Single-Line Clock Distribution Using Frequency Control Words
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Solution Overview
Problem
The layout of clock lines for clock distribution in communication equipment is complicated and ineffective due to the increasing number of diverse-sourced clocks, which requires extensive wiring and limited space in miniaturized backplanes, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for sending and receiving clocks that utilize frequency control words to transmit diverse-sourced clocks over a single clock line, involving frequency multiplication, sampling, and pulse width modulation to ensure accurate recovery of multiple clocks at the receiving end, reducing the need for multiple physical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple diverse-sourced clocks are distributed using separate clock lines, then each clock can be transmitted independently and reliably, but the number of required clock lines increases exponentially, leading to complicated wiring layout and excessive space consumption in the backplane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diverse-sourced clocks into a single composite clock signal for transmission over one clock line. The sending apparatus multiplexes multiple input clocks (from different frequency sources) onto a single transmission line by encoding frequency control words that represent each clock's characteristics, thereby merging what would traditionally require multiple separate lines into one unified transmission channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The single clock line is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it can transmit multiple diverse-sourced clocks and their associated control information through a unified protocol. The receiving apparatus can recover multiple independent clocks from this single line, making the clock line universal rather than dedicated to a single clock source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of clock lines is increased to accommodate more diverse-sourced clocks, then complete clock distribution coverage is achieved, but the wiring complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clock distribution functions are merged into a single transmission line. The system combines multiple input clocks from different frequency sources into one composite signal, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each clock and thereby reducing wiring layout complexity while maintaining complete distribution coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation by encoding clock frequency and phase information into control words rather than requiring separate physical lines. By transforming the clock information into a coded format that can be transmitted over a single line, the patent reduces wiring complexity while preserving adaptability to multiple clock sources.
3Ease of operation
If separate clock lines are used for each frequency source, then each clock can be independently controlled and monitored, but the manufacturing cost and space requirements increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent clock control functions into a single transmission line by encoding frequency control words for each clock source. This allows independent control and monitoring of multiple clocks while using shared infrastructure, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
Frequency control words serve as an intermediary that carries information about multiple diverse-sourced clocks over a single line. This intermediary mechanism enables independent control and monitoring of each clock source without requiring separate physical lines, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.
4Reliability
If extensive clock wiring is provided to support multiple frequency sources, then comprehensive clock distribution is achieved, but the backplane space utilization becomes inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clock distribution channels into a single line, achieving comprehensive clock distribution completeness while dramatically improving backplane space utilization. By combining multiple diverse-sourced clocks into one transmission channel with encoded control words, the system eliminates the need for extensive separate wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The single clock line performs multiple distribution functions simultaneously, serving as a universal transmission medium for multiple frequency sources. This multi-functionality achieves complete clock distribution coverage while optimizing backplane space utilization by eliminating redundant wiring for each individual clock source.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clock sending apparatus and method, and a clock receiving apparatus and method. The clock sending apparatus comprises: an input unit (102), configured to input a first input clock and a second input clock; a sampling unit (104), configured to acquire a first sampling clock and a second sampling clock, and determine a first frequency control word according to the first sampling clock and the second sampling clock, wherein the first frequency control word is used for indicating the relationship between the first sampling clock and the second sampling clock, the first sampling clock is determined by the first input clock according to a preset rule, and the second sampling clock is determined by the second input clock according to the preset rule; and a sending unit (106), configured to generate a clock signal according to the first input clock, and send the clock signal to a receiving side, wherein the clock signal at least carries the first frequency control word.