Clock Divider Sync Delay for Deterministic Multi-Device Phase Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-transceiver systems face challenges in achieving deterministic phase and data delay at start-up due to random clock phases in frequency dividers, requiring additional high-precision circuitry for phase measurement and calibration, which increases area, power consumption, and extends start-up times.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization scheme that uses a low-frequency synchronization clock to programmatically alter the phase of each device, spreading clock phases over time with deterministic delays, optimizing spurious performance while maintaining low circuit complexity and minimal overhead in silicon area and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional phase measurement and calibration methods are used, then phase determinism is achieved, but additional high-precision circuitry is needed increasing area and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
A delay locked loop (DLL) is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the clock source and the frequency dividers. The DLL generates delayed clock signals that are used to synchronize the start-up of frequency dividers, eliminating the need for complex phase measurement circuitry while achieving deterministic phase alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical phase measurement circuitry with a software-controlled delay mechanism. The delay amount is programmatically set based on the number of frequency dividers, substituting hardware-based phase calibration with a flexible software-configurable approach
2Measurement precision
If conventional phase measurement and calibration methods are used, then phase accuracy is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delay locked loop serves as a power-efficient intermediary that generates precisely delayed clock signals without requiring continuous operation of high-precision phase measurement circuitry. The DLL only activates during start-up synchronization, significantly reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs phase alignment preliminarily during start-up using the DLL mechanism, establishing deterministic clock phases before normal operation begins. This eliminates the need for continuous power-consuming phase calibration during operational phases
3Reliability
If conventional phase measurement and calibration methods are used, then phase alignment is achieved, but start-up time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The delay locked loop performs phase alignment preliminarily during the clock initialization phase, generating pre-delayed clock signals that synchronize all frequency dividers simultaneously. This preliminary action establishes deterministic phases before any data processing begins, avoiding post-start-up calibration delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the delay parameter in the DLL based on the number of frequency dividers in the system. By programmatically changing the delay amount, the system optimizes the synchronization timing to minimize start-up time while ensuring all dividers are properly aligned
4Speed
If frequency dividers are used to generate clock signals, then clock signal generation is achieved, but random clock phases occur at every start-up
Solution Approach 1:
The delay locked loop acts as a mediating synchronization mechanism that receives the generated clock signals and introduces controlled delays to align the phases of multiple frequency dividers. This intermediary ensures that despite the inherent randomness of divider start-up phases, the final clock signals are deterministically aligned
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic clock signals from the DLL to synchronize the start-up of frequency dividers. By resetting and synchronizing all dividers to the same periodic reference, the system ensures that clock phases are consistent across all devices at each start-up cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-device system and a method for phase alignment of multiple devices in a multi-device system. The system includes a plurality of devices, a plurality of clock dividers, and a delay circuit. The plurality of devices are configured to operate based on a first clock signal. The clock dividers are configured to generate a second clock signal from the first clock signal and provide the second clock signal to the devices. The delay circuit is configured to incur a specific delay to the second clock signal provided to the devices such that a phase of the second clock signal provided to the devices is spread over time. Each of the clock dividers may be reset based on a reference clock signal provided to each clock divider, and the delay circuit may incur the specific delay on the reference clock signal provided to each clock divider.