FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to an electrical circuit for generating a cyclic signal and more particularly to a flexible oscillator with low transistor count, ability to oscillate to very high frequency, and low current consumption, which can be used in multiphase operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within nearly every electronic subsystem is some form of waveform generator that produces cyclical waveforms. The waveform generator is oftentimes referred to as an oscillator. Depending on the application, an oscillator can be used to source regularly spaced pulses or clock signals. Oscillators are oftentimes rated depending on their stability and accuracy, frequency adjustability (i.e., tunability), gain of active circuit, start-up time, power consumption, etc.

A type of oscillator commonly known as a relaxation oscillator is the most commonly used architecture for lower frequency oscillator designs. FIG. 1A is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating an example of a conventional relaxation oscillator. As shown in FIG. 1A, a relaxation oscillator 100 includes a capacitor C₁₀, a switching device SW₁₀such as a field effect transistor, a comparator 102, a current source I₁₀and a one-shot timer 104.

A voltage reference V_Refis connected to the âˆ’ input of the comparator 102. A first terminal of the capacitor C₁₀is connected to the + input of the comparator 102. The second terminal of the capacitor C₁₀is grounded. The output of the comparator 102 is electrically connected to the input of the one-shot timer 104, the output of which is electrically coupled to a control terminal of the switch device SW₁₀. The switch device SW₁₀is electrically connected between the first terminal of the capacitor C₁₀and ground and is used for discharging the frequency-determining capacitor C₁₀. As shown in the voltage versus time graph of FIG. 1B, the voltage on the capacitor is more or less saw-toothed in shape with a short flat spot 101 between successive saw-teeth.

For these particular oscillators, the frequency is limited by the speed of the comparator 102. As current from the source I₁₀charges the capacitor C₁₀the voltage at the (+) input of the comparator 102 eventually reaches the reference voltage V_Refand turns on comparator 102. That triggers the one shot 104 to open the switch SW₁₀, which discharges the capacitor C₁₀and sets the voltage back to zero. The one shot 104 keeps the switch SW₁₀on long enough to completely discharge the capacitor C₁₀so that the output is not erratic. In order to ensure that the capacitor C₁₀completely discharges, there will be a delay time 101 between successive saw-teeth.

For low frequency, delay times in the comparator 102 are relatively small. But if switching is to be done at high frequency, the delay time becomes large with respect to each saw-tooth cycle. Also, at high frequency, e.g. 5 MHz, a high switching current, e.g., 1 mA is needed. The current source that charges up the capacitor C₁₀coupled to the one shot 104 increases as the input voltage increases. So, for example, at 5.0V the current source I₁₀may be able to deliver 5 Î¼A, and at 2.5 it can deliver only 1 Î¼A. Thus, at 5.0V, for example, the capacitor charges up 5 times faster than at 2.5V. So, at 5.0V, the flat response is much less than what it is at 2.5V. In a low frequency where switching frequency is at 500 KHz, it might not be a problem for the one shot 104 to vary from 50 ns to 70 ns, but in a high frequency oscillation, e.g., greater than 3 MHz, it matters very much to have variations from 50 ns, to 100 ns.

Since one shot properties vary with supply voltage, the flat spot between sawtooth waves changes with supply voltage and also varies with temperature, which is not desirable. As a result, relaxation oscillators are only good for frequencies of about 1 MHz and below. In addition, these oscillators are not well suited for multiphase systems. In a conventional multiphase system, each phase need its own particular oscillator and comparator. Furthermore, the conventional comparator is not cheap and the oscillator consumes a lot of current. High current consumption is undesirable in many applications, such as portable devices.

It is within this context that embodiments of the present invention arise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of a conventional relaxation oscillator.

FIG. 1B shows a signal profile of the circuit of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A-2B are circuit diagrams illustrating the principles of operation of the oscillators and the reference stage according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a circuit diagram of an NMOS two phase oscillator according to an embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of a PMOS two phase oscillator according to an embodiment of present invention.

FIGS. 3C-3D show signal profiles at nodes N₁and N₂in the electrical circuits of the type shown in FIGS. 3A-3B respectively.

FIG. 3E shows the combined signal profiles of nodes N₁and N₂.

FIG. 3F shows a circuit diagram of a NMOS two phase oscillator with an alternative reference stage.

FIG. 4A is a circuit diagram of a three phase oscillator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4B-4D shows signal profile at nodes N₁, N₂and N₃of FIG. 4A at an oscillation frequency of 50 MHz.

FIG. 4E shows signal profile at nodes N₁, N₂and N₃of FIG. 4A at an oscillation frequency higher than 50 MHz.

FIG. 5A is a circuit diagram of a four phase oscillator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5B-5E shows signal profile at nodes N₁, N₂, N₃and N₄of FIG. 5A at an oscillation frequency higher than 50 MHz.

FIG. 5F shows signal profile at nodes N₁, N₂, N₃and N₄of FIG. 5A at an oscillation frequency higher than 50 MHz.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to oscillators that overcome the disadvantages associated with prior art relaxation oscillators. Oscillator designs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention eliminate the need for a conventional comparator. The oscillator is generally comprised of one or more differential input stages that may have as many input stages as the number of phases needed with a small number of active components. Each differential stage acts as a maximum selector stage. As used herein, the term â€œmaximum selectorâ€ refers is a circuit having multiple input stages (sometimes referred to herein as â€œphase stagesâ€ ) that chooses the maximum voltage of the voltages of the different input stages. Selection of a given input stage by the maximum selector causes an output of the selected input stage to change. The current supplied to a given input stage may be varied as the oscillator's needs change. For example, a negative feedback loop coupled to the reference stage may be configured to detect a current need of the oscillator and provide an appropriate supply current to each input stage to meet the detected current need.

According to an embodiment of the invention, an oscillator apparatus may comprise a reference stage and two or more phase stages including a first stage and a last stage. The reference stage has a reference current source and a first reference transistor having a gate coupled to a voltage reference and a drain coupled to the reference current source. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, each of the phase stages may include a transistor, first and second current sources, a capacitor, a switch, and a logic block. The transistor has a drain coupled to the first current source, a gate coupled to a node and a source coupled to a source of the reference transistor in the reference stage. The capacitor has a first terminal coupled to the node and a second terminal connected to ground. The switch is coupled between the first and second terminals of the capacitor. The second current source is coupled to the node.

Basically, the logic block for a given phase stage is used to latch on the switch for that phase stage, and reset the switch for the next phase stage. In other words, when a phase stage is selected by the maximum selector, the logic block deactivates the selected phase stage, and activates the next phase stage (which corresponds to the next phase of the oscillator). The logic block for each phase stage may be formed in many different ways. An example of a logic block is shown which includes an inverter and a set-reset latch. An input of the inverter for a given phase stage is coupled to the drain of the transistor for that phase stage. The output of the inverter for a given phase stage is coupled to a set input for the latch for that phase stage. An output of the latch for a given phase stage is coupled to the switch for that phase stage. The output of the inverter for a given phase stage is also coupled to the reset input of the set-reset latch in a subsequent phase stage. The output of the inverter for the last stage is coupled to the reset input of the set-reset latch in the first stage.

FIG. 2A is a circuit diagram illustrating an input stage (or phase stage) of a phase oscillator 200. As shown in FIG. 2A, the oscillator 200 includes a reference stage 202 and a phase stage 204. The reference stage 202 includes a reference field effect transistor T_refhaving a drain D_refelectrically coupled to a first reference current source I_ref, gate G_refelectrically connected to a voltage reference V_refand a source S_refcoupled to an input of a second reference current source I_refâ€², which may supply a reference current of up to, e.g., about twice the current supplied by the first reference current source I_ref. By way of example, the reference transistor T_refmay be a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) device. By way of example, the first reference current source I_refmay supply a current of about 1 Î¼A and the second reference current source I_refâ€² may supply a current of about 2 Î¼A and the reference voltage V_refmay be about 1.2 volts.

The phase stage 204 also includes a transistor T₁having a source S₁, a gate G₁, and a drain D₁. The source S₁is connected to the source S_refof the reference transistor T_ref, at a first junction J₁. The gate G₁is coupled to a second junction J₂and the drain D₁is connected to the output of a current source I₁that supplies a current roughly the same as the current supplied by the first reference current source I_ref. The oscillator 200 also includes a capacitor C having a first terminal connected to the junction J₂and a second terminal that is grounded. The oscillator 200 also includes a switch SW that permits current to flow between the second junction J₂and ground to discharge capacitor C when a control electrode of the switch SW receives an input trigger signal. Input sides of current sources I_ref, I₁and a third current source I₁â€² are coupled to a third junction J₃. The output of the third current source I₁â€² is coupled to the junction J₂.

Operation of the oscillator 200 may proceed as follows. Suppose initially, the trigger signal turns switch SW on, therefore the transistor T₁is off since the gate G₁is coupled to ground. The transistor T_refis on due to the reference voltage V_refapplied to the gate G_refof the reference transistor T_ref. The larger current from the second reference source I_refâ€² pulls the drain D_refof the reference transistor T_refdown, but the smaller current from the source I₁pulls up the drain D₁of transistor T₁.

After the switch SW is turned off, the current from the third current source I₁â€² charges up the capacitor C and slowly turns the transistor T₁on and the reference transistor T_refoff as the gate G₁of the transistor T₁goes above the reference voltage V_ref. The current source I_refâ€² pulls down the voltage at the drain D₁of the transistor T₁and pulls up the voltage at the first junction J₁and at the drain D_refof the reference transistor T_ref. This situation remains until the switch SW turns on again. Digital output signals may be obtained from the voltages at the drains D₁and D_refof the transistors T₁and T_ref. In order for the oscillator to operate at a relatively high rate, the current from the second reference current source I_refâ€² should be relatively large, as discussed above.

Alternatively, instead of using a constant current I_refâ€², a current control may use negative feedback based on the voltage between the first reference source I_refand the reference transistor T_ref(which may be referred to as the first reference transistor) may be used to control the current from the transistor T₁through the junction J₁. For example, FIG. 2B is an electrical diagram of an alternative oscillator 210, that is a variation on the oscillator 200 shown in FIG. 2A. In addition to the components described above with respect to FIG. 2A, a reference stage 212 of the oscillator 210 includes a current control in the form of second reference transistor T_refâ€² (e.g., a MOS transistor) having a drain D_refâ€² coupled to first junction J₁, a gate G_refâ€² coupled to the drain D_refof first reference transistor T_refand a source S_refâ€² connected to ground. It is noted that in this example illustrated in FIG. 2B, the reference transistor T_refâ€² is an N-type (or n-channel) device. Alternatively, the reference transistor T_refâ€² may be a P-type (or p-channel) device, in which case the source S_refâ€² may be coupled to a common voltage V_cc. The first reference current source I_refacts as a fixed reference current source. If the voltage at junction J₁goes high (e.g., when T₁turns on) the drain D_refof first reference transistor T_refand gate G_refâ€² of the second reference transistor T_refâ€² to be pulled high, which turns the second reference transistor T_refâ€² more on which increases the supply current I_sand pulls junction J₁back down. Without the negative feedback, an increase of voltage at junction J₁would cause the first reference transistor T_refto turn off because its gate-to-source voltage (i.e., V_refminus the voltage at junction J₁) decreases. Conversely, if the voltage at junction J₁goes low it pulls the gate G_refâ€² of the transistor T_refâ€² low, which pulls the junction J₁back up. If the second reference transistor T_refâ€² cannot supply sufficient current, it pulls up the voltage at the drain D_refof the transistor T_refand at the junction J₁which causes the second reference transistor T_refâ€² to open more until it provides the appropriate supply current I_s. This way, the first reference transistor T_refis always on and allows the current supplied by supply I_refto go through, no matter what the input is from transistor T₁. The second reference transistor T_refâ€² changes the amount of current it allows through such that the value of current source I_refalways flows through reference transistor T_ref. As a result of I_ref, T_ref, and T_ref, there is a negative feedback in the circuit of FIG. 2B. Because of this negative feedback, the supply current I_sof the circuit 210 changes to meet the current demand of the system.

The secondary reference transistor T_refâ€² acts as a variable resistor that throttles the current of the reference current source I_refin a negative feedback manner in response to changes in the current through junction J₁. Alternatively, another device capable of delivering a negative feedback loop such as an operational amplifier or variable resistor may be used as the current control to adjust the supply current I_sin response to changes in the voltage at junction J₁to provide the desired negative feedback control of the current through the junction J₁.

Two or more phase stages of the type shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B may be combined together with a reference block of the type shown in FIG. 2B to provide a multiple phase oscillator according to an embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 3A is an electrical diagram illustrating a two phase oscillator 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, the oscillator 300 includes two phase stages 302, 304 and one reference stage 306. The reference stage 306 is similar to the reference stage 212 of the oscillator 210 described above in FIG. 2B.

By way of example, the first phase stage 302 may include a n- type MOS transistor T₁having a drain D₁coupled to a current source I₁, which may supply a current of about 1 uA through a junction J₁, a gate G₁coupled to a first node N₁, and a source S₁coupled to a junction J₇of the reference stage 306. The first phase stage 302 also includes a capacitor C₁having a first terminal coupled to secondary current source I₁â€² through the first node N₁and a second terminal is connected to the ground. A switch SW₁, which can be an n-type MOS transistor, is connected in parallel to the capacitor C₁with a source grounded and having a gate coupled to an output of a latch L₁. The first phase stage 302 may further include a logic block 303 which includes an inverter INV₁having an input coupled to the transistor T₁at the junction J₁and an output coupled to an input of the latch L₁. A one-shot timer OS₁may be optionally coupled between the inverter INV₁and the latch L₁. In such a case, the output of the inverter INV₁may be regarded as being indirectly coupled to the latch L₁. The logic block shown here is only an example and may be replaced with a similarly functioning circuit block.

The second phase stage 304 includes similar components as the first phase stage 302. The second phase stage 304 may include a n-channel MOS transistor T₂having a drain D₂coupled to a current source I₂of about 1 uA through a junction J₂, a gate G₂coupled to secondary current source I₂â€² through a second node N₂, and a source S₂coupled to the junction J₇. The second phase stage 304 also includes a capacitor C₂that is of equal capacitance to the capacitor C₁. The capacitor C₂has a first terminal coupled to the second node N₂and a second terminal is connected to the ground. A switch SW₂, which can be a n-channel MOS transistor, is coupled to the capacitor C₂, and includes a source connected to the ground and a gate coupled to an output of a latch L₂. The second phase stage 304 may further include a logic block 305 which includes an inverter INV₂having an input coupled to the transistor T₂at the junction J₂and an output coupled to an input of the latch L₂. A one-shot timer OS₂is optionally coupled between the inverter INV₂and the latch L₂. The one-shot timers OS₁, OS₂provide digital output signals if needed.

The reference stage 306 may operate in a manner similar to that of reference stage 212 as described above with respect to FIG. 2B. The reference stage 306 may operate with or without feedback control of the current. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the second reference transistor T_refâ€² provides negative feedback control of the current through the junction J₇from the transistors T₁, T₂, and T_ref.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the output of the one-shot timer OS₁is connected to the set input S of the latch L₁and to the Reset input R of the latch L₂. Similarly, the output of one-shot timer OS₂is connected to a Set input S of the latch L₂and a Reset input R of the latch L₁. It is noted that if the one-shot timers are not used, the outputs of the inverters INV₁, INV₂would be coupled directly to the latches.

The circuit 300 operates as a maximum selector that chooses as its output the maximum of the voltages of the phase stages 302, 304. In the example depicted in FIG. 3A, there are three voltages in the system, V_ref, and the voltages at nodes N₁, N₂(referred to as V_n1, and V_n2, respectively). The architecture shown in FIG. 3A always picks the largest of the voltages V_n1, and V_n2and V_ref. For example, if initially V_refis 1.2V, and both N₁and N₂are at 0 volts. As soon as either V_n1or V_n2has risen above V_ref, it is recognized by the architecture shown and it will be selected. For example, if V_n2has risen above V_ref, then phase stage 304 is selected, and the transistor T₂turns on. Because of the negative feedback in the reference stage 306, the reference transistor T_refstill stays on as will be explained below. With the transistor T₂on, the voltage at J₁is pulled low, which triggers the logic unit 305.

The supply current I_sis not fixed and it varies with the need of the system. In FIG. 3A, the arrangement of T_refand T_refâ€² provides a negative feedback, which means it will supply the required current for the intended architecture. The negative feedback ensures that T_refalways allows the value of the reference current source I_refthrough, but also adjusts to provide the demand for current from the rest of the system. For example, when phase stage 304 is selected, the second reference transistor T_refâ€² allows the supply current I_sthrough in the amount of I_refplus I₂. However, when either of the transistors shown, T₁or T₂, turns on, there are parasitic capacitances that must be charged before these transistors can turn on. So the more current available, the faster these capacitances can be charged up and the quicker the transistors can turn on. During that transient, the supply current I_swill be increased due to the negative feedback on T_refâ€². The negative feedback detects the current demand of the system, and provides the supply current I_saccordingly. Thus the negative feedback enables a more efficient, robust, and faster oscillator circuit. No matter how many stages are used, and what the transient current demand is, the negative feedback ensures that the appropriate supply current I_sis provided.

FIG. 3B is an electrical diagram showing an alternative two phase oscillator 310, which includes similar components as the oscillator 300, except the transistors T₁, T₂, T_refand T_refâ€² and the switches SW₁and SW₂are p-channel MOS transistors. In this embodiment, the second terminals of the capacitors C₁, C₂, the sources of the switches SW₁, SW₂and the source of the secondary reference transistor T_refâ€² are coupled to a voltage Vcc instead of grounded. In other words, the positions of the Vcc and the ground are switched and so are the directions of the current sources I₁, I₁â€², I₂, I₂â€² and I_refin circuit 310, as compared to circuit 300 of FIG. 3A. In the logic portion of each phase stage for two phase oscillator 310, the inverter is placed between the latch and the switch, rather than between the one shot and the junction (e.g., J₁).

Speed of oscillation of the oscillators 300 and 310 is regulated by the amount of current provided by current sources I₁â€², I₂â€², and size of the capacitors C₁, C₂. The oscillators 300 and 310 can be used in dual phase converters.

The oscillators 300, 310 may operate as follows. At an initial state the switch SW₁is off and the switch SW₂is latched on by latch L₂. As a result, the transistor T₂is off. Initially, the voltage at node N₁is low, so transistor T₁is also off. Current from source I₁â€² charges the capacitor C₁from 0 to a reference voltage V_ref(e.g., 1.2 V). The capacitor C₁charges up and when it reaches V_refthat stage is selected by the maximum selector and the transistor T₁turns on. Current from the source I₁pulls up the voltage at J₇, which causes the negative feedback loop to turn on secondary reference transistor T_refâ€² more in order to compensate the additional current. With the current flowing through T_refâ€² higher than the current supplied by supply I₁, the voltage at the drain D₁of the transistor T₁is pulled down, which pulls the input of the inverter INV₁low. As a result, the output of the inverter INV₁is high, which sets the latch L₁and resets the latch L₂. This turns on the switch SW₁and turns off the switch SW₂.

Similarly, when the switch SW₂is off (and switch SW₁is latched on), the current source I₂â€² is charging the capacitor C₂from 0 to V_ref(e.g., 1.2 V). When the voltage on the capacitor C₂reaches V_ref, the transistor T₂turns on. The reference transistor T_refâ€² supplies more current than the source I₁so that pulls drain D₂of the transistor T₂down. The input of the INV₂goes low and the output of INV₂goes high, which sets the latch L₂, turning on the switch SW₂and resetting the latch L₁. The output of the latch L₁therefore goes low and the switch SW₁turns off.

As may be seen from the foregoing, when the voltage at node N₂turns on transistor T₂, the voltage at N₁is turns off transistor T₁and vice versa. Consequently, the oscillator 300 or 310 can produce oscillation signals in two different phases. FIGS. 3C-3D show simulated signal profiles at nodes N₁and N₂in the electrical circuits shown in FIGS. 3A-3B operating at 33.3 MHz. As shown in the figures, the sawtooth waveforms are 180 degrees apart. FIG. 3E shows the two sawtooth waveforms of FIGS. 3C-3D combined together. Note that because there are two input stages, the capacitor for one stage can begin charging as soon as the capacitor for the other stage starts to discharge. Thus there is no need to wait for the capacitor to fully discharge before starting the next cycle, and the delay time 101 of FIG. 1B is eliminated. The one shot timers in this invention are optional and are only used to help provide digital signals. They do not interfere with the timing of the circuit.

Alternatively, the second reference transistor T_refâ€² may be replaced by a current source such as I_refâ€² of FIG. 2A, however this embodiment would not have negative feedback. In another alternative embodiment, as shown in the circuit 300â€² of FIG. 3F, the negative feedback for the reference stage 306â€² may further include an op amp OA_refand a resistor R_ref. The resistor R_refis connected in series between the source of second reference transistor T_refâ€² and ground. The output of the op amp OA_refis connected to the gate of second reference transistor T_refâ€², one input of op amp OA_refis connected between second reference transistor T_refâ€² and resistor R_ref, and the other input of op amp OA_refis connected to drain of first reference transistor T_refhaving potential V_x. The supply current I_sflowing through second reference transistor T_refâ€² is equal to I_s=V_x/R_ref. As with the circuit 300 of FIG. 3A, the negative feedback detects the oscillator current need, and provides the appropriate supply current I_s. Otherwise the circuit 300â€² is the same as the circuit 300 of FIG. 3A.

The oscillator depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B may be extended to any number of phases simply by adding more phase stages. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, a three phase oscillator can be made by adding another phase module to the circuit of the two phase oscillator of the type depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B. FIG.4A is an electrical diagram illustrating a three phase oscillator 400. Such an oscillator may be used, e.g., in a three phase voltage converter. The oscillator 400 includes three phase stages 402, 404, 406 and one reference stage 408. The reference stage 408 is similar to the reference stage 212 of the oscillator 210 described above in FIG. 2B, which includes two reference transistors T_refand T_refâ€². The second reference transistor T_refâ€² is configured as described above to provide negative feedback control of the current through first reference transistor T_refregardless of the current from the transistors of the phase stages.

The first and second phase stages 402 and 404 are similar to the first and second phase stages 302 and 304 of the two phase oscillator 300 as described in FIG. 3A. The first phase stage 402 may include a n-channel MOS transistor T₁having a drain D₁, a gate G₁and a source S₁. The drain D₁is coupled to a current source I₁of, e.g., about 1 uA through a junction J₁. The gate G₁is coupled to a first node N₁. The source S₁is coupled to junction J₅in the second phase stage 404, a junction J₆in the third phase stage 406 and connected to a junction J₇in the reference stage 408. The first phase stage 402 also includes a capacitor C₁having a first terminal coupled to secondary current source I₁â€² through the first node N₁and a second terminal is connected to the ground. A switch SW₁, which can be a MOS transistor, is coupled to the capacitor C₁with a source grounded and having a gate coupled to an output of a first latch L₁. The first phase stage 402 may further include a first inverter INV₁having an input coupled to the current source I₁at the junction J₁and an output coupled to an input of the first latch L₁. A one-shot timer OS₁may optionally be coupled between the first inverter INV₁and the first latch L₁.

The second phase stage 404 includes a MOS transistor T₂having a drain D₂coupled to a current source I₂of, e.g., about 1 uA through a junction J₂, a gate G₂coupled to secondary current source I₂â€² through a second node N₂, and a source S₂coupled to the junction J₅. The second phase stage 404 also includes a capacitor C₂having a first terminal coupled to the second node N₂and a second terminal is connected to the ground. A switch SW₂, which can be a MOS transistor, is coupled to the capacitor C₂, and includes a source connected to the ground and a gate coupled to an output of a second latch L₂. The second phase stage 404 may further include a second inverter INV₂having an input coupled to the current source I₂at the junction J₂and an output coupled to an input of the second latch L₂. A one-shot timer OS₂may optionally be coupled between the second inverter INV₂and the second latch L₂.

The third phase stage 406 includes a MOS transistor T₃having a drain D₃, gate G₃, and a source S₃. The drain D₃is coupled to a current source I₃of, e.g., about 1 uA through a junction J₃. The gate G₃is coupled to secondary current source I₃â€² through a third node N₃. The source S₃is coupled to the junction J₆. The third phase stage 406 also includes a capacitor C₃of equal capacitance to the capacitors C₁, C₂. The period for each phase is determined by the values of the secondary current sources I₁â€², I₂â€², I₃â€², and of the capacitors C₁, C₂, C₃since they determine how fast the voltage across the capacitors increase. For a symmetrical oscillator with equal phases, the values of the current sources and of the capacitors should be equal. However, if unequal phases are desired, those values may be altered accordingly. The capacitor C₃has a first terminal coupled to the third node N₃and a second terminal is connected to the ground. A switch SW₃, which can be a MOS transistor, is coupled to the capacitor C₃, and includes a source connected to the ground and a gate coupled to an output of a third latch L₃. The third phase stage 406 may further include a third inverter INV₃having an input coupled to the current source I₃at the junction J₃and an output coupled to an input of the third latch L₃. A one-shot timer OS₃may optionally be coupled between the third inverter INV₃and the third latch L₃.

In general, it is not necessary for the reference current I_refto be equal to I₁, I₂, and I₃. It is also not also necessary for I₁â€²=I₂â€²=I₃â€². However, if a symmetrical oscillator is desired, then the secondary current sources should be equal, I₁â€²=I₂â€²=I₃â€², as should be the capacitances of capacitors C₁=C₂=C₃.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the output of the one-shot timer OS₁is connected to a set S of the latch L₁and a reset R of the latch L₂. The output of the one-shot timer OS₂is connected to a set S of the latch L₂and a reset R of the latch L₃. The output of the one-shot OS₃is connected to a set S of the latch L₃and a reset R of the latch L₁. The one-shot timers OS₁, OS₂, OS₃can provide digital output signals if needed. If the one-shot timers OS₁, OS₂, OS₃are not used, the outputs of the inverters INV₁, INV₂, INV₃may be directly coupled to the latches.

The reference stage 408 may operate in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 2B. The reference stage 408 may operate with or without feedback control of the current. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the second reference transistor T_refâ€² provide negative feedback control of the current through the junction J₇from the transistors T₁, T₂, T₃, and T_ref.

The speed of oscillation of the oscillator 400 is regulated by the current supplied by sources I₁â€², I₂â€², I₃â€² and size of capacitors C₁, C₂, C₃. The oscillator 400 may operate as follows. At an initial stage, the switch SW₁is off and the switches SW₂and SW₃are on. The voltage at the first node N₁is ramped up by the current from the current source I₁â€² until it reaches the reference voltage V_ref, which turns on transistor T₁and pulls the drain D₁of transistor T₁down. This sets the latch L₁and resets the latch L₂. Therefore the switch SW₁turns on and the switch SW₂turns off; the switch SW₃remains latched on.

Similarly, with switch SW₂off, when the voltage at the node N₂goes above V_refdue to the current from the source I₂â€², the drain D₂of MOS transistor T₂is pulled down. This sets the second latch L₂and resets the third latch L₃. As a result, the second switch SW₂turns on and the third switch SW₃turns off. When the voltage at the node N₃goes above V_refas a result of the current from the current source I₃â€², the voltage on the drain D₃of the transistor T₃is pulled down. This sets the latch L₃and resets the latch L₁. As a result, the switch SW₃turns on and the switch SW₁turn off, which is back to the initial stage. The three phases of the oscillator 400 correspond to the voltages at the nodes N₁, N₂and N₃. To the oscillation frequency the capacitors C₁, C₂or C₃may be decreased and the current source I₁â€², I₂â€² and I₃â€² should be increased.

FIGS. 4B-4D show simulated signal profiles at nodes N₁, N₂and N₃in the electrical circuits shown in FIG. 4A. As shown in the figures, the sawtooth waveforms are 120 degrees apart. FIG. 4E shows the sawtooth waveforms of FIGS. 4B-4D superimposed on each other.

A four phase oscillator may be made by adding another phase module to the circuit of the three phase oscillator of the type depicted in FIG. 4A. FIG.5A is an electrical diagram illustrating a three phase oscillator 500, which includes four phase stages 502, 504, 506, 508 and one reference stage 510. The reference stage 510 is similar to the reference stage 212 of the oscillator 210 described above in FIG. 2B, which includes two reference transistors T_refand T_refâ€², which may be MOS transistors. The first three phase stages 502, 504, 506 are configured substantially the same as stages 402, 404, and 406 as shown in FIG. 4A with a few minor differences. Specifically, junction J₆of the third reference stage 506 is coupled to a similar junction J₈in the fourth reference stage 508, which is coupled to the junction J₇in the reference stage. Also the output of one-shot timer OS₃is connected to the reset R of latch L₄and the reset R of latch L₁is connected to the output of one-shot timer OS₄.

The fourth phase stage 508 may include transistor T₄, e.g., a MOS transistor, having a drain D₄, a gate G₄and a source S₄. The drain D₄is coupled to a current source I₄of, e.g., about 1 uA through a junction J₄The gate G₄is coupled to secondary current source I₄â€² through a fourth node N₄, and the source S₄coupled to the junction J₈. The fourth phase stage 508 also includes a capacitor C₄, which is generally of equal capacitance to the capacitors C₁, C₂, C₃. The capacitor C₄has a first terminal coupled to the fourth node N₄and a second terminal is connected to the ground. A switch SW₄, which can be a MOS transistor, is coupled to the capacitor C₄, and includes a source connected to the ground and a gate coupled to an output of a fourth latch L₄. The fourth phase stage 508 may further include a fourth inverter INV₄having an input coupled to the current source I₄at the junction J₄and an output coupled to an input of the latch L₄. A one-shot timer OS₄may optionally be coupled between the fourth inverter INV₄and the fourth latch L₄.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the output of the one-shot timer OS₁is connected to a set S of the latch L₁and a reset R of the latch L₂. The output of the one-shot timer OS₂is connected to a set S of the latch L₂and a reset R of the latch L₃. The output of the one-shot OS₃is connected to a set S of the latch L₃and a reset R of the latch L₄. The output of the one-shot OS₄is connected to a set S of the latch L₄and a reset R of the latch L₁. The speed of oscillation of the oscillator 500 is regulated by size of the current from sources I₁â€², I₂â€², I₃â€², I₄â€² and size of the capacitors C₁, C₂, C₃, and C₄.

The reference stage 510 may operate in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 2B. The reference stage 510 may operate with or without feedback control of the current. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the second reference transistor T_refâ€² provides negative feedback control of the current through the junction J₇from the transistors T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, and T_ref.

The operation of the oscillator 500 is similar to the operation of the oscillator 400 as described above. At the initial stage, the first switch SW₁is off and the switches SW₂, SW₃and SW₄are on. The voltage at the first node N₁ramps up due to the current from the source I₁â€² until it reaches V_ref, which pulls the drain D₁of transistor T₁down. This sets the first latch L₁and resets the second latch L₂. Therefore, the first switch SW₁turns on and the second switch SW₂turns off.

Similarly, when the voltage at the second node N₂goes above the reference voltage V_refdue to the current from the source I₂â€², the drain D₂of the transistor T₂is pulled down. This sets the second latch L₂and resets the third latch L₃. As a result, the second switch SW₂turns on and the third switch SW₃turns off.

When the voltage at the third node N₃goes above the reference voltage V_refdue to the current from the source I₃â€², the drain D₃of the transistor T₃is pulled down. This sets the third latch L₃and resets the fourth latch L₄. As a result, the third switch SW₃turns on and the fourth switch SW₄turn off.

When the voltage at the fourth node N₄goes above the reference V_refas a result of the current from the source I₄â€², the drain D₄of the transistor T₄is pulled down. This sets the fourth latch L₄and resets the first latch L₁. As a result, the fourth switch SW₄turns on and the first switch SW₁turn off, which is back to the initial stage.

The four phases can be observed at nodes N₁, N₂, N₃and N₄. To increase frequency of the oscillator, the capacitors C₁, C₂, C₃or C₄should be decreased and the current sources I₁â€², I₂â€², I₃â€² and I₄â€² should be increased. The one-shot timers OS₁, OS₂, OS₃, OS₄can provide digital output signals if needed. If the one-shot timers OS₁, OS₂, OS₃, OS₄are not used, the outputs of the inverters INV₁, INV₂, INV₃, INV₄may be directly coupled to the latches.

FIGS. 5B-5E show simulated signal profiles at nodes N₁, N₂, N₃and N₄in the electrical circuits shown in FIG. 5A at an oscillation frequency of 50 MHz. As shown in the figures, the sawtooth waveforms are 90 degrees apart. FIG. 5F shows the sawtooth waveforms of FIGS. 5B-5D superimposed upon each other.

Oscillators according to embodiments of the present invention as described above may be used for any switching systems. It is estimated that such oscillators can oscillate from very low frequency up to about 50 MHz based on low voltage CMOS process. A faster process will allow faster oscillation frequencies. Another advantage of such oscillators is that they can change their bias current as demand changes during transients. The number of phases can easily be changed as the complexity of the system changes. In addition, the one shot timers and inverters used in the phase modules take up relatively little real estate on a chip. Spread of frequency over the voltage range is only a few percent from 2.5 to 5 volts. Furthermore, the oscillators of the type described above consume low current because a conventional comparator is not required and the reference stage can vary the current as required.

While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to use various alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined not with reference to the above description but should, instead, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with their full scope of equivalents. Any feature, whether preferred or not, may be combined with any other feature, whether preferred or not. In the claims that follow, the indefinite article â€œAâ€ , or â€œAnâ€ refers to a quantity of one or more of the item following the article, except where expressly stated otherwise. The appended claims are not to be interpreted as including means-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase â€œmeans for.â€