Multi-Clock Protocol Converter Using Latches for Low-Latency Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in seamlessly transferring data between different clock domains due to timing mismatches and varying clock speeds, requiring a robust and efficient protocol converter that minimizes latency and integrates various components effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and converter systems, including fast-to-slow (F2S) and slow-to-fast (S2F) bus converters, utilizing latches and logic gates to propagate data during specific clock cycles, ensuring data transfer across clock domains while handling timing uncertainties and mismatches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transferred between different clock domains using a bridge or protocol converter, then seamless data transfer is ensured, but latency increases and structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses latches as intermediary elements to transfer data between fast and slow clock domains. The latches capture data on the fast clock edge and hold it until the slow clock is ready to accept the data, acting as a buffer that mediates the timing mismatch between the two clock domains without requiring complex protocol conversion logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs latches that preliminarily capture and hold data in advance before the slow clock domain is ready to receive it. By pre-capturing the data on the fast clock edge and maintaining it in the latch, the system ensures data is ready when the slow clock cycle completes, reducing the overall transfer time and latency.
2Reliability
If a bridge or protocol converter is used to transfer data between different clock domains, then timing mismatches are handled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple latch circuits as intermediaries between fast and slow clock domains. Each latch captures data on the rising edge of its respective clock and holds it until the destination clock is ready, providing robust timing handling through straightforward edge-triggered storage elements rather than complex state machines or protocol conversion logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the data transfer function into separate latch elements for each data bit or data group. Each latch independently handles the timing conversion from fast to slow clock domain, allowing modular and scalable implementation that reduces overall system complexity compared to a monolithic protocol converter.
3Productivity
If data is propagated during every fast clock cycle, then data transfer speed is maximized, but timing mismatches between clock domains increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the periodic nature of clock cycles to transfer data only during specific phases - namely, during the first full fast clock cycle within each slow clock cycle. This periodic selection of transfer windows ensures that data is propagated at the maximum possible rate while maintaining synchronization with the slow clock domain's readiness to receive data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures data preliminarily during the first full fast clock cycle of each slow clock cycle, holding it in latches until the slow clock domain is ready. This preliminary capture at the optimal moment maximizes transfer speed while the latch holding mechanism ensures timing synchronization by preventing data propagation until the destination is ready.
Data Source
AI summary
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of transferring data from a fast clock domain associated with a fast clock signal to a slow clock domain associated with a slow clock signal, the method comprising receiving first fast data from the fast clock domain during a first fast clock cycle, wherein the first fast clock cycle is a first full fast clock cycle in a first slow clock cycle; and propagating, during the first full fast clock cycle in the first slow clock cycle, the received first fast data to the slow clock domain. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.