Variable delay

Abstract

This disclosure describes controlling a variable delay system with a control signal generated in a phase-locked loop (PLL). Furthermore, aspects describe generating a compensation current based on a number of edges of pulses propagating through a variable delay line including multiple delay elements. The number of edges propagating through the variable delay is determined by computing a difference between a number of edges entering the variable delay line and a number of edges exiting the variable delay line. The compensation current is derived from a mirrored version of the current of the control signal of the PLL. Thus, the techniques and systems in this disclosure provide accurate and repeatable control of a variable delay line over variations in temperature and process using low-power circuits. Furthermore, the input signal to the variable delay line may be asynchronous with respect to a system clock or a reference signal of the PLL.