Clock Signal Phase Analysis Circuit for High-Speed Serial Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the margin of the sampling phase for high-speed serial receivers is time-consuming and difficult due to the need for external test equipment and the requirement to check numerous points for each phase of the clock signal, which increases testing time.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying the end of an eye pattern, testing points along its contour to establish the margin, and determining whether the phase of the clock signal is acceptable for receiving data, using a contour eye-scan that reduces the number of points required to be scanned compared to traditional methods, thus providing lower test time and greater test coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to determine the margin of the sampling phase, then measurement accuracy is improved, but test time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional exhaustive testing approach into a targeted contour scanning method. Instead of checking all possible sampling phase points, the method identifies and tests only the critical contour points of the eye pattern that define the margin boundaries. This segmentation reduces the number of test points while maintaining measurement accuracy for the sampling phase margin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of the eye pattern contour and its critical points before conducting the actual margin measurement. By pre-processing the eye pattern data to locate the relevant contour features, the method prepares the test data in advance, allowing for faster and more efficient margin determination without sacrificing precision.
2Measurement precision
If external test equipment is used to verify captured data symbols, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service measurement approach where the receiver circuit performs its own margin characterization without requiring external test equipment. The circuit uses its internal resources to capture data symbols, generate the eye pattern, identify contour points, and determine the sampling phase margin. This self-characterization capability eliminates the need for complex external testing infrastructure while maintaining measurement validity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an internal copy of the eye pattern data from captured signal samples and processes this copied data to determine margin characteristics. By working with replicated signal data rather than requiring external verification equipment, the method achieves measurement functionality using only the receiver's internal resources, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If numerous points are checked for each phase of the clock signal, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential contour points from the complete set of possible sampling phase points. Instead of measuring all points within the eye pattern, the method identifies and extracts the specific contour points that define the margin boundaries. This extraction process reduces the measurement workload from numerous points to a minimal critical subset, significantly improving testing productivity while preserving the precision needed for accurate margin determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analyzing a phase of a clock signal for receiving data is described. The method comprises identifying an end of an eye pattern associated with received data; testing points along a contour of the eye pattern to establish a margin for an opening of the eye pattern; and determining whether a phase of the clock signal is acceptable for receiving the received data. A circuit for analyzing a phase of a clock signal for receiving data is also described.