US Patent 7515005 Variable frequency multi-phase oscillator

A variable frequency multi-phase oscillator for providing multi-phase signals is disclosed. The variable frequency multi-phase oscillator includes a correlator, a plurality of delay cells, and a NOR circuit. Each delay cell includes a current supply, a capacitor, a comparator, a switch, and a logic unit. The plurality of delay cells generate the multi-phase signals that are phase correlated within a large frequency range. The frequency and duty cycles of the multi-phase signals are adjustable.