Deserializer Comma Alignment for Low-Latency Serial-to-Parallel Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional serializer/deserializer circuitry (SerDes) experiences high data latency during the conversion of serial to parallel data, which is a critical performance issue in high-bandwidth data transmission systems, particularly in FC-AL monitoring and state arbitration processes.

Innovation Solution

A deserializer design that includes a first parallel converter to convert serial data into serial data groups, a second parallel converter to generate preliminary N-bit parallel data, a comma detector to identify a comma signal, and a data aligner to align the data in the serial domain, reducing overall data latency by performing alignment on a unit word size basis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional deserializer design is used, then data alignment can be achieved, but data latency is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata latencyVSAvoiddata alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deserializer is divided into multiple functional modules: a parallel converter that converts serial data to parallel data, a comma detector that identifies alignment positions, and a data aligner that performs alignment operations. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently and efficiently, reducing overall data latency while maintaining alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The parallel converter performs preliminary conversion of serial data to parallel data before alignment is needed. The comma detector continuously monitors the data stream to identify alignment positions in advance. This preliminary action enables the data aligner to perform alignment operations faster, reducing data latency without compromising alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If data alignment is performed in conventional manner, then accurate alignment is achieved, but processing speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The comma detector acts as an intermediary that continuously monitors the data stream and identifies alignment positions. It generates detection signals that guide the data aligner's operations. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain high processing speed while ensuring precise alignment through continuous monitoring and guided operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical or sequential alignment methods with a parallel processing approach. The parallel converter converts serial data to parallel data, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple data bits. This substitution dramatically increases processing speed while the comma detector ensures alignment precision through continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7626523B2Deserializer, related method, and clock frequency divider

Publication Date: 2009.12.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A deserializer and method for deserializing data are disclosed. The method includes converting data from a serial data domain to a parallel data domain, detecting a comma related to the parallel data while the data is in the serial data domain, wherein conversion of the data from the serial data domain to the parallel data domain is made in relation to detection of the comma.