IC Interface Delay Calibration for Parallel Bus Signal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing parallel bus signals, such as data and control buses, often introduce errors due to inaccuracies in simulation models, leading to increased layout and delivery times for integrated circuits and printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for measuring and adjusting transmission line delays in integrated circuits and printed circuit boards using variable delay elements and a calibration process that involves driving a test signal over the transmission lines and detecting its reflection to calculate and align signal transmission times accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simulation based techniques are used to synchronize transmission line delays, then layout time and delivery time increase, but measurement precision and accuracy deteriorate due to model inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a calibration stage before normal operation where test signals are transmitted through the transmission lines and reflections are measured to determine actual delay values. This preliminary measurement action eliminates the need for time-consuming simulation iterations during layout optimization, providing accurate delay data upfront for synchronization calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own transmission lines and signal paths to perform self-measurement of delay characteristics by transmitting test signals and detecting reflections. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on external simulation models and provides direct, accurate measurements of the actual transmission medium properties.
2Reliability
If simulation models are used for delay synchronization, then complexity of the process increases, but reliability deteriorates due to model inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/computational simulation process with a direct electrical measurement process. Instead of using simulation models to predict delay characteristics, the system directly measures the actual delay by transmitting test signals and detecting reflections, substituting theoretical modeling with empirical measurement for higher reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits test signals through the transmission lines and measures the reflected signals to obtain feedback on actual delay characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows direct measurement and adjustment of delay values, eliminating reliance on potentially inaccurate simulation models and improving synchronization reliability.
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
This approach reduces layout and delivery times by ensuring precise synchronization of signals across multiple transmission lines, enhancing accuracy and reducing complexity in signal alignment.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a timing of the test signal reflected over the outside transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure can provide an integrated circuit (IC) chip. The IC chip may adjust delays at its interface to compensate for outside transmission line delays. The interface of the IC chip can include a plurality of input/output (IO) modules coupled to a plurality of outside transmission lines, respectively. Each of the IO module can further include at least one variable delay element configured to delay transmission over the corresponding outside transmission line based on an actually measured transmission delay of the outside transmission line, in order to align signals transmitted by the plurality of outside transmission lines in a desired manner.