Latency Optimized Data Alignment Ratcheting Scheme
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data misalignment across multiple single-byte paths in a system on a chip (SOC) leads to incorrect data assembly and increased latency during data transfer, especially as data transfer rates increase, due to differences in path dimensions and clock-to-data alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for aligning data using a packet aligner with a buffer and control logic to detect synchronization events, determine relative offsets, and adjust output positions of data channels to ensure proper alignment, minimizing latency and skew between paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transfer rate is increased, then productivity is improved, but data misalignment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting synchronization events and calculating offset values before data misalignment occurs. The system proactively identifies sync events in the data stream and uses these to pre-calculate the necessary offset adjustments for each data path, ensuring alignment is maintained as data flows through the system at high speeds without requiring reactive correction after misalignment occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring data paths for synchronization events and using this information to dynamically adjust offset values. The system detects sync events, calculates current offsets based on the detected events, and feeds this information back to correct any misalignment, creating a closed-loop system that maintains data alignment even as transfer rates increase.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then data alignment precision is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly processing alignment through the use of hardware-based offset adjustment mechanisms. Instead of using lengthy software-based alignment routines, the system uses hardware circuits that can quickly detect sync events and compute offset values, then rapidly adjust data paths through hardware multiplexers and buffers, rushing through the alignment process in minimal time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the alignment system adaptive and adjustable rather than fixed. The offset values are dynamically calculated based on detected synchronization events and can change in real-time as data conditions vary. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize alignment precision while minimizing latency by adapting to actual data flow conditions rather than relying on predetermined fixed alignment parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If strict wiring constraints are imposed, then data alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a packet aligner device that acts as a mediator between the data sources and the processing system. This intermediary device handles the alignment function, absorbing the complexity of maintaining precise timing and positioning. The packet aligner receives data from multiple sources, detects sync events, calculates offsets, and outputs aligned data, thereby mediating the alignment task without requiring strict wiring constraints throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting offset values and timing parameters rather than relying on fixed physical wiring constraints. The system changes operational parameters (offset values, synchronization timing) to achieve alignment, rather than requiring the physical layout and wiring to be precisely constrained. This allows for more flexible device design while maintaining alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for aligning data sequentially received on multiple single-byte data paths are provided. A sufficient number of bytes received in each channel may be stored (e.g., buffered) and examined to properly match data from each single-byte path. Once matched, the data may be output in a proper order on the multi-byte interface, for example, via some type of multiplexor arrangement. Furthermore, alignment operations may be performed in such a way so as to reduce the latencies involved in aligning data.