Abstract
This paper describes a reset-free delay-locked loop (DLL) for a memory controller application, with the aid of a hysteresis coarse lock detector. The coarse lock loop in the proposed DLL adjusts the delay between input and output clock within the pull-in range of the main loop phase detector. In addition, it monitors the main loop's lock status by dividing the input clock and counting its multiphase edges. Moreover, by using hysteresis, it controls the coarse lock range, thus reduces jitter. The proposed DLL neither suffers from harmonic lock and stuck problems nor needs an external reset or start-up signal. In a 0.13-${\mu}m$ CMOS process, post-layout simulation demonstrates that, even with a switching supply noise, the peak-to-peak jitter is less than 30 ps over the operating range of 500-1200 MHz. It occupies 0.04 $mm^2$ and dissipates 16.6 mW at 1.2 GHz.
