Circuit and method for generating a clock signal synchronized with time reference signals associated with television signals

Abstract

A clock generation circuit for use in a television system displaying images encoded in television signals and images represented by network application data. The clock generation circuit generates a clock signal synchronized with HSYNC signals of the television signals. The clock generation circuit includes a phase-lock-loop (PLL) circuit and a tracking block. PLL circuit includes an oscillator (e.g., VCO) driven by an error signal to generate an internal periodic signal having frequency substantially equal to the frequency of the desired clock signal. The tracking block includes a resettable VCO (RVCO) driven by the error signal. A restart signal is asserted prior to the expected arrival time of the HSYNC edge to cause the RVCO to stop generating the desired clock signal. The restart signal is deasserted on receiving the HSYNC edge to cause the RVCO to start generating the clock signal. Accordingly, the clock signal is synchronized with the HSYNC signal.