Clock Protection Circuit with Backup Switching for Faulty Clock Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ensuring the reliability of clock signals used by functional modules in chips is a noteworthy challenge, as existing technologies do not effectively address potential faults in these signals, which can lead to operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A clock protection circuit and method that utilize two types of clock sources, a functional clock source and a backup clock source, with a clock monitoring module performing fault monitoring and a clock processing module determining a safe clock signal for transmission to the functional module, ensuring reliable operation by switching to the backup clock signal if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single functional clock source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the clock signal deteriorates due to potential faults
Solution Approach 1:
A backup clock source is pre-configured and maintained in standby mode before any fault occurs. The clock monitoring module continuously checks the functional clock signal in advance, and the switch is pre-positioned to receive both functional and backup clock signals, enabling immediate switching without delay when a fault is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup clock source serves as a cushioning mechanism against potential failures of the functional clock source. By having this redundant component ready in advance, the system cushions against the harmful effect of clock signal failure, ensuring continuous operation of the functional module even when the primary clock source fails.
2Reliability
If a backup clock source is added, then the reliability of the clock signal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock system is segmented into distinct functional components: a functional clock source for normal operation, a backup clock source for fault conditions, a clock monitoring module for detection, and a switch for signal routing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by clearly defining the role of each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock monitoring module acts as an intermediary between the functional clock source and the switch. It continuously monitors the functional clock signal and communicates its status to the switch, enabling the switch to make informed decisions about signal routing without directly analyzing the clock signal itself. This intermediary approach simplifies the control logic in the switch.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is performed, then the reliability is improved through early fault detection, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock monitoring module uses simple, low-cost monitoring mechanisms that consume minimal energy. Rather than implementing complex continuous analysis, the system uses straightforward fault detection methods that are energy-efficient and can be executed continuously without significant power overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock monitoring module provides continuous feedback about the status of the functional clock signal to the switch. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high reliability through continuous monitoring while using energy-efficient communication protocols and simple status indicators that minimize energy consumption in the feedback path.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a clock protection circuit, a clock protection method, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The clock protection circuit includes: a clock monitoring module, configured for performing, based on a backup clock signal generated by a backup clock source, fault monitoring on a functional clock signal generated by a functional clock source to obtain a fault monitoring result, and determining a target clock signal from the backup clock signal and the functional clock signal based on the fault monitoring result; a clock processing module, configured for determining a safe clock signal for transmission to the functional module based on the target clock signal. The embodiments of the present disclosure may ensure the reliability of the clock signal used by the functional module, which is beneficial for ensuring the normal and reliable operation of the functional module.