Programmable Clock Delay Alignment for 3D Stacked Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In three-dimensionally stacked semiconductor elements, the data signal transmitted between master and slave circuits is misaligned with the clock signal due to transmission delay, requiring multiple delay lines that consume significant layout area and generate unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An interface device with a slave circuit that includes a programmable delay line, an output clock generator, and a phase detector, which adjusts the delay amount of the clock signal to align it with the data signal, eliminating the need for multiple delay lines and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple delay lines are added between master and slave circuits to align data signal with clock signal, then signal alignment is improved, but circuit layout area and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the delay adjustment function from the data signal path and relocates it to the clock signal path. Instead of adding multiple delay lines to the multi-bit data signal, a single programmable delay line is applied to the single-bit clock signal, achieving the same alignment effect with minimal circuit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable delay line applied to the clock signal serves a universal function for aligning all multi-bit data signals simultaneously. This single delay mechanism replaces multiple separate delay lines that would otherwise be needed for each data bit, achieving multi-functionality with a single component.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple delay lines are added between master and slave circuits to align data signal with clock signal, then signal alignment is improved, but power consumption increases due to data signal transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the delay adjustment function from the data signal path and relocates it to the clock signal path. Instead of adding multiple delay lines to the multi-bit data signal, a single programmable delay line is applied to the single-bit clock signal, achieving the same alignment effect with minimal circuit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the clock signal itself to carry the delay adjustment, eliminating the need for separate delay lines for each data bit. The clock signal serves dual purposes: timing reference and alignment mechanism, reducing overall power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of delay lines are disposed between master and slave circuits, then signal alignment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the delay adjustment function from the data signal path and relocates it to the clock signal path. Instead of adding multiple delay lines to the multi-bit data signal, a single programmable delay line is applied to the single-bit clock signal, achieving the same alignment effect with minimal circuit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable delay line applied to the clock signal serves a universal function for aligning all multi-bit data signals simultaneously. This single delay mechanism replaces multiple separate delay lines that would otherwise be needed for each data bit, achieving multi-functionality with a single component.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device and a signal transceiving method thereof are provided. The interface device includes a slave circuit and a master circuit. The slave circuit is coupled to the master circuit and includes a first programmable delay line, a first output clock generator, and a first phase detector. The first programmable delay line provides a first adjusting delay amount according to a first adjust signal, and generates a first delayed clock signal by delaying a first clock signal according to the first adjusting delay amount. The first output clock generator generates a second clock signal according to the first delayed clock signal. The first phase detector detects a phase difference of the first clock signal and the second clock signal to generate first phase lead or lag information. The first adjust signal is generated according to the first phase lead or lag information.