MLD Deskew via Offset Buffer Writing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Multiple Lane Distribution (MLD) systems, bit streams become skewed during transmission due to differences in travel time and speed across multiple communication lanes, leading to misalignment and potential OTL loss of lane alignment defects, necessitating a method for deskewing.
Innovation Solution
An N framer system is employed at the receiver, where each bit stream detects inherent framing patterns to derive an arbitrary frame start and synchronization signal, allowing data to be written into buffers at specific offset locations for realignment, and an aggregator recombines the deskewed bit streams into a single serial stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is transmitted through multiple communication lanes in parallel, then transmission speed is improved, but lane alignment precision deteriorates due to skew
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal deskew values in lookup tables before transmission. The system determines the skew characteristics of each lane in advance and prepares compensation values that are then applied during reception, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and achieving both high speed and precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of lookup tables that mediate between the skewed incoming data and the required alignment. These tables serve as a pre-computed reference that translates skewed position information into corrected positions, acting as a bridge that resolves the alignment issue without requiring complex real-time processing.
2Measurement precision
If deskewing is performed using traditional methods, then alignment is achieved, but device complexity increases due to extensive logic duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deskew operation into a single centralized unit that processes all lanes simultaneously. Instead of duplicating complex deskew logic across multiple lanes, the system combines the alignment function into one unit that uses shared lookup tables and coordinated processing, dramatically reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise alignment across all lanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional deskew unit that can handle multiple lanes using a single set of lookup tables and control logic. The system designs the deskew mechanism to serve all lanes universally rather than dedicating separate complex logic to each lane, reducing duplication while maintaining the ability to precisely align any number of lanes.
3Speed
If lookup tables are used for deskewing, then alignment speed is improved, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lookup tables into smaller segments or partitions that can be managed separately. Instead of requiring one large monolithic lookup table, the system segments the memory structure into multiple smaller tables that can be loaded, accessed, and managed more efficiently, reducing peak memory requirements while maintaining fast alignment performance through organized data access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method of detecting and correcting skew across a plurality of transmitting lanes. Through the use of an N framer system, including a frame start signal and a frame synchronization signal, skew can be detected and corrected by writing data from a plurality of framers into offsetting bit locations of a plurality of buffers. The present invention also provides a method of transmitting data in a multiple lane distribution (MLD) transmission system.