US5734285A — Electronic circuit utilizing resonance technique …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 144 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportional to the input clock frequency to generate a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency; and digital function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequancy.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 144 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportional to the input clock frequency to generate a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency; and digital function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequancy.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 49 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the resonant system includes a non-parasitic capacitor coupled between the resonator and a source of a substantially fixed reference voltage or other voltage at a much lower frequency than the circuit frequency, the resonator being coupled to the circuit clock line.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 30 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 2 wherein the resonator comprises a non-parasitic main inductive device comprising an inductor or a group of inductors coupled to one another in series.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 17 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 3 wherein the main inductive device has a controllably variable inductance.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 43 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 3 wherein the resonator includes at least one inductive-capacitive arrangement coupled in parallel with at least part of the main inductive device, each inductive-capacitive arrangement comprising an inductor and a capacitor coupled to each other in series.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 25 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 3 wherein the resonator includes at least one capacitor coupled in parallel with part of the main inductive device.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 46 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 2 wherein the resonator includes at least one capacitor coupled between an internal point of the main inductive device and a source of a substantially fixed reference voltage or other voltage at a much lower frequency than the circuit frequency.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 23 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 2 wherein the resonator includes a distributed capacitor coupled to multiple points of the main inductive device.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 20 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 2 wherein the resonant system includes control circuitry that adjusts the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 22 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 9 wherein the control circuitry adjusts the fundamental resonance frequency by changing inductance and/or capacitance values.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 29 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 9 wherein the control circuitry includes at least one variable capacitor whose capacitance is adjustable in response to at least one control signal.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 17 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 9 wherein the control circuitry is arranged in a phase-locked loop.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 52 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 9 wherein the control circuitry includes a plurality of capacitive-gate arrangements coupled to one another in parallel for controllably changing capacitance values in response to at least one control signal, each capacitive-gate arrangement comprising a capacitor and a transmission gate coupled to each other in series.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 30 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 9 wherein the control circuitry includes a phase comparator that compares the phases of the input clock signal and the first circuit clock signal.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 34 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 2 wherein the resonant system includes a driver responsive to the input clock signal for providing a driver signal to a node between the resonator and the capacitor.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 119 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 15 wherein the driver comprises: a pre-driver that generates a pair of switching signals substantially in synchronism with the input clock signal, each switching signal having an active level and an inactive level, each switching signal being at its inactive level only when the other switching signal is at its active level, whereby only one of the switching signals is active at any time; and a pair of switches coupled together to a driver line and coupled in series between a pair of different voltage supplies, the switches being respectively responsive to the switching signals for enabling current to flow through the driver line when either switching signal is at its active level.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 35 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the resonator is coupled between the circuit clock line and a source of a reference voltage approximately equal to the time-averaged voltage of the circuit clock signal.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 47 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 17 wherein the resonant system includes a non-parasitic capacitor coupled between (a) the source of the reference voltage and (b) a source of a substantially fixed further reference voltage or other voltage at a much lower frequency than the circuit frequency.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 30 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 18 wherein the resonator comprises a non-parasitic main inductive device comprising an inductor or a group of inductors coupled to one another in series.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 43 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 18 wherein the resonator includes at least one inductive-capacitive arrangement coupled in parallel with at least part of the main inductive device, each inductive-capacitive arrangement comprising an inductor and a capacitor coupled to each other in series.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 25 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 18 wherein the resonator includes at least one capacitor coupled in parallel with part of the main inductive device.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 20 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 17 wherein the resonant system includes control circuitry that adjusts the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 47 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the resonant system generates a second circuit clock signal substantially inverse to the first circuit clock signal, at least part of the electronic functions of the function circuitry also being performed in synchronism with the second circuit clock signal.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 62 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 23 wherein the resonator is coupled between the first circuit clock line and a second circuit clock line from which second clock inputs of the function circuitry receive the second circuit clock signal, the resonator also being largely in resonance with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the second circuit clock line and the second clock inputs.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 28 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 24 wherein the resonant system includes at least one switch or capacitor coupled between the clock lines in series with the resonator.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 22 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 24 wherein the oscillations of the resonant system include harmonics of approximately the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 13 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 26 wherein the harmonics are odd-numbered harmonics.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 17 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 12 wherein the first circuit clock signal approximates a square wave.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 30 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 23 wherein the resonator comprises a non-parasitic main inductive device comprising an inductor or a group of inductors coupled to one another in series.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 17 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 29 wherein the main inductive device has a controllably variable inductance.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 43 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 29 wherein the resonator includes at least one inductive-capacitive arrangement coupled in parallel with at least part of the main inductive device, each inductive-capacitive arrangement comprising an inductor and a capacitor coupled to each other in series.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 25 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 29 wherein the resonator includes at least one capacitor coupled in parallel with part of the main inductive device.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 46 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 29 wherein the resonator includes at least one capacitor coupled between an internal point of the main inductive device and a source of a substantially fixed reference voltage or other voltage at a much lower frequency than the circuit frequency.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 23 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 29 wherein the resonator includes a distributed capacitor coupled to multiple points of the main inductive device.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 20 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 23 wherein the resonant system includes control circuitry that adjusts the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 22 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 35 wherein the control circuitry adjusts the fundamental resonance frequency by changing inductance and/or capacitance values.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 29 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 35 wherein the control circuitry includes at least one variable capacitor whose capacitance is adjustable in response to at least one control signal.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 17 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 35 wherein the control circuitry is arranged in a phase-locked loop.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 52 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 35 wherein the control circuitry includes a plurality of capacitive-gate arrangements coupled to one another in parallel for controllably changing capacitance values in response to at least one control signal, each capacitive-gate arrangement comprising a capacitor and a transmission gate coupled to each other in series.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 30 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 35 wherein the control circuitry includes a phase comparator that compares the phases of the input clock signal and the first circuit clock signal.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 36 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the oscillations of the resonant system locally reach maximum amplitude when they occur at any of the resonance frequencies of the resonant system, including the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 45 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the circuit frequency is substantially an integer multiple of the input frequency, whereby the fundamental resonance frequency approximately equals the same integer multiple of the input frequency, the integer multiple including one as the lowest integer multiplier.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 25 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 42 wherein the resonant system controllably adjusts the fundamental resonance frequency towards the integer multiple of the input frequency.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 29 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the resonant system includes a driver via which each circuit clock signal is supplied in response to the input clock signal.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 119 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 44 wherein the driver comprises: a pre-driver that generates a pair of switching signals substantially in synchronism with the input clock signal, each switching signal having an active level and an inactive level, each switching signal being at its inactive level only when the other switching signal is at its active level, whereby only one of the switching signals is active at any time; and a pair of switches coupled together to a driver line and coupled in series between a pair of different voltage supplies, the switches being respectively responsive to the switching signals for enabling current to flow through the driver line when either switching signal is at its active level.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 44 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 45 wherein the switches comprise a pair of complementary field-effect transistors having respective drains coupled together to the driver line, respective sources respectively coupled to the voltage supplies, and respective gate electrodes that respectively receive the switching signals.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 22 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the oscillations of the resonant system include harmonics of approximately the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 13 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 47 wherein the harmonics are odd-numbered harmonics.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 23 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein each circuit clock signal has a substantially different voltage swing than the input clock signal.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 23 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein each circuit clock signal has a substantially greater voltage swing than the input clock signal.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 111 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 50 wherein the function circuitry includes at least one circuit element comprising: complementary first and second field-effect transistors ("FETs"), each having a first source/drain electrode, a second source/drain electrode, and a gate electrode coupled to the resonator, a data input signal being supplied to the first source/drain electrode of the first FET; a first inverter having (a) an input coupled to the second source/drain electrodes and (b) an output for providing a data output signal; and a second inverter having (a) an input coupled to the output of the first inverter and (b) an output coupled to the first source/drain electrode of the second FET.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 18 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the electronic circuit is part of a single integrated circuit.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 24 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the electronic circuit is distributed across at least two integrated circuits mounted on a common substrate.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 17 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the function circuitry comprises CMOS, bipolar, or BiCMOS components.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 15 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the function circuitry includes level-sensitive state elements.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 17 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the first circuit clock signal approximates a square wave.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 15 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 1 wherein the digital function circuitry comprises CMOS circuitry.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 153 words

An electronic circuit comprising: digital function circuitry which performs electronic functions, specified elements of the function circuitry digitally changing state in synchronism with a first circuit clock signal provided from a first circuit clock line to clock inputs of the specified elements at a circuit frequency; and a resonant system which oscillates at the circuit frequency, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, the resonant system being coupled to the function circuitry to assist the specified elements in digitally changing state by helping to overcome capacitances and/or inductances associated with the function circuitry, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 153 words

An electronic circuit comprising: digital function circuitry which performs electronic functions, specified elements of the function circuitry digitally changing state in synchronism with a first circuit clock signal provided from a first circuit clock line to clock inputs of the specified elements at a circuit frequency; and a resonant system which oscillates at the circuit frequency, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, the resonant system being coupled to the function circuitry to assist the specified elements in digitally changing state by helping to overcome capacitances and/or inductances associated with the function circuitry, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 22 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 58 wherein the oscillations of the resonant system include harmonics of approximately the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 13 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 59 wherein the harmonics are odd-numbered harmonics.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 14 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 58 wherein the resonator comprises a self-driven oscillator.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 22 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 58 wherein each circuit clock line is passively connected between the resonator and the function circuitry.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 57 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 58 wherein the resonator comprises: a main section that provides oscillations of the resonant system with a frequency component substantially at the fundamental resonance frequency; and a further section that provides oscillations of the resonant system with a frequency component substantially at a harmonic resonance frequency above the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 16 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 63 wherein the harmonic resonance frequency is an odd-numbered harmonic.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 44 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 58 wherein energy is transferred in a resonant manner among the resonator, a temporary storage site, and capacitance and/or inductance associated with the first circuit clock line and the clock inputs that receive the first circuit clock signal.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 17 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 58 wherein the first circuit clock signal approximates a square wave.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 15 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 58 wherein the digital function circuitry comprises CMOS circuitry.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 177 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportional to the input clock frequency to generate a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency; and function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, the resonant system including: a non-parasitic capacitor coupled between the resonator and a source of a substantially fixed reference voltage or other voltage at a much lower frequency than the circuit frequency, the resonator being coupled to the circuit clock line; and a driver responsive to the input clock signal for providing a driver signal to a node between the resonator and the capacitor.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 177 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportional to the input clock frequency to generate a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency; and function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, the resonant system including: a non-parasitic capacitor coupled between the resonator and a source of a substantially fixed reference voltage or other voltage at a much lower frequency than the circuit frequency, the resonator being coupled to the circuit clock line; and a driver responsive to the input clock signal for providing a driver signal to a node between the resonator and the capacitor.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 119 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 68 wherein the driver comprises: a pre-driver that generates a pair of switching signals substantially in synchronism with the input clock signal, each switching signal having an active level and an inactive level, each switching signal being at its inactive level only when the other switching signal is at its active level, whereby only one of the switching signals is active at any time; and a pair of switches coupled together to a driver line and coupled in series between a pair of different voltage supplies, the switches being respectively responsive to the switching signals for enabling current to flow through the driver line when either switching signal is at its active level.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 128 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportionally to the input clock frequency to generate a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency, the circuit clock signal having a substantially greater voltage swing than the input clock signal; and function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 128 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportionally to the input clock frequency to generate a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency, the circuit clock signal having a substantially greater voltage swing than the input clock signal; and function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 111 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 70 wherein the function circuitry includes at least one circuit element comprising: complementary first and second field-effect transistors ("FETs"), each having a first source/drain electrode, a second source/drain electrode, and a gate electrode coupled to the resonator, a data input signal being supplied to the first source/drain electrode of the first FET; a first inverter having (a) an input coupled to the second source/drain electrodes and (b) an output for providing a data output signal; and a second inverter having (a) an input coupled to the output of the first inverter and (b) an output coupled to the first source/drain electrode of the second FET.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 154 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportional to the input clock frequency to generate a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency; and function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency such that the first circuit clock signal approximates a square wave.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 154 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportional to the input clock frequency to generate a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency; and function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency such that the first circuit clock signal approximates a square wave.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 22 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 72 wherein oscillations of the resonant system include odd-numbered harmonics of approximately the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 49 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 72 wherein the resonant system includes a non-parasitic capacitor coupled between the resonator and a source of a substantially fixed reference voltage or other voltage at a much lower frequency than the circuit frequency, the resonator being coupled to the circuit clock line.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 35 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 72 wherein the resonator is coupled between the circuit clock line and a source of a reference voltage approximately equal to the time-averaged voltage of the circuit clock signal.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 47 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 75 wherein the resonant system includes a non-parasitic capacitor coupled between (a) the source of the reference voltage and (b) a source of a substantially fixed further reference voltage or other voltage at a much lower frequency than the circuit frequency.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 59 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 72 wherein the resonant system generates a second circuit clock signal substantially inverse to the first circuit clock signal such that the second circuit clock signal also approximates a square wave, at least part of the electronic functions of the function circuitry also being performed in synchronism with the second circuit clock signal.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 62 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 77 wherein the resonator is coupled between the first circuit clock line and a second circuit clock line from which second clock inputs of the function circuitry receive the second circuit clock signal, the resonator also being largely in resonance with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the second circuit clock line and the second clock inputs.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 161 words

An electronic circuit comprising: function circuitry which performs electronic functions, specified elements of the function circuitry changing state in synchronism with a first circuit clock signal provided from a first circuit clock line to clock inputs of the specified elements at a circuit frequency; and a resonant system which oscillates at the circuit frequency, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, the resonant system being coupled to the function circuitry to assist the specified elements in changing state by helping to overcome capacitances and/or inductances associated with the function circuitry, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency such that the first circuit clock signal approximates a square wave.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 161 words

An electronic circuit comprising: function circuitry which performs electronic functions, specified elements of the function circuitry changing state in synchronism with a first circuit clock signal provided from a first circuit clock line to clock inputs of the specified elements at a circuit frequency; and a resonant system which oscillates at the circuit frequency, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock line and the clock inputs, the resonant system being coupled to the function circuitry to assist the specified elements in changing state by helping to overcome capacitances and/or inductances associated with the function circuitry, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency such that the first circuit clock signal approximates a square wave.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 22 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 79 wherein oscillations of the resonant system include odd-numbered harmonics of approximately the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 14 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 79 wherein the resonator comprises a self-driven oscillator.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 217 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportional to the input clock frequency to generate (a) a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency and (b) a second circuit clock signal substantially inverse to the first circuit clock signal; and function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, first clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the first circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, second clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the second clock signal from a second circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock lines and the clock inputs, the resonator being coupled between the circuit clock lines such that current flowing out of the resonator to each circuit clock line at any time substantially equals current flowing into the resonator from the other circuit clock line, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 217 words

An electronic circuit comprising: a resonant system which, in response to an input clock signal at an input clock frequency, oscillates at a circuit frequency substantially proportional to the input clock frequency to generate (a) a first circuit clock signal at the circuit frequency and (b) a second circuit clock signal substantially inverse to the first circuit clock signal; and function circuitry which performs electronic functions in synchronism with the circuit clock signal, first clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the first circuit clock signal from a first circuit clock line, second clock inputs of the function circuitry receiving the second clock signal from a second circuit clock line, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance at least with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock lines and the clock inputs, the resonator being coupled between the circuit clock lines such that current flowing out of the resonator to each circuit clock line at any time substantially equals current flowing into the resonator from the other circuit clock line, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 37 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 82 wherein the resonator comprises: a non-parasitic main inductive device coupled between the circuit clock lines; and at least one capacitor coupled in parallel with part of the main inductive device.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 228 words

An electronic circuit comprising: function circuitry which performs electronic functions, specified elements of the function circuitry changing state in synchronism (a) with a first circuit clock signal provided from a first circuit clock line to first clock inputs of the specified elements at a circuit frequency and (b) with a second circuit clock signal provided from a second circuit clock line to second clock inputs of the specified elements, the second circuit clock signal being substantially inverse to the first circuit clock signal; and a resonant system which oscillates at the circuit frequency, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock lines and the clock inputs, the resonator being coupled between the circuit clock lines such that current flowing out of the resonator to each circuit clock line at any time substantially equals current flowing into the resonator from the other circuit clock line, the resonant system thereby being coupled to the function circuitry to assist the specified elements in changing state by helping to overcome capacitances and/or inductances associated with the function circuitry, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 228 words

An electronic circuit comprising: function circuitry which performs electronic functions, specified elements of the function circuitry changing state in synchronism (a) with a first circuit clock signal provided from a first circuit clock line to first clock inputs of the specified elements at a circuit frequency and (b) with a second circuit clock signal provided from a second circuit clock line to second clock inputs of the specified elements, the second circuit clock signal being substantially inverse to the first circuit clock signal; and a resonant system which oscillates at the circuit frequency, the resonant system being operated close to a fundamental resonance frequency such that a resonator in the resonant system is largely in resonance with capacitance and/or inductance associated with the circuit clock lines and the clock inputs, the resonator being coupled between the circuit clock lines such that current flowing out of the resonator to each circuit clock line at any time substantially equals current flowing into the resonator from the other circuit clock line, the resonant system thereby being coupled to the function circuitry to assist the specified elements in changing state by helping to overcome capacitances and/or inductances associated with the function circuitry, oscillations of the resonant system including frequency components attributable to the fundamental resonance frequency and at least one resonance frequency of the resonant system other than the fundamental resonance frequency.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 14 words

An electronic circuit as in claim 84 wherein the resonator comprises a self-driven oscillator.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-03-30	2001-09-29	2002-03-31	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-03-30	2005-09-29	2006-03-31	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-03-30	2009-09-29	2010-03-31	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Electronic circuit utilizing resonance technique to drive clock inputs of function circuitry for saving power

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