Gapped Reference Clock Synchronization for Simplified Device Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and layout of electronic devices synchronized via interfaces are complicated by the need for separate reference clock and synchronization signals, which require multiple traces and differential signals, complicating chip and circuit board design.
Innovation Solution
Generating a gapped clock signal by removing clock pulses from a reference clock based on a synchronization signal, allowing electronic devices to align their internal clocks using the gaps, thereby simplifying the layout by combining the reference and synchronization signals into a single trace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate reference clock and synchronization signals are used, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but the number of traces increases and design complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference clock signal and synchronization signal into a single composite signal transmitted over one trace. The composite signal embeds synchronization information within the clock signal structure, eliminating the need for separate traces while maintaining both clocking and synchronization functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single trace carrying the composite signal performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the reference clock for timing and embeds synchronization information for alignment. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of required traces while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If separate reference clock and synchronization signals are used, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but the number of traces increases and manufacturing cost worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the reference clock and synchronization signals into a single composite signal transmitted over one trace, the patent reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity. Fewer traces mean fewer connection points and lower manufacturing costs while preserving synchronization accuracy through embedded synchronization information.
3Measurement precision
If separate reference clock and synchronization signals are used, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but the number of traces increases and yield worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signals into a single trace transmission, reducing the number of potential failure points in the system. Fewer traces mean fewer connection points that could fail during manufacturing or operation, thereby improving yield while maintaining synchronization accuracy through the composite signal structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that includes a first electronic device, multiple second electronic devices coupled to the first electronic device via respective interfaces, and a clock generator coupled to the second electronic devices and configured to generate and provide a clock signal to each of the second electronic devices for clocking operation of the second electronic devices. The clock signal is a gapped clock signal having at least one gap created by the clock generator removing one or more clock pulses based on a synchronization signal, and the second electronic devices are configured to synchronize data transmission between the second electronic devices and the first electronic device via the interfaces using the at least one gap in the gapped clock signal to align the data transmission.