High speed, fine resolution pattern generation using the matched delay technique

This paper presents an architecture for generating a highspeed data pattern with precise edge placement (resolution) by using the matched delay technique. The technique involves passing clock and data signals through arrays of matched delay elements in such a way that the data rate and resolution of the generated data stream are controlled by the difference of these matched delays. This difference can be made much smaller than an absolute gate delay. Since the resolution of conventional designs is determined by these absolute delays, the matched delay technique yields a much finer resolution as well as higher speeds than traditional methods. The matched delay technique lends itself to high-precision and high-speed applications such as fast network interfaces or test pattern generators. This paper also describes a matched delay data generator submitted for fabrication in a MOSIS 1.2μm CMOS technology. Simulations indicate that data signals with on-chip bit rates of 833Mb/s and resolutions of 100ps can be generated.