This paper describes a phase-locked loop (PLL) with digital control featuring a binary quantizing circuit, a synchronizing algorithm, a lock detector and a compact D/A converter. The binary quantizing circuit and synchronizing algorithm make it possible to compare phase and frequency together and to reduce digital control logic by half. Interpolation of upper-bit D/A converter output by lower-bit output reduces the number of current sources of a 9 bit D/A converter from 511 to 80. SPICE simulation with a 0.25 µm CMOS has demonstrated that the development of 200 MHz PLL using digital control is feasible.

This paper describes two techniques for low-power single-end multiport SRAM's: a current direction sense circuit and a write bit-line swing control circuit. The sense circuit's input node is clamped at an intermediate voltage level, and the circuit transforms current direction into a logic value. It operates four times faster than a CMOS inverter, when driver sizes are equal. When it is applied to a single-end multiport SRAM, access is accelerated 3.2 times faster than that with a CMOS inverter with no increase in power consumption. The write bit-line swing control circuit reduces the bit-line precharge level within the limit of correct operation by using a memory cell replica. The control circuit reduces power consumption for bit-line driving and pseudoread cell current by 40%.