Latch-Based Clock Synchronization for Phase-Shifted IC Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional synchronization techniques in Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits face challenges due to increasing wire delay and design complexity, limiting clock frequency and productivity, especially in multiprocessor System-on-Chips (MP-SoCs), where clock distribution and synchronization issues are difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization system using a two-stage buffer structure with latch circuits controlled by control signals shifted by the set-up time of the latch circuits, ensuring data stability and phase alignment between transmitter and receiver clock signals, employing edge-triggered flip-flops and logical circuits to generate and delay control signals for proper data latching and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional synchronization techniques are used in VLSI circuits, then data transfer between modules can be achieved, but wire delay and design complexity increase, limiting clock frequency and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of control signal timing by introducing a setup time shift. The second control signal is delayed relative to the first control signal by an amount corresponding to at least the setup time of the latch circuits. This parameter change ensures that data is stable and properly synchronized between modules with different clock phases, resolving the synchronization reliability issue without adding complex control logic.
2Reliability
If conventional synchronization techniques are used, then data transfer can occur, but clock frequency is limited due to timing constraints and wire delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-shifting the second control signal by the setup time amount before the data transfer operation. This advance timing adjustment ensures that when data is latched in the second module, it has already been stable for the required setup time period. This preliminary timing correction allows the system to operate at higher clock frequencies without violating timing constraints, as the synchronization margin is built into the control signal timing itself.
3Reliability
If synchronization is implemented to guarantee timing requirements, then data exchange correctness is improved, but design efforts and time-to-market increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the synchronization design by changing the control signal parameter - specifically, delaying the second control signal by a fixed setup time amount. This single parameter adjustment replaces complex synchronization logic and reduces design efforts. The method ensures data exchange correctness between modules with arbitrary constant phase differences while significantly reducing design complexity and accelerating time-to-market.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modules are clocked with same frequency but arbitrary phase difference, then system flexibility is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent handles arbitrary phase differences by changing the control signal timing parameter - specifically introducing a setup time shift to the second control signal. This approach works regardless of the specific phase difference between clock signals, making the solution adaptable to any clock configuration. The method maintains system flexibility while avoiding complex phase detection and adjustment circuitry, thus reducing synchronization complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization system to synchronize modules (TX, RX) in an integrated circuit, such as a VLSI integrated circuit, in which the modules receive respective first and second clock signals (TX_CLK, RX_CLK) having a same frequency but being shifted by a constant and unknown phase difference. The system includes a first latch means for latching and delivering data in synchronism with the first clock signal and second latch means for latching data issued from the first latch means and delivering data in synchronism with the second clock signal, first and second latch means being controlled by first and second control signals (strobe_W, strobe_R) elaborated respectively from said first and second clock signals and one of said first and second control signal being shifted by an amount corresponding at least to the set-up time of at least one of said first and second latch means.