D-PHY Deskew Synchronization for High-Speed Interface Timing Skew
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed interface systems face challenges in compensating for phase skew between clock signals and data, which can lead to difficulties in data interpretation, especially in applications like display devices and image sensors.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed data interface system that includes a transmission link module and a D-PHY module, utilizing deskew synchronous codes and test data to detect and correct skew between the clock signal and data, with the transmitter generating deskew synchronous codes and test data in a deskew mode to allow the receiver to determine the amount of skew and adjust the data delay accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed data transmission is implemented using separate clock and data channels, then transmission speed is improved, but phase skew between clock signal and data occurs causing data interpretation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting deskew synchronous codes and test data before normal data transmission to pre-measure and compensate for phase skew. The receiver performs skew measurement using the test data and applies compensation before processing normal data, ensuring accurate data interpretation from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual phase skew between clock and data channels using test data, then using this measurement information to adjust and compensate the skew in subsequent normal data transmission. This closed-loop feedback ensures continuous maintenance of synchronization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If deskew mode with test data and deskew synchronous codes is implemented, then skew compensation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional transmission modes and processing logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the transmission interface to handle both deskew mode and normal mode through the same physical channels. The same data channels and control mechanisms are used for both skew measurement (using test data) and normal data transmission, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by inserting deskew synchronous codes and test data at specific intervals (e.g., at the beginning of each frame or at predetermined timing) rather than continuously. This periodic measurement approach maintains skew compensation capability while reducing the processing burden and complexity compared to continuous measurement.
3Productivity
If normal data transmission mode is used without deskew calibration, then transmission efficiency is improved, but data accuracy deteriorates due to uncorrected skew
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing skew measurement and compensation setup before normal data transmission begins. The deskew synchronous codes and test data are transmitted and processed in advance to establish the compensation parameters, allowing subsequent normal data transmission to proceed efficiently with pre-configured skew correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the receiver to automatically measure and compensate for its own skew using the transmitted test data and deskew synchronous codes. The system performs self-calibration without requiring external intervention or complex external testing equipment, maintaining both accuracy and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-speed interface apparatus and method of correcting skew in the apparatus are provided. A high-speed transmitter includes a transmission D-PHY module that generates and transmits a clock signal through a clock channel, generates a deskew synchronous code and test data in response to a deskew request signal, transmits the deskew synchronous code followed by the test data through a data channel, and transmits a normal synchronous code followed by normal data through the data channel in normal mode.