Adaptive Read Technique for Multi-Drop Bus Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
MIPI I3C℠ multi-drop bus technologies face challenges in meeting read timing requirements, particularly in longer platform topologies or board trace lengths, which can result in read path timing violations, and existing solutions often require lowering operating frequency to address these issues, thereby reducing bus efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive read/write timing calibration circuit that measures and adjusts clock delays by digitally measuring the propagation delay from the master device to the slave devices, allowing for adaptive adjustment of read and write clock buffers without impacting the bus operating frequency, enabling effective timing compliance without prior platform topology information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bus operating frequency is lowered to meet read timing requirements in longer platform topologies, then timing compliance is achieved, but bus efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing parameters by introducing adjustable delay elements in the read path. The master device incorporates delay circuits that can be programmed to introduce specific time delays, allowing the system to meet timing requirements without reducing the bus operating frequency. This transforms the fixed timing parameter into an adjustable one, resolving the contradiction between timing compliance and bus efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary timing calibration during system initialization or manufacturing. The delay elements are pre-configured with optimal delay values based on the specific platform topology and trace lengths. This preliminary action ensures that timing requirements are met before normal operation begins, allowing the bus to run at full speed without timing violations during actual data transmission.
2Reliability
If the bus operating frequency is lowered to address read path timing violations, then timing requirements are met, but read speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces programmable delay elements in the read path that can be configured to compensate for transmission delays. By adjusting the delay parameter of these elements, the system meets timing requirements while maintaining the original bus operating frequency, thus preserving read speed. The delay elements are positioned strategically in the read path to provide precise timing adjustment without affecting overall data throughput.
3Device complexity
If fixed timing parameters are used in multi-drop bus, then design is simplified, but timing compliance fails in longer platform topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed timing parameters into dynamic, adjustable parameters. The master device includes delay elements with programmable delay values that can be adapted to different platform topologies and cable lengths. This dynamic approach maintains design simplicity by keeping the same hardware architecture while allowing timing parameters to be adjusted through software or configuration, ensuring timing compliance across various deployment scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the master device to automatically measure and adjust its own timing parameters. The system includes self-calibration functionality where the master device can perform timing measurements on the actual platform topology and automatically configure the delay elements to achieve optimal timing compliance. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external calibration equipment while ensuring reliable timing performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided which comprises: a data circuitry to send and receive data to and from one or more devices coupled to the data circuitry via a first transmission line; and a first adjustable clock buffer coupled to the data circuitry, wherein the first adjustable clock buffer is to adjust a delay to an edge of a read clock according to a response time of the one or more devices.