Calibrated Transfer Rate for Clock Generator Initialization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated circuit designs face inefficiencies in reconfiguring circuitry during power-up due to distributed nonvolatile memory storage, leading to prolonged power-up times and potential system instability if clock frequencies are not stable upon initialization.
Innovation Solution
A novel architecture that transfers calibration data to volatile memory upon power-up to set an accelerated operational frequency for configuration data transfer, enabling quicker stabilization of clock systems by using nonvolatile memory to store calibration data and volatile memory for speed control, allowing for sequential and efficient configuration of circuit elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If configuration data is stored in distributed nonvolatile memory locations throughout the semiconductor die, then every bit can be supported at its respective die location, but the nonvolatile memory structure becomes inefficient and power-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates configuration data storage into a centralized nonvolatile memory structure rather than distributing it across multiple locations. This merging of storage resources reduces the overall memory structure complexity and enables more efficient data retrieval during power-up, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and power-up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a calibration sequence that executes before normal operation to pre-determine the optimal transfer rate. By performing this calibration action in advance during power-up, the system establishes configuration parameters that will be used throughout operation, reducing the time needed for subsequent configuration data transfers.
2Reliability
If configuration data is transferred at default speed upon power-up, then system stability is maintained, but power-up time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic transfer rate adjustment mechanism where the data transfer speed is not fixed but can be modified based on calibration results. The system transitions from a static default speed to a dynamic calibrated speed, allowing optimal performance while maintaining stability through the calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transfer rate parameter from a fixed default value to a calibrated value determined during the power-up calibration sequence. This parameter change enables the system to optimize data transfer speed while maintaining reliability through the preliminary calibration process.
3Productivity
If calibration data is transferred first to set accelerated speed, then configuration data transfer speed increases, but the transfer process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration data transfer process into distinct phases: a calibration phase for determining optimal transfer rates and a data transfer phase for actual configuration. This segmentation allows the system to optimize each phase independently, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calibration data transfer as a preliminary action before the main configuration data transfer. This preliminary calibration establishes the optimal transfer parameters that will be used throughout the subsequent data transfer process, enabling accelerated transfer speeds without compromising system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are described for the implementation of a novel architecture to support a calibrated rate for the transfer of circuit configuration data. Sets of configuration data from a memory may be transferred to volatile memory to support reconfigurable circuit elements, for example, for use in a clock generator. Upon system power-up, there may be a default speed for the transfer of the configuration data. Techniques are described to first transfer calibration data upon power-up; the transferred calibration data may then be used to set an accelerated speed for a remaining portion of the transfer.