Clock Alignment Circuitry for Multi-Channel ADC/DAC Timing Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed digital-to-analogue (DAC) and analogue-to-digital (ADC) converter circuitry faces challenges in synchronizing clock signals across multiple channels, leading to potential out-of-order data outputs and noise in the final signal due to varying delays and phase differences, making precise calibration difficult.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves alignment circuitry with clocked latches and gating circuitry to synchronize clock signals, and calibration circuitry with phase detectors and comparators to adjust delays, ensuring synchronized clock signals across channels, and alignment circuitry that re-times enable signals to start the output of delayed target clock signals at the correct timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If clock signals are distributed across multiple channels in high-speed DAC and ADC circuitry, then the system can achieve high conversion rates and parallel processing capability, but varying delays and phase differences occur between channels leading to out-of-order data outputs and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the delay between synchronization clock signals and target clock signals before the actual data conversion process. The calibration circuitry performs delay measurements and stores calibration values in advance, which are then used to adjust clock signals during operation. This pre-calibration approach ensures timing alignment is established before high-speed parallel processing begins, preventing out-of-order outputs and noise while maintaining high conversion rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through calibration circuitry that continuously monitors and measures delay differences between channels. Phase detectors compare the timing of synchronization clock signals with target clock signals, and the measured delay information is fed back to adjust the clock signal distribution. This closed-loop feedback mechanism dynamically compensates for timing variations, ensuring precise timing alignment across multiple channels while preserving high productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise calibration is performed to synchronize clock signals across channels, then timing alignment and signal quality improve, but the calibration process becomes complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization clock signal that mediates between the reference clock source and the target clock signals distributed to different channels. This synchronization clock serves as a common reference point that simplifies the calibration process by providing a unified timing基准 for all channels. The calibration circuitry measures delays relative to this intermediary signal, making the calibration process more systematic and less complex while achieving precise timing alignment across channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the delay characteristics of clock signals through variable delay circuits. The calibration process modifies the delay parameter of each channel's clock signal based on measured timing differences. By changing the delay parameter dynamically, the system achieves precise timing alignment without requiring complex hardware modifications. The delay values are adjusted based on calibration measurements, simplifying the overall calibration process while maintaining high timing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If delay circuitry is added to synchronize clock signals, then timing alignment improves, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing calibration circuitry that performs multiple functions: it measures delay, generates calibration values, controls variable delay circuits, and validates timing alignment. This multi-functional calibration unit reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each calibration task. The same calibration circuitry is used across all channels, providing a universal solution that achieves precise clock synchronization without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by integrating the calibration circuitry within the existing clock distribution architecture. The variable delay circuits are nested within the clock signal paths, and the calibration control logic is embedded within the overall system controller. This nested structure allows the calibration functionality to be incorporated without adding significant external components. The calibration system is nested within the existing hierarchical clock distribution structure, achieving synchronization while minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Alignment circuitry including a first clocked latch for receiving a synchronization signal having an enable edge and a target clock signal and outputting an enable signal having an enable edge corresponding to the enable edge of the synchronization signal and synchronized with the target clock signal; a second clocked latch for receiving the enable signal and a delayed target clock signal, being a version of the target clock signal having been delayed by a delay circuit of the clock-controlled circuitry, and outputting a re-timed enable signal having an enable edge corresponding to the enable edge of the enable signal and synchronized with the delayed target clock signal; and gating circuitry for receiving the delayed target clock signal and the re-timed enable signal and to start output of the delayed target clock signal at a timing defined by the enable edge of the re-timed enable signal for controlling the clock-controlled circuitry.