Time-interleaved multi-modulus frequency divider

Abstract

Described are a multi-modulus frequency divider and event counter that are based on time-interleaved signals generated from a received signal. For the frequency divider, each time-interleaved clock signal generated from a received clock signal is provided to a bit counter and the output signal from each bit counter is provided to a multiplexer. A multiplexer selection module controls over time which one of the output signals from the bit counters is presented at the output of the multiplexer. The transition frequency of the bits in the time-interleaved clock signals allows various circuit components such as the bit counters to be implemented as CMOS components. Thus the frequency divider is more power-efficient than conventional frequency divider circuits operating at high clock frequencies.