Asynchronous Clock Domain Data Transfer Buffer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems with multiple clock domains face significant latency issues due to the delays introduced by synchronizing flip-flops, which are necessary for asynchronous clock interfaces, and current methods to minimize latency are inefficient, especially in high-performance communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system and method that utilize a buffer with dynamic read patterns and pointer management to transfer data across clock domains, allowing synchronization in less than a cycle while maintaining safety and predictability, and include mechanisms to adjust latency based on clock jitter and phase variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronizing flip-flops are used to transfer data between asynchronous clock domains, then data synchronization reliability is improved, but message latency increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from the traditional multi-cycle flip-flop approach and implements it using a single-cycle synchronizer circuit that combines phase detection and data transfer in one clock cycle, thereby removing the excessive latency while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic phase adjustment mechanisms that adapt the sampling clock phase in real-time based on detected phase differences, allowing the system to optimize synchronization timing dynamically rather than using fixed multi-cycle waiting periods
2Loss of time
If the number of synchronizing flip-flops is reduced to minimize latency, then message latency is improved, but the risk of underflow errors and timing violations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary phase detection and control circuit that monitors the timing relationship between clock domains and dynamically adjusts the read pointer and enable signals, preventing underflow errors without requiring excessive synchronization cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the synchronization circuit continuously monitors phase relationships and timing margins, adjusting operational parameters in real-time to maintain safe timing margins while minimizing latency
3Productivity
If dynamic read patterns and pointer management are implemented, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal buffer control architecture that handles multiple data transfer scenarios (different clock rates, directions, and patterns) using a single integrated control unit that dynamically configures its operation mode based on incoming parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system comprises a first clock domain having a first clock rate, a second clock domain having a second clock rate, and a data path operable to transfer data items from the first clock domain to the second clock domain. The data path comprises a buffer having an input for receiving data items from the first clock domain, and an output port for transmitting data items to the second clock domain in a first-in first-out manner. The buffer has a first pointer for indication of a current first location of the buffer, and a second pointer for indication of a current second location of the buffer. The system further includes a read controller operable to define a read pattern for the buffer, to control output from the buffer in dependence upon such a read pattern, and to adjust such a read pattern in dependence upon a value of such a first pointer for the buffer.