3D IC Interface Clock Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D integrated circuit interface devices face challenges in maintaining reliable data communication between master and slave devices due to data contention and bit errors, which necessitate error correction and slower data communication speeds.
Innovation Solution
The interface device and method utilize a clock generator to align the clock phase with data clusters, allowing each slave device to adjust its local clock and avoid data contention, thereby minimizing errors and eliminating the need for error correction, and enabling faster data communication by training the local clock during startup and compensating for voltage-temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data communication speed is increased in 3D integrated circuit, then productivity is improved, but data contention and bit errors increase causing reliability to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing clock training during the startup phase before normal data communication begins. The local clock of each slave device is trained to align with the master clock phase, and data clusters are pre-positioned at optimal sampling points. This preliminary synchronization prevents data contention and bit errors during high-speed operation, allowing the system to achieve both high productivity and reliability simultaneously
2Reliability
If error correction mechanisms are added to ensure reliable data communication, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of data contention and timing mismatches into a beneficial pre-synchronization process. By training the local clock and aligning data clusters during startup, the system eliminates the need for complex error correction mechanisms during normal operation. The harmful timing issues are resolved in advance, allowing simple direct data transmission without additional complexity
3Reliability
If clock phase alignment is performed to minimize data contention, then reliability is improved, but additional processing time is required during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by structuring the clock training process as a systematic sequence of phase alignment operations during startup. The local clock is adjusted in periodic steps to match the master clock phase, and data clusters are positioned at regular intervals corresponding to optimal sampling points. This structured periodic approach minimizes the total training time while ensuring reliable synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device and an interface method for interfacing between a master device and a slave device is provided. The master device generates command and the slave device generates data according to the command. The interface device includes a master interface and a slave interface. The master interface is coupled to the master device and configured to send the command to the slave device and/or receive the data from the slave device. The slave interface is coupled to the slave device and configured to receive the command from the master device and/or send the data to the master device. The master interface and the slave interface are driven by a clock generated by a clock generator. The master interface and the slave interface are electrically connected by one or plurality of bonds and/or TSVs.