Clock Domain Synchronization Using Edge-Detected Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems with multiple functional blocks operating at different clock frequencies, data transfer between clock domains often results in errors due to asynchronous data capture, leading to metastable states and erroneous logic values, especially when applying existing synchronization techniques to entire data buses proves complex and performance-reducing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a synchronizer circuit with multiple flip-flop circuits to synchronize data transfers between clock domains, including a first flip-flop configured to sample data based on a first clock signal, a synchronizer circuit to synchronize the first clock signal to a second clock signal, and an edge detection circuit to capture data upon detecting the edge of the first clock signal, effectively handling data bus synchronization across entire data busses while maintaining system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional synchronization units are used to transfer data between clock domains, then data transfer accuracy is improved, but device complexity and performance increase when applying to entire data buses
Solution Approach 1:
The data bus is segmented into multiple independent data groups, each processed by separate synchronization paths. This allows parallel handling of multiple data elements without requiring a single complex synchronization unit for the entire bus, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining data transfer accuracy across all segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies synchronization only to critical data elements or uses partial synchronization strategies where full bus synchronization is not required. By synchronizing only when necessary or for specific data groups, the system achieves adequate reliability without the performance penalty of complete bus-wide synchronization
2Reliability
If synchronization is applied to entire data buses, then data transfer reliability is improved, but system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data bus is divided into multiple independent data groups that can be processed in parallel. This segmentation enables simultaneous synchronization of multiple data elements, maintaining high reliability while improving overall system performance through parallel processing rather than sequential bus-wide synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
Data groups are prepared and organized in advance before synchronization is needed. By pre-processing and organizing data into ready-to-synchronize groups, the system reduces the actual synchronization time and maintains high throughput, achieving both reliability and performance
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for synchronizing data transfers from a first clock domain to a second clock domain includes sampling data from circuit included in the first clock domain. The clock signal from the first clock domain may then be synchronized to a clock signal from the second clock domain. The sampled data may then be captured using the clock signal from the second clock domain responsive to a detection of an edge of the synchronized first clock signal.