Configurable SerDes Architecture for Multi-Mode Lock Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional serializer/de-serializers (SerDes) face design constraints in point-to-multipoint systems due to stricter timing requirements for locking onto multiple incoming communication streams, leading to increased complexity and cost inefficiencies in producing separate designs for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications.

Innovation Solution

A dual-purpose SerDes design that can operate in both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint modes, utilizing configuration registers and management interfaces to adjust operational parameters such as lock timing and power consumption, allowing a single design to be configured for different modes of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate SerDes designs are created for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications, then each design can be optimized for its specific timing requirements, but manufacturing costs increase and economies of scale are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming requirement complianceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The SerDes is designed with a universal architecture that can operate in both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint modes. Configuration registers allow the same hardware to be programmed for different operational modes, enabling a single design to serve multiple applications while meeting各自的 timing requirements through software configuration rather than hardware differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The SerDes incorporates dynamic parameter adjustment capabilities through configuration registers that allow locking time and other operational parameters to be modified based on the application mode. This dynamic configurability enables the same hardware to adapt to different timing requirements without requiring separate fixed designs for each application type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a single SerDes design is used for both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications, then manufacturing costs decrease and economies of scale are achieved, but meeting stricter timing requirements in point-to-multipoint mode becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidtiming requirement compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The SerDes utilizes configurable parameters stored in configuration registers that can be adjusted to optimize performance for different application modes. By changing operational parameters such as locking time through software configuration rather than hardware modification, the single design can meet the stricter timing requirements of point-to-multipoint applications while maintaining cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If SerDes is configured for point-to-multipoint mode with stricter timing requirements, then it can handle multiple incoming communication streams, but locking time and jitter increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-stream handling capabilityVSAvoidlocking time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The SerDes performs preliminary configuration through configuration registers that pre-set optimal locking parameters before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary setup allows the system to quickly acquire and lock onto multiple incoming communication streams in point-to-multipoint mode without experiencing excessive locking time or jitter during operational transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20090135032A1Dual purpose serializer/de-serializer for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication
Publication Date: 2009.05.28 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • US20090135032A1 patent drawing
  • US20090135032A1 patent drawing
  • US20090135032A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A dual purpose serializer/de-serializer (SerDes) for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication. A configurable SerDes can be designed to operate in one of a plurality of operating modes. Selection between the plurality of operating modes can be based on information received via a management interface. In one example, the various operating modes can be defined with different locking times and jitter characteristics.