Phase interpolator with linear phase change

摘要

Some embodiments relate to a phase interpolator. The phase interpolator includes a control block to provide a plurality of phase interpolation control signals which are collectively indicative of a phase difference between a first clock and a second clock. The phase interpolation control signals define different phase step sizes by which the first clock is to be phase shifted to limit the phase difference. A plurality of Gilbert cells provide a plurality of current levels, respectively, based on the plurality of phase interpolation control signals. A plurality of current control elements adjust the plurality of current levels from the plurality of Gilbert cells. The plurality of current levels are adjusted by different amounts for the different phase step sizes.

主权项

1. A phase interpolator, comprising:
a control block to provide a plurality of phase interpolation control signals which are collectively indicative of a phase difference between a first clock and a second clock, wherein the phase interpolation control signals define different phase step sizes over a 360-degree phase interval by which the first clock is to be phase shifted to limit the phase difference; a plurality of current cells which provide a plurality of current levels, respectively, based on the plurality of phase interpolation control signals; and a plurality of current control elements having respective control gates to adjust the plurality of current levels from the plurality of current cells, wherein the plurality of current levels are adjusted by different amounts for the different phase step sizes; a selection element to provide a periodic voltage function, which repeats multiple times over the 360-degree phase interval, to the respective control gates of the current control elements based on the phase interpolation control signals.