FPGA Word Aligner for Non-Unique Data Pattern Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) face challenges in achieving quick and resource-efficient word alignment for non-unique data patterns, particularly in protocols like HDMI 2.0, due to the dynamic and infrequent nature of sequential control characters, which are not uniquely identifiable.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing both hard IP blocks and programmable fabric resources in an FPGA to detect and align non-unique data patterns, where a hardened word aligner searches for pattern commonality among control characters and a protocol pattern detector and symbol aligner unit shifts data based on detected control characters, allowing for efficient alignment and reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a hardened word aligner is used to detect control characters, then detection speed is improved, but resource utilization increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the alignment detection task into two segments: a hardened word aligner that detects individual control characters quickly, and a protocol pattern detector that verifies sequential patterns. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining high detection speed while reducing overall resource requirements compared to a single comprehensive aligner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hardened word aligner performs partial action by detecting only the common subset of control characters needed for alignment, rather than processing all possible data patterns. This partial detection approach achieves sufficient alignment functionality with reduced resource utilization, avoiding the excessive processing capacity that would be required for complete pattern analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If sequential control characters are detected for alignment, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but synchronization lock time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization lock time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the hardened word aligner continuously detect control characters and prepare potential alignment points in advance. When a sequential pattern is needed, the protocol pattern detector can quickly verify the pattern using pre-detected characters, rather than searching from scratch. This preliminary detection reduces synchronization lock time while maintaining accuracy through sequential verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hardened word aligner operates continuously to detect control characters, maintaining a ready state for alignment operations. This continuous detection ensures that when synchronization is needed, the system can immediately utilize detected characters for pattern verification, reducing lock time while preserving synchronization accuracy through ongoing monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-unique data patterns are detected, then protocol compatibility is improved, but detection reliability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic configuration where the hardened word aligner can be programmed to detect different control character patterns based on the specific protocol being used. The protocol pattern detector dynamically verifies sequential patterns appropriate to each protocol type. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle non-unique data patterns across multiple protocols while maintaining detection reliability through protocol-specific verification rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The protocol pattern detector serves as an intermediary between the hardened word aligner and the final alignment decision. It receives detected control characters from the aligner and applies protocol-specific pattern verification, acting as a mediator that ensures reliable detection even when dealing with non-unique patterns. This intermediary layer provides the reliability check needed for versatile protocol support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11190335B2Method and apparatus for performing non-unique data pattern detection and alignment in a receiver implemented on a field programmable gate array

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

A method for performing pattern detection and alignment on a programmable logic device is disclosed. A word aligner unit, implemented by a hard intellectual property block, is configured to detect a plurality of control characters by recognizing a proper subset of bits that are common among the plurality of control characters. It is determined whether a predetermined number of consecutive control characters has been detected in a frame of data. A boundary location associated with a detected predetermined number of consecutive control characters from the word aligner unit is identified. The frame of data is aligned in response to the boundary location associated with the detected predetermined number of consecutive control characters.