located at the edge of the chip and they typically only perform testing functions. As such, it is advantageous to design scan cells as efficiently as possible because they don't typically contribute to the general functions of the chip. Scan cells generally include various comparators, which may be used to receive and to identify input signals.
Comparators are widely used in a variety of electronic equipment to compare the voltages of two analog inputs and to provide a digital output. A conventional comparator is an amplifier with a positive and a negative input, which typically has high input impedance. A comparator usually has high gain and produces an output signal that is the amplified difference of the positive and negative input signals. In general, a conventional comparator can be used to determine if an input signal is logically above or below a reference voltage. To enhance the noise immunity for the comparator, a technique of using hysteresis is often employed to reduce the effect of noise.
A hysteresis threshold typically defines the difference between “no input” and “input.” The terms of hysteresis threshold, hysteresis offset, hysteresis offset voltage, and/or hysteresis voltage can be used interchangeably herein. A hysteresis comparator typically switches its output to one output state when the input is above one level and switches to the opposite output state when the input is below a lower level, and the output does not switch at any intermediate level.
A problem with the conventional hysteresis comparator is that it takes too many components, such as two transistors, two resistors and two current sources, to generate a hysteresis offset. Another problem with the conventional hysteresis comparator is that it is difficult to adapt new and/or different standards because each standard may require a different hysteresis offset or hysteresis delay.
Thus, it would be desirable to have a comparator that is capable of generating selectable hysteresis offsets and hysteresis delays.
A programmable comparator capable of producing a digital signal in response to differential input signals is disclosed. In one embodiment, the programmable comparator includes a programmable hysteresis offset circuit, which is configured to selectively provide a hysteresis offset in response to a programmable hysteresis offset control signal. The programmable comparator further includes a comparing circuit, which is capable of receiving differential signals through input terminals and outputting a digital signal via an output terminal. In one embodiment, a user can select a hysteresis offset to enhance the noise immunity.
In another embodiment, the programmable comparator includes a programmable hysteresis delay circuit that is operable to selectively provide a hysteresis delay in response to a programmable hysteresis delay control signal. The comparing circuit is capable of outputting digital information in response to the differential input signals and the hysteresis delay. In this embodiment, a user can select a hysteresis delay out of multiple possible hysteresis delays to increase the noise immunity.
In another embodiment, a first input transistor includes a first terminal, a second terminal and a gate terminal. The gate terminal of the first input transistor is connected to a first input and the first terminal of the first input transistor is electrically connected to a first reference voltage via a first electrical path. The first electrical path includes a current source and a resistor to generate a hysteresis offset. A second input transistor has a first terminal, a second terminal and a gate terminal. The gate terminal of the second input transistor is connected to a second input and the first terminal of the second input transistor is electrically connected to the first reference voltage via a second electrical path. The first electrical path including a current source. An output is capable of being pulled toward the first reference voltage or a second reference voltage depending in part whether the hysteresis offset has been exceeded.
Additional features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, figures and claims set forth below.
The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.
A method and apparatus of a programmable comparator capable of outputting a digital signal in response to differential input signals and programmable hysteresis references are disclosed. In one aspect, hysteresis references include a hysteresis offset and a hysteresis delay. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these specific details may not be required to practice the present invention. In other instances, well-known circuits and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the present invention.
It is understood that the present invention may contain transistor circuits that are readily manufacturable using well-known art, such as for example CMOS (“complementary metal-oxide semiconductor”) technology, or other semiconductor manufacturing processes. In addition, the present invention may be implemented with other manufacturing processes for making digital and system devices.
In the following description of the embodiments, substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus of a programmable comparator that is capable of producing a digital output signal in response to differential input signals with adjustable and/or user programmable hysteresis information. The programmable comparator includes a programmable hysteresis offset circuit. The comparator produces an output signal that is the amplified difference of the input signals. A comparator, in one aspect, can be used as a differential receiver to determine if an input signal is logically above or below a reference voltage. In one embodiment, the programmable hysteresis offset circuit selectively provides a hysteresis offset according to the hysteresis offset control signal. The terms hysteresis offset, hysteresis voltage, hysteresis reference voltage, and hysteresis threshold can be used interchangeably herein.
Timing diagram 300 shows a hysteresis offset 332 and hysteresis delay 330. As mentioned earlier, the use of hysteresis offset 332 is to reduce an unwanted response to small signals generated by noise. The use of hysteresis delay 330 is to reduce noise effects from voltage spikes. In other words, the utilization of hysteresis offset 332 causes the comparator to ignore small-amplitude pulses with sufficient duration while the utilization of hysteresis delay 330 causes the comparator to disregard large-amplitude pulses with insufficient duration.
Referring to
The timing diagram 300 shown in
In one embodiment, output signal 356 is always in digital waveform even though the input signals are analog pulses. For an AC-coupled receiver, positive analog pulse triggers the rising edge of the digital output signal and negative analog pulse triggers the falling edge of the digital output signal. In another embodiment, a first analog signal triggers the rising edge of the digital output signal and a second analog signal triggers the falling edge of the digital output signal. In one embodiment, output signal 356 changes its digital waveform in response to analog input signals, which are typically in a range between 50 and 300 millivolts (mV).
Referring to
The timing diagram 350 shown in
In one embodiment, n-transistors N3 and N4 are similarly sized so that they behave similarly. The source terminals of N3 and N4 are connected to a first reference potential. The first reference potential may be Vdd, positive potential, and/or positive voltage supply. The drain terminal of N3 is coupled to a node, which is also connected with terminal 206 of comparing circuit 450, a first terminal of current source S5 and a first terminal of resistor R3. The drain terminal of N4 is coupled to another node, which is also connected to terminal 208 of comparing circuit 450 and a second terminal of resistor R3. The second terminal of current source S5 is coupled to a second reference potential Vss, which may be a ground reference potential, a zero volt power supply, and/or negative volt power supply.
In one aspect, comparing circuit 450 produces a logic zero output signal if the input signals on terminals 206–208 are the same. Comparing circuit 450, however, outputs a logic one output signal if the input signals on terminal 206–208 are different. In order to minimize unwanted change of output signals, a hysteresis offset is employed to reduce the switching due to the glitches, noises or voltage spikes. The use of components resistor R3 and current source S5 provides a hysteresis voltage (Vhyst) across the resistor R3, wherein Vhyst can be expressed as follows:
Vhyst=R*I
Where R is the resistance value of resistor R3 and I is the current value of current source S5. As such, in one embodiment, the output signal from comparing circuit 450 is not going to switch unless the input signal is greater than Vhyst.
In one embodiment, components P1–3 and N1–2 provide a comparing function. To implement an accurate comparing function, P1 and P2 have substantially similar parameters so that both P1 and P2 behave similarly under similar conditions. For the same reason, N1 and N2 are also sized to have similar parameters. In operation, output terminal 410 outputs a signal with logic one (“1”) when input signals at the input terminals In1-2 are different. Similarly, output terminal 410 outputs a signal with logic zero (“0”) when input signals at the input terminals In1-2 are substantially the same. In one embodiment, resistor 404 and S1–2 are configured to create a hysteresis offset or hysteresis voltage. Capacitor C and N5 are configured to provide a hysteresis delay.
Referring to
Block 402 contains capacitor C and transistor N5, which are designed to provide a hysteresis delay. In one embodiment, transistor N5 is used to turn on or off the capacitor C. In one embodiment, block 402 is configured to apply a load on the 2nd node. Referring to the layout shown in
fBW≦Thyst(2π)×ln[1−(Vhyst/Vmin)]
where fBW is the bandwidth frequency, Vhyst is hysteresis voltage, Vmin is the minimal voltage, and Thyst is hysteresis delay.
Referring back to
Referring back to
Programmable hysteresis offset circuit 502 provides user selectable hysteresis offset for comparator 600. In one embodiment, programmable hysteresis offset circuit 502 includes a resistor and multiple current sources. Depending on the chip standard, a user can select a current source or a combination of current sources to provide a hysteresis offset. The user may make the selection through a processor or a memory device that resides in the system. In another embodiment, programmable hysteresis offset circuit 502 includes multiple resistors and one current source. Depending on the chip standard, a user may select a resistor or a combination of resistors to provide a hysteresis offset. In yet another embodiment, programmable hysteresis offset circuit 502 includes multiple resistors and multiple current sources. A user can select a pair of resistors and current sources or a combination of resistors and current sources to provide a hysteresis offset. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the present invention would not change if other types of programmable techniques or additional elements were employed in programmable hysteresis offset circuit 502.
Programmable output control circuit 506, in one embodiment, is configured to selectively provide control of the output signals at the output terminal 410. Due to the various protocols and standards, the output signals, in one embodiment, need to be controlled with respect to the hysteresis offset. A user, in one embodiment, controls programmable output control circuit 506 via the programmable control signal to determine how much P3 needs to be turned on before P3 drives the output signal. Programmable output control circuit 506, in one embodiment, is adjusted together with programmable hysteresis offset circuit 502 to produce a more desirable hysteresis offset. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that programmable output control circuit 506 can be integrated into programmable hysteresis offset circuit 502.
Programmable hysteresis delay circuit 504 provides user selectable hysteresis delay Thyst for enhancing noise immunity. Programmable hysteresis delay circuit 504, in one embodiment, includes various capacitors and switchers wherein the switchers are used to selectively turn on and off capacitors. The switchers are controlled by the programmable control signals. Programmable control terminal 612, in one embodiment, includes multiple wires wherein each wire may control a device or a set of devices such as current sources and capacitors. A user may selectively turn on or off a capacitor through a processor or a memory device. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the present invention would not change if other types of programmable techniques or additional elements were employed in programmable hysteresis delay circuit 504.
Comparing circuit 712, in one embodiment, includes similar components as comparing circuit 610 shown in
In one embodiment, the control signals carried by control terminals 706 are used and decoded by both programmable current source and programmable output control current source. In another embodiment, the control signals are divided into two portions wherein a portion of the signals is dedicated to programmable current source while another portion of the signals is dedicated to programmable output control current source. Control terminals 706 and 708 may be merged into one control terminal. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that programmable hysteresis offset circuit 702 may contain circuits that perform current source functions. It should be further noted that the underlying concept of the present invention would not change if additional components such as inductance device, capacitance devices, and transistors may be added or removed from comparator 700.
Control block 850 may be activated or controlled by signals transmitted through control block terminal 890. In one embodiment, control channels 852 include multiple control wires 8601–862x and control channel 854 includes control wires 8641–866x, in which x can be any integer numbers. Also, control channel 856 includes control wires 8681–869x. Control block 850, in one embodiment, provides control signals in response to the input signals on control block terminal 890. In another embodiment, control block 850 provides control signals through memory cells within control block 850. Various types of volatile and/or non-volatile memory may be used.
In one embodiment, block 810 includes multiple current sources 8201–822x and multiple switchers 8241–826x for providing a hysteresis offset. In other words, block 810 can have one current sources or x number of current sources in which x can be a large number. Multiple n-transistors, in this embodiment, are used as switchers 8241–826x. A function of switcher is to switch the current source on or off according to the signals on the control wires. For example, if control wire 860, provides a logic high signal, it turns on n-transistor 8241 and subsequently activates current source 8201. On the other hand, if control wire 862x provides a logic low signal, both n-transistor 826x and current source 822x are turned off.
Block 812 includes multiple capacitors 8301–832x for providing a hysteresis delay. Block 812 also includes multiple switchers 8341–836x that associate with each capacitor for controlling the capacitors. In this embodiment, n-transistors are used as switchers 8341–836x to turn on and off capacitors 8301–832x. Signals carried by control wires 8641–866x control switchers 8341–836x wherein switchers 8341–836x control capacitors 8301–832x. For example, if signals control wires 8641–866x are logic low, n-transistors 8341–836x are turned off and consequently, capacitors 8301–832x are also turned off. In another embodiment, capacitors 8301–832x can be turned on or off in any combination. In other words, a user can turn on more than one capacitor at one time.
Block 814 includes multiple current sources 8401–842x with associated switchers 8441–846x for controlling output signals at the output terminal 410. Multiple n-transistors are used as switchers 8441–846x. A function of the switcher is to switch current source on or off according to the signals at the control wires 8681–869x. For example, if control wire 866 provides a logic high signal, it turns on n-transistor 844 and subsequently activates current source 8401. On the other hand, if control wire 869x provides a logic low signal, which turns off n-transistor 846x, current source 842x is turned off. It should be noted that the layout in block 810–814 are illustrative and it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that any layout having programmability and perform similar functions might be used in block 810–814.
Programmable block 904 includes four n-transistors B5–B8 as current sources and four n-transistors S5–S8 as switchers. Programmable block 904 is configured to control the output signals at the output terminal 410. In one embodiment, n-transistor B5, which is a base current source, is not programmable and accordingly, switcher S5 may be removed. Current sources B6–B8 are programmable via their switchers S6–S8. In one embodiment, current sources B6–B8 can be turned on or off in any combination.
Programmable block 906, in one embodiment, includes three MOS capacitors C1–C3 and three invertors 910–914 as switchers. Programmable block 906 is coupled to the 2nd node to provide a hysteresis delay. MOS capacitors C1–C3 are also known as gate capacitors because the drain and source terminals of n-transistors C1–C3 are tied together. To turn on the MOS capacitor, the invertor applies a large potential on the opposite site of the gate terminals to create capacitance under the gate. It should be noted that the invertors 910–912 could be alternatively replaced with other types of switches such as n-transistors and/or p-transistors. Capacitors C1–C3 can be turned on independently or in a combination of any three capacitors C1–C3. The control signals at control terminals 920–924 determine which capacitor or capacitors should be activated.
In one embodiment, comparing device 1000 is used as a receiver in a boundary-scan test setting and is capable of providing a digital square waveform output regardless of whether the input signal is DC or AC coupling. Furthermore, because the comparators 1002–1004 are programmable, a user can program the device 1000 according to the required standards under the test.
At block 1106, the process programs the first programmable circuit to set hysteresis offset in accordance to the first programmable control information. In one embodiment, every switcher, which could be a transistor, within the first programmable circuit is either set (open) or reset (closed) in response to the information provided by the first programmable control information. As discussed earlier, switchers control various current sources to implement the hysteresis offset voltage.
At block 1108, the process receives second programmable control information, also known as programmable control signal, for selecting a hysteresis delay. The second programmable control information, in one embodiment, includes multiple signals representing programming information. The programming information may be provided by a user, a processor within the system, and/or a pre-loaded non-volatile memory device.
At block 1110, the process programs the second programmable circuit to set hysteresis delay in accordance to the second programmable control information. In one embodiment, every switcher within the second programmable circuit is programmed. In other words, every switcher, which may be a transistor or an invertor, is either set (open) or reset (closed) in response to the information provided by the second programmable control information. As discussed earlier, switchers control various capacitors to create a hysteresis delay.
At block 1112, the process receives input information from a first and a second input terminal in response to the hysteresis offset and hysteresis delay. The processor will discard any input signal where its voltage amplitude is below the hysteresis offset and/or its pulse is shorter than the hysteresis delay. In one embodiment, the input signals can either be DC coupled or AC coupled. In another embodiment, the process is capable of detecting the voltage differences in millivolts.
At block 1114, the process produces digital output information in response to the input signals. In one embodiment, the output signal is a digital square waveform regardless of whether the input signals are DC or AC signals.
In the foregoing specification the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
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