Multi-Clock Data Latch Circuit for Jitter-Tolerant Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data latch circuits face challenges in supporting various semiconductor devices with different signal formats due to issues with jitter and timing requirements when high-speed clock signals are used, making it difficult to accurately latch data signals.
Innovation Solution
A data latch circuit design that includes multiple clock input terminals, input flip-flops, serial/parallel converters, a data selector, and retiming circuits to convert and synchronize data signals using a selected clock signal, reducing the impact of jitter and allowing for precise latching of high-speed data signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed clock signals are used for data latching, then productivity increases, but jitter and timing requirements worsen measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data latching process into multiple independent channels, each with its own flip-flop and control logic. This segmentation allows parallel processing of data from multiple devices simultaneously, maintaining high productivity while reducing the timing pressure on individual channels and improving measurement precision for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control signal mechanism that mediates between the high-speed clock signals and the data latching process. This intermediary layer provides additional timing control and synchronization, allowing the system to handle high-speed signals while maintaining precise data capture through controlled enable signals and coordinated timing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clock signals are supported for various signal formats, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data latching circuit structure where each channel can handle multiple signal formats through configurable control signals. The same basic flip-flop and logic circuitry can latch data synchronized to different clock signals depending on the format being tested, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each signal type and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control signals that can be configured at runtime to adapt the circuit behavior to different signal formats. The enable signals and control logic can be dynamically adjusted to match the timing characteristics of various clock signals, allowing the circuit to flexibly support multiple formats without requiring static, format-specific hardware configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A serial-format data signal is input to a data input terminal. Each of n (n represents an integer of two or more) multiple clock input terminals is configured to receive a clock signal as an input signal. An input flip-flop latches the data signal at each timing that corresponds to the corresponding clock signal. A serial/parallel converter converts the serial-format data signal into a parallel-format intermediate data signal using the corresponding clock signal. A data selector selects one from among the n intermediate data signals according to a selection signal.