Differential delay circuit for a voltage-controlled oscillator

Abstract

A differential delay circuit type ring oscillator allows for an increase in operation enabling frequency and dynamic range. At each stage of the ring, delay circuit output signals arc linearly varied above and below the circuit switching level. The ring oscillator includes a plurality of differential delay circuits coupled in series in a ring configuration, a differential amplifier, and a comparator. Each of the differential delay circuits receives first and second differential input signals, and delays the received signals by a predetermined time in response to a predetermined control signal to generate first and second differential output signals. The differential amplifier receives the first and the second differential output signals of one of the differential delay circuits and amplifies the received signals to generate first and second differential amplified signals. The comparator receives first and the second differential amplified signals, and compares them to generate an oscillating signal in accordance with the comparison results.