Multiphase signal generators, frequency multipliers, mixed signal circuits, and methods for generating phase shifted signals

Abstract

A multiphase signal generator includes an input port. Furthermore, the multiphase signal generator includes a plurality of phase shifters. Each phase shifter of the plurality of phase shifters is configured to provide an identical phase shift Δφ. At least one phase shifter is connected to the input port. Furthermore, the multiphase signal generator includes a first phase interpolator and at least a second phase interpolator. Each phase interpolator has a respective output terminal. Each phase interpolator is configured to weight a phase of a signal at a respective first input terminal of the phase interpolator with a respective first weighting factor wand to weight a phase of another signal at a respective second input terminal of the phase interpolator with a respective second weighting factor wto generate an interpolated phase signal at the respective output terminal of the phase interpolator. A first subset of the plurality of phase shifters includes n>1 serially connected phase shifters. The first subset of phase shifters is coupled between the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the first phase interpolator. A different second subset of the plurality of phase shifters includes n serially connected phase shifters. The second subset of phase shifters is coupled between the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the second phase interpolator.