US Patent 7812648 Frequency divider

A frequency divider using a clock source with a plurality of phase signals of a multi-phase oscillator. In one version, the divider includes a plurality of spot-moving stages that are connected to form a ring. Spot-moving stages are stages that advance a one or a zero, while clearing the previous stage. Depending on the number of stages and the number of phases of the clock to advance a spot through all of the stages, a divider ratio is determined. In another embodiment, a plurality of latch elements is provided with a divided input and each is re-clocked with the phases of a multi-phase oscillator. The outputs of the latch elements are combined in a capacitor array to create the output waveform. An interpolator useful in conjunction with a frequency divider is also disclosed. When the interpolator is placed in the feedback path of a PLL, a fractional frequency multiplier/divider results.