Introducing a new, pioneering approach to integrated circuit design Nanometer Frequency Synthesis Beyond Phase-Locked Loop introduces an innovative new way of looking at frequency that promises to open new frontiers in modern integrated circuit (IC) design. While most books on frequency synthesis deal with the phase-locked loop (PLL), this book focuses on the clock signal. It revisits the concept of frequency, solves longstanding problems in on-chip clock generation, and presents a new time-based information processing approach for future chip design. Beginning with the basics, the book explains how clock signal is used in electronic applications and outlines the shortcomings of conventional frequency synthesis techniques for dealing with clock generation problems. It introduces the breakthrough concept of Time-Average-Frequency, presents the Flying-Adder circuit architecture for the implementation of this approach, and reveals a new circuit device, the Digital-to-Frequency Converter (DFC). Lastly, it builds upon these three key components to explain the use of time rather than level to represent information in signal processing. Provocative, inspiring, and chock-full of ideas for future innovations, the book features: A new way of thinking about the fundamental concept of clock frequency A new circuit architecture for frequency synthesis: the Flying-Adder direct period synthesis A new electronic component: the Digital-to-Frequency Converter A new information processing approach: time-based vs. level-based Examples demonstrating the power of this technology to build better, cheaper, and faster systems Written with the intent of showing readers how to think outside the box, Nanometer Frequency Synthesis Beyond the Phase-Locked Loop is a must-have resource for IC design engineers and researchers as well as anyone who would like to be at the forefront of modern circuit design.

This book states that a space-induced crisis is recognized as the cause of trouble that Moore’s Law is currently facing. The contemporary practice of this empirical law can be considered as happening within a space-dominant paradigm. An alternative of exploiting potential in the dimension of time is identified as an emerging paradigm in microelectronics. The new practice is termed a time-oriented paradigm. It is justified as the turn of Moore’s Law from space to time. The resultant Time-Moore strategy is envisioned as the next-generation enabler for continuing Moore’s Law’s pursuit of everhigher information processing power and efficiency. It also serves as the perpetuation of the spirit that Moore’s law is nothing but a collective storied history of innovations. In the first part of this book, by following Thomas Kuhn’s seminal work around the concepts of paradigm and scientific revolution, the argument for the Time-Moore strategy (Time-Moore: to use time more) and the paradigm shift from space to time is carried out heavily through philosophical persuasion rather than technical proof due to the difficult challenge of change-of-mindset. The second part of the book provides solid technical materials for supporting this transition from the old paradigm to the new one. In short, the goal of this book is to reevaluate the contemporary practice of microelectronics, identify the cause of the current crisis, advocate a change-of-mindset to circumvent the crisis, and ultimately point out a new route for advancing. After achieving so many unprecedented accomplishments through several decades of relentless endeavor, it’s time for the big ship of Moore’s Law (i.e., the art of microelectronic system design) to make a turn.

Written in a simple, easy to understand style, this book will teach PLL users how to use new clock technology in their work in order to create innovative applications. Investigates the clock frequency concept from a different perspective--at an application level Teaches engineers to use this new clocking technology to create innovations in chip/system level, through real examples extracted from commercial products

-- Newly revised, this is the hands-down leader in phase-locked loop (PLL) design books -- required reading for electronic circuit designers and technicians, as well as students -- New chapters on PLL integrated circuits and digital PLLs -- Includes a valuable CD-ROM of PLL simulation software