Data Delay Compensation Circuit for Multi-Cycle I/O Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor components face challenges in achieving predictable communication due to variable loop back delays caused by environmental changes and differing load capacitance, which can lead to incorrect data processing when I/O delays exceed one clock period.
Innovation Solution
A data delay compensation circuit that utilizes an internal clock signal, an I/O buffer, and a clock I/O buffer circuit to generate a return clock signal, allowing for I/O delays of up to N clock periods by using a plurality of capture and synchronization flip flops, a multiplexer, and a final flip flop to ensure deterministic data capture and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fast I/O buffers are employed to achieve predictable communication, then communication speed and reliability are improved, but radio interference increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic I/O buffer speed selection mechanism that adapts the buffer operating speed based on the actual loopback delay characteristics of the external device. The system measures the loopback delay and selects an appropriate buffer speed from multiple available options, rather than always operating at maximum speed. This dynamic adjustment maintains communication reliability when high speed is needed while allowing slower operation when interference concerns arise, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and radio interference.
2Loss of time
If fast I/O buffers are used to reduce loop back delay, then data capture timing is improved, but interference with simultaneous radio operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the I/O buffer by providing multiple speed options and dynamically selecting the appropriate buffer speed based on measured loopback delay characteristics. The system can operate the buffer at different speeds rather than being fixed at maximum speed, allowing optimization of the trade-off between reducing loopback delay and minimizing radio interference. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between time loss and harmful interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If slow I/O buffers are implemented to reduce radio interference, then radio communication quality is improved, but loop back delay increases beyond one clock period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism that chooses between multiple I/O buffer speed configurations based on the actual loopback delay measurements. When slow buffer operation is needed to reduce radio interference, the system selects the appropriate slower speed mode. When faster operation is needed to keep delay within one clock period, the system switches to faster buffer modes. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reducing interference and maintaining acceptable delay.
4Device complexity
If a fixed I/O buffer speed is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different loop back delay conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through an automated loopback delay measurement and buffer speed selection mechanism. The system automatically measures the loopback delay characteristics and selects the most appropriate buffer speed from multiple available options, eliminating the need for manual configuration or fixed speed settings. This dynamic behavior provides high adaptability to different delay conditions while the automation keeps the control complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically measuring its own loopback delay properties and using this information to select the optimal buffer operating speed. The I/O buffer system serves itself by autonomously determining its best operating parameters based on actual performance characteristics, without requiring external configuration or intervention. This self-service approach enhances adaptability while minimizing the complexity of external control.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for compensating for data delay is disclosed. The circuit utilizes an internal clock signal. This internal clock signal passes through an I/O buffer to become an external clock. This external clock is then passed through the I/O buffer to create the return clock signal. This difference between the internal clock signal and the return clock signal is defined as I/O delay. In certain embodiments, this I/O delay may be more than one clock period, which typically causes incorrect operation of synchronous logic. The present circuit allows for a I/O delay of N clock periods, wherein N is greater than one, through a novel approach to capturing and synchronizing the return data. This allows high speed microcontrollers to utilize lower speed I/O buffers to reduce interference, or allows these microcontrollers to interface with slower external devices.