Carrier Generator Synchronization for Single-Line RF Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing bandwidth requirements of devices in packaged integrated circuits are limited by traditional communication buses like SPI and I2C, necessitating a more efficient data transmission method to reduce electrical interconnects and conserve space.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency interconnect (RFI) system using a differential transmission line connects devices, featuring a transmitter and receiver with a carrier synchronization section that generates and regenerates carrier signals for data modulation and demodulation, employing phase lock loops and multiplexers to enable efficient data transmission across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional communication buses (SPI, I2C) are used for data transmission between devices, then device connectivity is maintained, but bandwidth requirements cannot be met and data transmission capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidnumber of electrical interconnects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple bus lines into a single differential transmission line for RFI communication. Instead of using separate physical connections for each data line, the system merges all data transmission into one differential pair, dramatically reducing the number of electrical interconnects while maintaining or improving data transmission capacity through RF modulation techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single differential transmission line serves multiple functions simultaneously - it carries all data transmission between devices, replaces multiple dedicated bus lines, and provides both signaling and power functions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized interconnects for each communication protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple bus lines are used to meet increasing bandwidth requirements, then data transmission capacity increases, but space consumption increases and electrical interconnects are not conserved

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple high-bandwidth communication channels are merged into a single differential transmission line. The system achieves high bandwidth not through multiple physical lines but through RF modulation techniques that enable high-speed data transmission over the consolidated single interconnect, thereby reducing space consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from spatial multiplication (adding more physical bus lines) to frequency-domain multiplication (using RF modulation). Instead of increasing bandwidth by adding more lines in space, the system increases bandwidth by utilizing higher frequency ranges and modulation techniques on the single transmission line

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If a single differential transmission line is used to reduce electrical interconnects, then space is conserved and power is saved, but precise synchronization and data integrity must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of electrical interconnectsVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms through phase-locked loops (PLLs) at both transmitter and receiver ends. The PLLs continuously monitor and adjust the carrier signals to maintain precise synchronization, compensating for any drift or distortion that occurs over the single differential transmission line, thereby ensuring data integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Carrier signals generated by PLLs serve as intermediaries between the digital data and the RF transmission medium. These carrier signals are modulated with the data, transmitted over the differential line, and then demodulated at the receiver, providing a reliable bridge that maintains synchronization and data integrity across the reduced interconnect structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10003455B2Carrier generator, radio frequency interconnect including the carrier generator and method of using

Publication Date: 2018.06.19 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

A carrier generator includes a phase accumulator configured to generate a phase reference signal based on a frequency command word (FCW) signal, a time to digital converter (TDC) configured to generate a feedback signal based on a divided signal, a loop filter configured to generate a filtered command signal based on the phase reference signal and the feedback signal, and a plurality of tuning arrangements. Each tuning arrangement includes an oscillator configured to receive the filtered command signal and output an adjustment signal, and is configured to output a carrier signal of a corresponding plurality of carrier signals based on the adjustment signal. The divided signal is based on the adjustment signal of a first tuning arrangement.