Mixed Synchronous Asynchronous Digital Interface for Semiconductor ICs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital interface systems for semiconductor integrated circuits with a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous communication have complex structures, which complicates training and calibration operations between integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A digital processing system and method utilizing a master chip and slave chip configuration with a single clock pin and data pin each, where data transmission from the master chip to the slave chip is synchronous and data reception from the slave chip to the master chip is asynchronous, allowing for a simpler structure and flexible data transmission timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a digital interface system uses a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous communication for semiconductor integrated circuits, then data transmission flexibility and speed are improved, but the system structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is segmented into two distinct modes: synchronous communication for master-to-slave data transmission and asynchronous communication for slave-to-master data reception. This segmentation allows each communication direction to use the most appropriate protocol, achieving high-speed transmission while maintaining simpler overall system structure through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between synchronous and asynchronous communication modes depending on the data transmission direction. The master chip uses synchronous communication when transmitting data to slave chips, and asynchronous communication when receiving data from slave chips, providing adaptability that optimizes both speed and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If training and calibration operations are performed for each device in the communication system, then communication performance is improved, but the system structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Training and calibration operations are performed in advance during the initialization phase of the communication system, before normal data transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures that communication performance is optimized beforehand, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each device in the communication system performs its own self-calibration and training operations autonomously during initialization. The master chip coordinates the calibration process, and each slave chip independently completes its calibration routines, reducing the need for external intervention and simplifying the overall system structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital processing system including a master chip having a first clock pin and a first data pin and a first slave chip having a second clock pin and a second data pin may be provided. The digital processing system may transmit first data from the master chip to the first slave chip based on a synchronous scheme in which a first clock signal output from the master chip via the first clock pin and the first data output from the master chip via the first data pin are provided together and the first data is transmitted in synchronization with the first clock signal, and may transmit second data from the first slave chip to the master chip based on an asynchronous scheme in which the second data output from the first slave chip via the second data pin is transmitted regardless of the first clock signal.