Clock Transmission Network With Tapped Line Loss Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficient transmission of high-speed clocks over long distances is challenging due to significant insertion loss in transmission lines, especially for high-frequency signals, which worsens the signal strength at the receiving end, and existing solutions fail to effectively manage multi-mode applications where multiple synchronous digital circuits need to receive the same clock at different locations.
Innovation Solution
A network comprising a current-mode transmitter, a transmission line with an internal tapping point, and two transimpedance amplifiers that convert voltage signals into currents and vice versa, allowing for efficient signal transmission in multiple modes by controlling the impedance of the transimpedance amplifiers to optimize signal transfer across different sections of the transmission line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a high-frequency clock signal is transmitted through a long transmission line, then the clock can reach distant synchronous digital circuits, but the insertion loss increases significantly causing weak signal at the receiving end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission line into multiple sections with intermediate tapping points, allowing the clock signal to be distributed to multiple locations along the transmission path. This segmentation enables local signal reception without requiring the entire signal to traverse the full transmission distance, thereby reducing cumulative insertion loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transimpedance amplifiers as intermediary devices at tapping points along the transmission line. These amplifiers actively boost the clock signal at intermediate locations, compensating for insertion loss and enabling strong signal reception at multiple points without requiring the signal to maintain strength over the entire transmission distance.
2Speed
If the clock frequency is increased to achieve higher speed transmission, then the transmission speed improves, but the insertion loss increases further weakening the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transimpedance amplifiers with adjustable gain that can be optimized for specific high-frequency clock signals. These amplifiers provide active feedback compensation tailored to the inserted loss characteristics at different frequencies, allowing high-speed transmission while maintaining adequate signal strength at receiving ends.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple synchronous digital circuits at different locations need to receive the same clock, then the system supports multi-mode applications, but the transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission line into multiple accessible sections with tapping points at different locations. Each tapping point can independently serve a synchronous digital circuit, allowing the same clock signal to be distributed to multiple circuits without requiring separate transmission lines or complex switching networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line structure with multiple tapping points serves multiple functions simultaneously: it can deliver the clock signal to different locations, support different numbers of receiving circuits, and adapt to various transmission distances. The same infrastructure supports multi-mode applications with varying configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient transmission of high-speed clocks across long distances by minimizing signal loss and supporting multiple frequency operations, ensuring strong signal reception at the receiving end, even for high-frequency signals, and accommodating different frequency requirements in multi-mode applications.
Implementation Method 1
converting the first voltage into a first current using a current-mode transmitter
Implementation Method 2
converting the second current to a second voltage using a first transimpedance amplifier and converting the third current to a third voltage using a second transimpedance amplifier
Implementation Method 3
a transmission line configured to conduct a signal transmission between the first node and a second node
Data Source
AI summary
A network including a current-mode transmitter configured to receive a first voltage and output a first current to a first node in accordance with a first control signal. A transmission line is configured to conduct a signal transmission between the first node and a second node, wherein the transmission line comprises an internal tapping point at a third node. A first transimpedance amplifier is configured to receive a second current from the second node and output a second voltage in accordance with a second control signal. Further; a second transimpedance amplifier is configured to receive a third current from the third node and output a third voltage in accordance with a third control signal.