Charge-based charge pumps are described which include a switchable capacitor configured for connection to a voltage source, a ground, and a charge pump output. A first pair of switches include a first switch configured to connect the switchable capacitor to ground and a second switch configured to connect the switchable capacitor to the voltage source. A second pair of switches include a third switch configured to connect a first node, between the switchable capacitor and ground, to the charge pump output, and a fourth switch configured to connect a second node, between the switchable capacitor and the voltage source, to the charge pump output. Locked loop designs, such as phase locked loops or delay locked loops, are described that include charge-based charge pumps.