Iterative Frame Synchronization for Multi-Lane Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed serial links in data processing systems face challenges with latency due to large buffer margins required for transmitter lane alignment, which increase latency and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data transmission circuit with deterministic flow control and iterative frame synchronization to optimize the starting offset between writing and reading data from FIFO buffers, reducing latency by maintaining low FIFO levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large buffer margins are used for transmitter lane alignment, then reliability is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer margin adjustment by iteratively optimizing the starting offset value based on actual system performance. Instead of using fixed large buffer margins, the system dynamically adapts the buffer configuration through measurement and optimization loops, allowing the buffer margins to be just sufficient for reliable operation rather than excessively large, thereby reducing latency while maintaining alignment reliability.
2Reliability
If large buffer margins are used for transmitter lane alignment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of buffer margin size from large fixed values to optimized smaller values through iterative determination of the starting offset. By modifying this critical parameter based on actual system measurements and performance requirements, the system achieves reliable lane alignment with minimal buffer resources, reducing device complexity and resource consumption while maintaining alignment reliability.
3Productivity
If iterative optimization of starting offset is performed, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors actual lane alignment performance and uses this information to iteratively adjust the starting offset value. The feedback loop measures alignment quality and guides the optimization process, allowing the control circuitry to converge on optimal parameters through measured performance rather than requiring complex predetermined control logic, thus improving productivity with manageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to a data transmission circuit with deterministic flow control that includes a plurality of FIFO buffers, a plurality of transmitter lanes, a transmitter MAC circuit, and a transmitter aligner circuit. The transmitter aligner circuit includes control circuitry that performs one or more iterations of a procedure to optimize a starting offset, where the starting offset provides an initial delay between the writing of the data bits to the plurality of FIFO buffers and the reading of the data bits from the plurality of FIFO buffers. Another embodiment relates to a method of reducing data path latency in a data transmission circuit with deterministic flow control. Other embodiments, aspects, and features of the invention are also disclosed.