Method and apparatus for generating a time delayed signal with a minimum data dependency error using an oscillator

An apparatus for generating a delayed output signal from an input signal comprising:

• an oscillator generating a plurality of oscillating signals phase-shifted with respect to each other, the plurality of oscillating signals including at least one oscillating signal;
• a pulse generator, coupled to said oscillator, said pulse generator generating a first delayed signal having a first time delay in response to said input signal, said first delayed signal stopping and re-starting said at least one oscillating signal,
• a phase selector selecting one of said plurality of oscillating signals;
• a vernier coupled to said phase selector, said vernier generating multiple steps of a second time delay for said delayed output signal;
• a pipeline unit coupled to said pulse generator, said pipeline unit generating a second delayed signal from said first delayed signal;
• and
• a register coupled to said pipeline and vernier, said register generating multiple steps of a third time delay for said delayed output signal, said register for outputting said delayed output signal in response to said second delayed signal and an output signal from said vernier.

An apparatus for generating a delayed output signal from an input signal, comprising:

• means for generating a plurality of oscillating signals, the plurality of oscillating signals including at least one oscillating signal;
• and
• means for generating a first delayed signal having a first time delay in response to said input signal
• wherein said plurality of oscillating signals have substantially the same period and are phase-shifted with respect to each other;
• means for selecting one of said plurality of oscillating signals;
• means for generating multiple steps of a second time delay for said delayed output signal;
• means for generating a second delayed signal from said first delayed signal;
• and
• means for generating multiple steps of a third time delay for said delayed output signal and for outputting said delayed output signal in response to said second delayed signal and an output from said means for generating said multiple steps of said second time delay,
• wherein said means for generating said second delayed signal includes means for delivering said second delayed signal to said means for generating said multiple steps of said third time delay at a time appropriate for the amount of said first, second, and third time delays.

A method for generating a delayed output signal from an input signal, comprising:

• generating a plurality of oscillating signals;
• stopping said plurality of oscillating signals in response to a first edge of the input signal;
• restarting said plurality of oscillating signals in response to second edge of the input signal;
• selecting a one of the plurality of oscillating signals, the one of the plurality of oscillating signals forming a first delayed signal;
• delaying the one of the plurality of oscillating signals by a small amount to form a second delayed signal;
• and
• delaying the input signal, using the second delayed signal, to form the delayed output signal.