IC Interface Activation During Core Startup Using PLL Lock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of integrated circuits leads to longer initialization times, with interface activation often being on the critical path of system startup, causing delays and non-compliance with interface standards that require rapid link activation after power-up.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an offset calibration performed by physical media attachment circuitry, where transmitter and receiver phase-locked loops lock onto frequencies, enabling the interface to become ready for use before the integrated circuit's core is fully operational, utilizing a reset control state machine and multiplexers to manage signals and calibrate transceiver channel circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interface activation is performed after integrated circuit initialization, then system stability is ensured, but interface activation time increases causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is activated in advance during the integrated circuit initialization process, specifically during the reset release sequence before the core is fully operational. The reset control state machine manages the timing to release interface activation before core programming completes, allowing the interface to be ready before normal operation begins.
2Loss of time
If interface circuitry is activated before core operational readiness, then startup time is reduced, but system stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic reset control state machine that manages the activation sequence based on operational readiness. The state machine controls the timing of reset signal releases to different circuit blocks, dynamically coordinating interface activation with core initialization progress to ensure stability while minimizing delay.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex initialization sequences are used to ensure proper interface activation, then activation accuracy is improved, but initialization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The initialization process is segmented into distinct phases managed by the reset control state machine: offset calibration phase, phase-locked loop locking phase, and core operational phase. Each phase is independently controlled and timed, allowing precise management of activation accuracy while optimizing the overall initialization sequence for speed.
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 significantly reduces the time needed to activate the interface, potentially activating it in less than one hundred milliseconds, while the core programming continues, ensuring compliance with interface standards and improving system startup performance.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter phase-locked loop locks onto a transmitting frequency, and a receiver phase-locked loop locks onto a receiving frequency
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to a method for activating an interface on an integrated circuit while a core of the integrated circuit is becoming operational. An offset calibration for a transceiver channel is performed by physical media attachment circuitry. A transmitting frequency is locked onto by a transmitter phase-locked loop for the transceiver channel, and a receiving frequency is locked onto by a receiver phase-locked loop for the transceiver channel. Subsequently, the interface is activated while a core component of the integrated circuit is becoming operational. Another embodiment pertains to an integrated circuit which includes transceiver channel circuits, an interface processor, and a reset control state machine. Another embodiment relates to control circuitry including a reset control state machine, transceiver channel circuits, a channel input steering multiplexer, and a channel output steering multiplexer. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.