Clock Signal Delay Calibration for Multi-Path Data Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clock delay calibration techniques in integrated circuits require individual calibration for each clock path, leading to increased area and power overhead, and are not optimized for faster operational frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine and apply delays to clock signals based on models of clock signal distribution paths, using both the time duration for signal communication and the cycle duration of the clock signal, allowing for reduced resource requirements by enabling multiple delays to be determined for various calibration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual delay line calibration is performed for each clock path, then clock signal synchronization is achieved, but area and power overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal calibration approach where a single delay line calibration process serves multiple clock paths simultaneously. The calibration system determines delay values that can be applied across multiple forwarded clock groups, eliminating the need for separate calibration circuits for each clock path while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual calibration operations into a single unified calibration process. By combining the calibration functions for multiple clock paths into one system, the patent reduces the total area and power overhead while achieving the same synchronization results that would otherwise require separate calibration circuits for each path.
2Reliability
If individual delay line calibration is performed for each clock path, then clock signal synchronization is achieved, but power overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is designed to serve multiple clock paths with a single calibration operation, reducing the power consumption associated with redundant calibration circuits. The universal calibration approach eliminates the need for each clock path to have its own dedicated calibration power budget.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the calibration operations for multiple clock paths into a single process, the patent significantly reduces the total power overhead. The unified calibration system shares resources and operational power across all clock paths, rather than each path consuming separate calibration power.
3Reliability
If conventional calibration techniques are used, then clock path calibration is achieved, but resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional calibration resource that can calibrate multiple clock paths using a single set of calibration circuits. This universal calibration mechanism reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant calibration resources while maintaining comprehensive clock path calibration capability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If tight timing parameters are used, then power consumption is reduced, but I/O latency becomes more sensitive to temperature, voltage, and process variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the delay line calibration to optimize the balance between power consumption and latency stability. By adjusting delay parameters dynamically or selecting from calibrated delay values, the system can maintain stable I/O latency across varying conditions while managing power consumption effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and mechanisms for determining a delay to be applied to a clock signal for synchronizing data communication. In an embodiment, a delay is applied to a first clock signal to generate a second clock signal, which is then communicated to a latch circuit via a clock signal distribution path. The delay is determined based on an evaluation of a first time needed for signal communication via a model of the clock signal distribution path. Such determining is further based on an evaluation of a second time for one cycle of a cyclical signal, where said cycle correspond to that of the first clock signal. In another embodiment, multiple different delays are applied each to a different respective clock signal, where each of said delays is based on both the evaluation of the first time and the evaluation of the second time.