Piecewise Linear Modulation Technique for Spread Spectrum Clock Generation

We propose a novel modulation profile for a spread spectrum clock generator (SSCG). The proposed piecewise linear (PWL) modulation profile significantly reduces electromagnetic interference with a simple implementation. Two SSCGs with two- and three-slope-PWL modulation profiles are used. Both SSCGs consist of the proposed spread spectrum control profile generator and a phase-locked loop that includes a high-resolution fractional divider to reduce quantization noise from a delta-sigma modulator. The SSCG with the two-slope-PWL modulation profile was fabricated in a 0.18 μm 1P4M CMOS technology. The measured peak power reduction level of the two-slope-PWL modulation profile is 14.2 dB with 5000 ppm down spreading at 1.5 GHz. The SSCG occupies an active area of 0.49 mm² and consumes 40 mW of power at 1.5 GHz. The SSCG with the three-slope-PWL modulation profile was fabricated in a 0.13 μm 1P6M CMOS technology. The measured peak power reduction level of the three-slope-PWL modulation profile is 10.3 and 10.52 dB with 5000 ppm down spreading at 162 and 270 MHz, respectively. The SSCG occupies an active area of 0.096 mm² and dissipates 1 mW of power at 270 MHz.