Data Extraction Circuit Without Clock Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data extraction methods for interface signals in electronic devices require precise clock synchronization, which is costly and power-intensive, and lack flexibility across different interface specifications due to sensitivity to manufacturing variations, voltage, and temperature.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that samples interface signals to extract data bits without locking to the data clock, using a unit bit detector, decoder, buffer, pattern recognizer, and clock generator to determine the timing and phase of the data clock, allowing for accurate data extraction across various interface specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If crystal oscillator is used to provide precise clock for data extraction, then data extraction precision is improved, but device cost and power consumption are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata extraction precisionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary timing information from the interface signal itself rather than relying on an external crystal oscillator. The data extraction circuit samples the interface signal and determines data bit timing by detecting transitions and counting clock cycles, thereby eliminating the need for a separate precise clock source and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface signal itself provides the timing information needed for data extraction. By sampling the interface signal and detecting its transitions, the system uses the signal's own characteristics to determine when data bits occur, rather than requiring an external clock source. This self-service approach reduces both cost and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If crystal oscillator is used to provide precise clock for data extraction, then data extraction precision is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata extraction precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the crystal oscillator component from the data extraction system. Instead of using an external precise clock source, the system extracts timing information directly from the interface signal by sampling and detecting transitions, thereby simplifying the device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling clock generator serves multiple functions: it provides the sampling clock for data extraction, generates timing signals for control logic, and enables the system to adapt to different interface specifications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity.

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

3Measurement precision

If rough clock is fine-tuned to approximate data clock, then clock precision is improved, but sensitivity to process, voltage and temperature variations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock precisionVSAvoidstability against PVT variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback by sampling the interface signal and detecting transitions to determine when data bits occur. The system counts clock cycles between transitions and uses this information to adjust timing, creating a feedback mechanism that automatically compensates for PVT variations without requiring manual fine-tuning of a rough clock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts sampling parameters based on detected transition patterns. By changing the sampling point timing based on observed data bit transitions, the system adapts to PVT variations and maintains accurate data extraction without being sensitive to initial clock precision or requiring manual calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If same fine-tuning mechanism is used for different interface specifications, then design consistency is improved, but adaptability to different clock rates and packet lengths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign consistencyVSAvoidadaptability to different interface specifications
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic parameter adjustment based on detected interface characteristics. The system samples the interface signal, detects transition patterns, and adapts its sampling rate and timing accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the same hardware design to work across different interface specifications with varying clock rates and packet lengths without requiring manual reconfiguration or different fine-tuning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as sampling rate and timing based on the specific interface specification being used. By detecting interface characteristics and adjusting parameters dynamically, the system maintains design consistency while achieving broad adaptability across different standards and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8831151B2Method and associated apparatus of data extraction
Publication Date: 2014.09.09 FARADAY TECH CORP
  • US8831151B2 patent drawing
  • US8831151B2 patent drawing
  • US8831151B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Method and associated apparatus of data extraction, including: sampling a signal and obtaining a plurality of sampled values, providing a reference sample quantity when the sampled values transit, providing a unit bit sample quantity according to the reference sample quantity, and corresponding each of the sampled values to each data bit of the signal according to the unit bit sample quantity.