Timing delay generator and method using temperature stabilisation
View Patent ↗A timing delay generator for supplying a signal delayed by a predetermined period comprises a vernier that provides variable delays for a main signal, the delays being sensitive to temperature variation, a sensor for sensing the vernier's temperature and a feedback loop to maintain the temperature of the silicon die at a constant level and thus, to provide the high long-term accuracy of the timing delay generator.
1. A device for supplying a signal delayed by a predetermined period, the device comprising:
an input terminal for receiving an input main signal;
an output terminal at which a delayed output signal is generated;
a vernier that provides variable delays for a main signal;
a sensor incorporated into said vernier for sensing for the vernier's temperature;
a feedback loop for maintaining the temperature of the vernier at a constant level.
2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is incorporated into the vernier's silicon die.
3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the feedback loop comprises an integrator for providing on his output integrated difference of the temperature sensor output and reference voltage.
4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the feedback loop comprises a cooler/heater for maintaining the temperature of vernier.
5. The device according to claim 4 , wherein the cooler/heater is implemented in Peltier effect reversable heat pump.
6. The device according to claim 4 , wherein the vernier has a package, and the cooler/heater has a low temperature resistance contact with the vernier's package.
7. A method for supplying a signal delayed by a predetermined period, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving an input main signal:
providing a vernier for generating variable delays for the input main signal, said vernier having a package;
generating an output signal after a predetermined delay period;
sensing for vernier's temperature to maintain it at a constant level, wherein the temperature is maintained by using a cooler/heater having a low temperature resistance contact with the vernier's package.
8. A method for supplying a signal delayed by a predetermined period, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving an input main signal;
providing a vernier for generating variable delays for the main signal;
generating an output signal after a predetermined delay period;
sensing for vernier's temperature to maintain it at a constant level, wherein the temperature is maintained as close to the ambient temperature as possible so as to reduce extra heating in temperature stabilizing.