Data I/O Clock Delay Control for Supply Noise Jitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuit data transfer circuits are susceptible to errors due to clock signal jitter caused by variations in power supply voltage, which increases as data transfer rates rise, leading to reduced tolerance for noisy power supply voltages and increased risk of data coherency loss.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a noise detector circuit to detect power supply voltage noise and generate a clock delay control signal, which is used by a clock delay circuit to adjust the clock signal, resulting in a jitter-compensated delayed clock signal that synchronizes with the data transfer, thereby maintaining data coherency despite power supply voltage fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data transfer frequency is increased to achieve higher bandwidth, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to reduced tolerance for power supply voltage variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer frequencyVSAvoidtolerance to power supply voltage variations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual power supply voltage is continuously monitored and compared against a reference voltage. Based on the detected voltage variation, the system dynamically adjusts the clock signal timing to compensate for jitter, thereby maintaining reliable data transfer at high frequencies despite power supply fluctuations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameter of the clock signal dynamically based on power supply voltage conditions. By adjusting clock edge timing in response to voltage variations, the system compensates for the reduced tolerance at higher transfer frequencies, resolving the contradiction between high productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If data transfer frequency is increased to achieve higher bandwidth, then productivity is improved, but data coherency deteriorates due to increased clock jitter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer frequencyVSAvoiddata coherency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from power supply voltage monitoring to detect conditions that would cause clock jitter. This feedback enables real-time compensation by adjusting clock timing, preventing data coherency loss even at high transfer frequencies where jitter would normally be problematic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by compensating for clock jitter before it causes data errors. By proactively adjusting clock timing based on predicted power supply variations, the system prevents information loss rather than correcting it after the fact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If power supply voltage is stabilized to reduce clock jitter, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional voltage regulation circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock signal stabilityVSAvoidvoltage regulation circuitry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a voltage detector and control circuit that mediates between the power supply and the clock generation. Instead of directly stabilizing the voltage through complex regulation, the system detects voltage variations and compensates for their effects on clock timing, achieving reliability with less intrusive circuitry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by having the data transfer circuit monitor its own operating conditions and automatically adjust its timing. The circuit detects power supply variations and compensates for their effects without requiring external voltage stabilization, reducing the need for additional regulation components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8497718B2Data transfer circuit and method with compensated clock jitter
Publication Date: 2013.07.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8497718B2 patent drawing
  • US8497718B2 patent drawing
  • US8497718B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data I/O interface for an integrated circuit device includes a noise detector receiving a power supply voltage, detecting a power supply voltage noise component, and providing a clock delay control signal in response to detected power supply voltage noise component. The data I/O interface also includes a clock delay circuit providing a delayed clock signal in response to the clock delay control signal, and a data transfer circuit powered by the power supply voltage and providing output data synchronously with the delayed clock signal.