IC Interface Circuitry for Parallel-Serial Data Rate Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging multiple integrated circuits within a single IC package poses challenges in data transmission between circuits operating at different data rates, such as between a programmable integrated circuit and a memory device, due to limitations in the number of interconnections available.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interface circuitry that converts between parallel and serialized data streams, allowing for efficient data communication between integrated circuits operating at different data rates, including the use of serializer and deserializer circuits to manage clock signals and data transfer rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If more interconnections are used to transfer data between two integrated circuits, then data transmission capability is improved, but the solution is restricted by the number of interconnections available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple parallel data streams into a single serialized data stream using serializer circuitry. This consolidation allows multiple data channels to share a limited number of physical interconnections, effectively increasing data transmission capability without proportionally increasing the number of interconnection resources required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms data transmission from a parallel dimension (multiple simultaneous data streams requiring multiple interconnections) to a serial dimension (single time-multiplexed data stream). This dimensional transformation enables efficient use of limited interconnection resources while maintaining high data transmission throughput through time-division multiplexing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple integrated circuits operate at different data rates, then system versatility is improved, but data transmission between them becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs clock domain crossing techniques that change the temporal parameters of data transmission. Serializer and deserializer circuits convert data between different clock domains and data rates, allowing integrated circuits operating at different frequencies to communicate reliably. The interface circuitry adjusts timing parameters to match between circuits with different operating speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interface circuitry with serializer and deserializer components as intermediary elements between integrated circuits operating at different data rates. This intermediary layer translates and adapts data signals, enabling reliable communication between circuits with mismatched operating frequencies without requiring direct point-to-point synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit system may include a first integrated circuit (IC), a second IC, and interface circuitry. The first IC is operable to output a parallel data stream at a first data rate. The second IC is operable to output a serialized data stream at a second date rate. The second data rate may be different than the first data rate. The interface circuitry may be coupled between the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit. The interface circuitry may be operable to convert the parallel data stream received from the first IC into a serialized data stream with the second data rate. The interface circuitry may be also operable to convert the serialized data stream received from the second IC to a parallel data stream with the first data rate.