Hybrid Clock Multiplexer for Multi-Rate Jitter and Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clock multiplexers face challenges in combining resonant and CMOS clocking techniques, leading to issues with power, performance, and area efficiency, especially when handling high-speed and low-speed data rates, and they often require choosing a single clocking architecture for all paths.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid clock multiplexer that integrates resonant and CMOS clocking architectures within a single device, utilizing a differential inductor core to switch between resonant clocking for high-speed paths and CMOS clocking for low-speed paths, reducing loading and improving power and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single clocking architecture (resonant or CMOS) is used for all clock paths, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power efficiency and performance are compromised across different data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clocking architecture selection where the system can switch between resonant and CMOS clocking modes based on the operating data rate. The clock multiplexer dynamically chooses the appropriate clocking path (resonant for high-speed, CMOS for low-speed) to optimize power efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured control logic.
2Measurement precision
If resonant clocking is used for high-speed paths, then the jitter performance is improved, but the area and complexity increase when combining with CMOS clocking for low-speed paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clocking architecture into distinct resonant and CMOS paths, each optimized for specific speed ranges. The resonant clocking path handles high-speed requirements with superior jitter performance, while the CMOS path handles low-speed operations. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be independently optimized without unnecessarily increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clock multiplexer as an intermediary component that manages the switching between resonant and CMOS clocking paths. This mediator component provides a structured interface that controls the complexity of the hybrid architecture, allowing seamless transitions between clocking modes while maintaining system coherence and managing the integration complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If CMOS clocking is used for low-speed paths, then the power consumption is reduced, but the performance and adaptability are limited when high-speed operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal clocking system that can adapt to multiple operating rates by incorporating both resonant and CMOS clocking paths. The system universally supports both high-speed and low-speed operations, with the resonant path providing high-speed capability when needed and the CMOS path providing power-efficient low-speed operation, achieving multi-functionality across different data rate requirements.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the clock multiplexer switches between resonant and CMOS clocking paths, then the power efficiency across different data rates is optimized, but the device complexity and control overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the clock multiplexer that automatically selects between resonant and CMOS clocking paths based on the operating data rate. This dynamic control mechanism optimizes power efficiency by choosing the appropriate clocking mode for each operating condition while managing control complexity through rate-based decision logic that adapts to real-time operational requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hybrid multiplexer achieves improved jitter and power performance across a wide range of data rates by allowing different clocking types, optimizing power consumption and reducing loading, thus supporting multi-rate and backward compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
resonant clocking for high-speed paths
Implementation Method 2
a first inductor coupled between the first node of the first circuit and the first node of the second circuit
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, the device may include a first circuit receiving an input signal having a first frequency, the first circuit including a first node and a second node. The device may include a second circuit receiving an input signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency, the second circuit including a first node and a second node, a first inductor coupled between the first node of the first circuit and the first node of the second circuit. The device may include a second inductor coupled between the second node of the first circuit and the second node of the second circuit, a first switch coupled between the first node of the second circuit and the second node of the second circuit, at least one differential inductor formed of the first inductor and the second inductor in response to the first switch being in a closed state.