Feedback Clock Phase Alignment Across Data Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase mismatch between clock signals in data converters limits system performance and requires frequent calibrations in wireless communication systems, as changes in hardware and temperature affect phase synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A system with a clock generator that includes a feedback signal processor and clock generating circuit to adjust the phase of clock signals based on feedback from devices, using phase control signals computed from phase information and additional data like temperature, to synchronize devices across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase synchronization is maintained without feedback control, then system complexity is reduced, but phase mismatch occurs between data converters limiting system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where phase information from multiple data converters is collected by a controller, processed to determine phase mismatches, and used to generate phase adjustment signals that are sent back to the clock generator. This closed-loop feedback system dynamically maintains phase synchronization across data converters, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by introducing controlled complexity only where needed for synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that mediates between the data converters and the clock generator. This intermediary collects phase information from converters, processes it to determine synchronization status, and coordinates phase adjustments. The intermediary simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the synchronization control logic, making the feedback mechanism more manageable and less complex than direct peer-to-peer synchronization between all components.
2Reliability
If frequent calibrations are performed to maintain phase synchronization, then phase mismatch is reduced, but loss of time increases due to calibration interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous phase synchronization by implementing a real-time feedback mechanism that continuously monitors phase information from data converters and continuously adjusts clock phases through feedback control. This eliminates the need for periodic calibration interruptions, as synchronization is maintained continuously during normal operation. The useful action of data conversion proceeds without interruption while phase alignment is maintained through ongoing feedback adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration through the feedback mechanism, where the controller automatically detects phase mismatches and generates correction signals without requiring external calibration interventions. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring its own synchronization status and autonomously making adjustments, eliminating the need for manual or scheduled calibration operations that would cause time loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If phase adjustment is not implemented, then device complexity is minimized, but manufacturing precision is reduced due to phase mismatch between converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the phase parameter of clock signals dynamically based on feedback from data converters. The controller modifies phase parameters in real-time to compensate for variations in data converter characteristics and environmental conditions. This parameter adjustment approach achieves high phase matching precision without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances, as the system adapts to actual performance through feedback-controlled parameter changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to adjusting a phase of a clock signal provided to a device based on a feedback signal from the device. The feedback signal can provide phase information associated with the device and/or other information associated with the device, such as temperature information. A feedback signal processor can compute a phase control signal based on the feedback signal. The phase control signal can be used to adjust the phase of the clock signal. By adjusting the phase of one or more clock signals, several devices, such as data converters, can be synchronized.