Clock Circuit Switching and Calibration for Signal Loss Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock circuits face a high risk of clock signal loss due to malfunction or disconnection, leading to potential data loss, and previous solutions like redundant clock sources are complex and expensive, with local clock signals experiencing errors when timing signals deviate or are lost.
Innovation Solution
A clock circuit design that includes a switch control unit, clock calibration unit, and switch unit to select between a primary and secondary clock signal, calibrating the secondary signal to match the primary's accuracy, ensuring continued clock signal availability and accuracy even if the primary signal fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant clock source is used to prevent clock signal loss, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calibrating the secondary clock signal to the primary clock signal before the primary clock fails. The calibration unit adjusts the secondary clock's frequency and phase in advance so that when switching occurs, the transition is seamless and no data loss occurs. This eliminates the need for complex real-time synchronization mechanisms during failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a calibrated replica of the primary clock signal through the secondary clock source. The calibration unit generates a copy of the primary clock's timing characteristics, allowing the secondary clock to seamlessly replace the primary clock when needed, without requiring complete redundancy of the entire clock generation system.
2Ease of operation
If a local clock is used for data sampling, then operation independence is improved, but clock synchronization accuracy deteriorates when transmitted clock signal is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration of the local clock to match the primary clock's frequency and phase before any failure occurs. This advance preparation ensures that when the primary clock is lost and the local clock takes over, the data sampling remains accurate without requiring complex real-time synchronization during the transition.
3Measurement precision
If clock calibration is performed continuously, then clock accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by performing clock calibration at specific intervals or under certain conditions (such as when switching between primary and secondary clocks) rather than continuously. The calibration unit is activated periodically or event-driven, maintaining clock accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous calibration approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock circuit which may include a first clock input for receiving a first clock signal and a second clock input for receiving a second clock signal. A clock calibration unit is connected to the first clock input and the second clock input. The calibration unit may calibrate the second clock signal relative to the first clock signal. The clock calibration unit may have a calibration output for outputting a calibrated clock signal. The clock circuit may include a switch unit connected to the first clock input and the calibration output. The switch unit can select a selected clock signal selected from the first clock signal and the calibrated signal. The switch unit has a switch output for outputting the selected clock signal. A switch control unit is connected to the switch unit for controlling which signal is selected based on a selection criterion and a clock circuit output is connected to the switch unit for outputting the selected clock signal.