Chip-to-Chip Interface Clocking Architecture for Multi-Mode Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chip-to-chip (C2C) interfaces in high-speed integrated circuit systems are constrained by the limited area available for signal transmission, leading to bandwidth limitations and lack of support for multiple communication modes, with existing clocking techniques being specific and not adaptable to different modes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a chip-to-chip interface that communicates both an interface clock signal and a logic clock signal, where the frequency of the interface clock signal is a multiple of the logic clock signal, allowing for flexible communication modes such as low-latency streaming and flow control, and enabling independent generation and use of clock signals for data and control signals to improve reliability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single clock signal is used for C2C interface communication, then the interface structure is simple, but the interface cannot support multiple different communication modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clock signal into two separate signals: an interface clock signal for data communication and a logic clock signal for control signal communication. This segmentation allows each signal to be optimized for its specific function, enabling multiple communication modes without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The chip-to-chip interface is designed to universally support multiple communication modes (e.g., streaming mode, flow control mode) by simultaneously providing both interface clock signals and logic clock signals. This multi-functional design allows the same interface to adapt to different communication requirements without requiring separate interfaces for each mode
2Productivity
If the interface area is limited, then the chip design is compact, but the number of signals and wires that can pass through the interface is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission of clock signals and data signals into a single integrated interface. By combining multiple functions (data communication and control signal communication) into one interface structure, the design achieves high bandwidth without requiring additional interface area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different signal domains and frequency relationships to increase bandwidth. By establishing that the interface clock signal frequency is a multiple of the logic clock signal frequency, the system can transmit more data within the same physical constraints, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the communication capability
3Reliability
If clock signals are generated independently for data and control signals, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock signal generation function into separate independent sources: one for the interface clock signal and another for the logic clock signal. This extraction ensures that failures in one clock signal do not propagate to the other, improving reliability while the frequency relationship maintains coordination between signals
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) device includes a first IC chip, a second IC chip, and a chip-to-chip interface connected between the first IC chip and the second IC chip. The chip-to-chip interface communicates an interface clock signal and a logic clock signal between the first IC chip and the second IC chip. A frequency of the interface clock signal is a multiple of a frequency of the logic clock signal.