Clock Error Detection Logic for Handheld Device Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock error detection systems in handheld devices are inefficient in detecting electrostatic discharge-induced malfunctions and often consume excessive power, failing to provide comprehensive detection mechanisms and timely recovery.
Innovation Solution
A clock error detection apparatus that compares a clock signal against hardwired boundary values to generate an error indication, using clock error detection logic to interrupt and recover clock generation circuits, thereby reducing power consumption and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a host processor uses software drivers to poll critical registers for clock error detection, then clock malfunctions can be detected, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the coprocessor to autonomously detect clock errors through dedicated hardware logic that monitors PLL lock status and clock signal validity, eliminating the need for host processor intervention and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based polling mechanism with hardware-based clock error detection logic, substituting mechanical/software operations with dedicated electronic circuits that continuously monitor clock signals and generate error indications without consuming host processor resources
2Device complexity
If the host processor interface is made susceptible to the same ESD event, then detection mechanisms can be simplified, but the system becomes more vulnerable to ESD damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the clock error detection function into a dedicated hardware module within the coprocessor, isolating it from the host processor interface and creating independent error detection pathways that prevent ESD propagation while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through dedicated error detection logic and status registers that act as buffers between the clock generation circuitry and the host processor, allowing error detection without direct exposure of the host interface to ESD events
3Reliability
If automatic register updates are performed every few seconds, then recovery from ESD events can be achieved, but unnecessary power is consumed when no errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling automatic register updates only when clock errors are detected, rather than performing continuous periodic updates, thus achieving recovery capability while consuming power only when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring backup register values and implementing automatic recovery logic that activates only upon error detection, preventing the need for continuous monitoring and updates while ensuring rapid recovery when errors occur
Data Source
AI summary
An error detection apparatus and method compares a first hardwired value such as a first clock threshold, and a second hardwired value such as a second clock threshold, and generates an indication that there is an error in a clock signal based on a comparison of the first hardwired value and the second hardwired value to the clock signal. If an error is detected, the error detection apparatus will, for example, interrupt clock recovery logic to take proper action for recovery of a clock generation circuit that generated the clock signal. The clock signal may be generated based on, for example, a reference clock signal that may be provided by an external source clock, or any other suitable source.