Microcode Configurable Frequency Clock for Optical Transceivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High speed optical transceivers face inefficiencies in comparator circuit speed due to limitations in Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) silicon speeds, requiring suboptimal clock settings to accommodate worst-case scenarios, leading to wasted time and potential inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A microcode configurable frequency clock with a memory and logic circuit that adjusts clock speed based on microcode-generated data, allowing for optimal clock speed selection regardless of DAC silicon speeds, enabling faster and more efficient high-speed comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the clock speed is set fast to improve comparison speed, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential inaccuracies from DAC inability to keep up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic clock speed adjustment mechanism where the clock frequency is not fixed but can be modified based on actual system conditions. The system monitors DAC performance and automatically adjusts the clock speed to match the actual silicon speed of the DAC, allowing the system to operate at optimal speeds rather than being constrained by worst-case scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clock speed parameter dynamically based on measured DAC performance. By monitoring actual comparison results and DAC operation, the system adjusts the clock frequency parameter to achieve the fastest reliable operation, transforming the static clock speed into a variable parameter that adapts to actual hardware characteristics.
2Reliability
If the clock speed is set slow to ensure reliability across all DAC silicon speeds, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to wasted time
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, conservative clock speed setting to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The clock speed is continuously monitored and adjusted based on actual DAC performance, allowing the system to achieve high speeds when conditions permit while maintaining reliability when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the system monitors actual comparison results and DAC operation to determine the optimal clock speed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from actual performance and adjust the clock speed accordingly, eliminating the need to operate at conservative speeds for all cases.
3Device complexity
If a fixed clock speed is used to simplify device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because the system cannot optimize for different DAC silicon speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting clock speed mechanism where the system automatically monitors its own DAC performance and adjusts the clock speed without external intervention. The optical transceiver itself performs the measurement and adjustment, eliminating the need for complex external calibration equipment or manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from actual DAC operation to automatically adjust the clock speed. By monitoring comparison results and DAC performance, the system self-regulates the clock frequency to match the actual silicon speed, providing adaptability without requiring complex pre-configuration or external control.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcode configurable frequency clock that may be used to control the speed of high speed comparison in an operational optical transceiver. The frequency clock includes a memory and a logic circuit. The memory receives microcode generated data relating to the desired speed of comparison. The logic circuit is configured to receive an input clock signal and to produce an output clock signal by frequency dividing the input signal based on the microcode generated data. The output clock is used to control the speed of comparison in the optical transceiver.