Multi-component Module Fly-by Output Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-component electronic modules, especially those configured in a 'fly-by' connection, components react to control signals at different times due to varying signal propagation delays, leading to misaligned output data, complicating processing and testing.
Innovation Solution
Programming components to introduce specific timing skews, allowing all components to output data simultaneously by adjusting the delay lock loop (DLL) circuit timing, ensuring synchronized data output across the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fly-by connection layout is used to minimize signal path length, then signal transmission speed is improved, but output data alignment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the timing skew parameter of each component through programming. Each component is programmed with a specific timing skew value that compensates for its position in the fly-by connection, ensuring that all components output data simultaneously despite the varying signal propagation distances. This resolves the contradiction by changing the temporal parameter of each component to achieve alignment while maintaining the speed benefits of fly-by connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If components are programmed with timing skews to align output data, then output data alignment is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each component to autonomously adjust its own timing skew based on its position in the fly-by connection. Each component is programmed with its specific timing skew value independently, allowing the system to achieve data alignment without requiring complex external timing control mechanisms. The components self-configures their timing parameters, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining precise output alignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If timing skews are programmed into components, then data output synchronization is improved, but programming complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by programming the timing skew values into components during the manufacturing process or initialization phase. The timing skew parameters are pre-configured based on the component's position in the fly-by connection, so that when the system operates, the components automatically output data simultaneously without requiring complex real-time programming or adjustment. This preliminary configuration simplifies the overall system operation while achieving precise data synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and multi-component electronic module device are provided that control the timing of output of data from a plurality of components on the multi-component module. One or more of the components are programmed to delay outputting data by a corresponding amount of time. In one embodiment, the one or more components are programmed such that all of the components output data at substantially the same time when they respond to a control signal. This is particularly useful for multi-component modules that are configured to respond to control signals in a so-called fly-by (or other) configuration that results in the control signal arriving at the components at different times causing the components to react to the control signal at different times.