Distributed Channel Alignment Circuit for Signal Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional channel-alignment schemes require a large number of dedicated alignment circuits to synchronize multiple data channels, leading to increased complexity and resource usage as the number of channels increases, and programmable logic solutions, while flexible, incur higher costs and processing time.
Innovation Solution
A channel-alignment circuit comprising a controller and multiple channel-alignment blocks that can synchronize two or more channels, allowing for independent synchronization of channel groups and flexible configuration to support various operating modes with fewer blocks, reducing the need for multiple alignment circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated alignment circuits are used for each channel group, then channel synchronization is achieved, but the number of circuits increases unacceptably with more channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single 4-channel alignment block that can be reused multiple times to synchronize any combination of channels. Instead of having dedicated circuits for each possible channel group size (2-channel, 4-channel, 8-channel, etc.), the invention uses identical 4-channel alignment blocks that can be configured to handle different channel combinations, thereby reducing the total number of circuits needed while maintaining synchronization capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programmable logic is used to implement alignment circuits, then flexibility to support any configuration is achieved, but die area and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the channel synchronization task into multiple independent 4-channel alignment blocks. Each block is a self-contained unit that can be independently configured and operates in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to achieve configuration flexibility through selective activation and grouping of blocks rather than using a single large programmable logic device, thereby reducing overall die area while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more alignment circuits are deployed, then more channels can be synchronized, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by enabling multiple 4-channel alignment blocks to operate in parallel simultaneously. Each block processes its assigned channels independently and concurrently, allowing the system to synchronize a large number of channels without sequential processing delays. This parallel operation maintains fast processing time while scaling to support more channels through the coordinated use of multiple blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
A channel-alignment circuit has a controller and a plurality of channel-alignment blocks. Each channel-alignment block synchronizes two or more channels. The controller coordinates the synchronization of channels by the blocks such that (i) channels in each of one or more groups of two or more blocks are synchronized, and (ii) each group of blocks is synchronized independently of any other group.