Multi-Clock Domain Transfer Using Common Reference Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid service bearing devices cannot simultaneously transfer clock signals from multiple different types of services, limiting their ability to support multiple clock domains, which is essential for evolving network synchronization needs in metropolitan area networks.
Innovation Solution
A device with N phase frequency detectors, N filters, and N clock reconstructors, along with a common reference clock generator, that extracts phase and frequency differences between clock signals from various sources to reconstruct and synchronize clock signals across multiple clock domains, enabling simultaneous support for multiple clock domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid service bearing device uses separate transfer for multiple service types, then each service can be transferred reliably, but the device cannot simultaneously transfer clock signals from multiple different clock domains
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into N independent processing chains, where each chain (comprising a phase frequency detector, filter, and clock reconstructor) independently handles one clock domain. This segmentation allows the device to process multiple clock domains simultaneously while maintaining clear functional boundaries and avoiding interference between different clock sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements a universal clock transfer mechanism that can handle multiple types of services (SDH, synchronous Ethernet, 1588v2) through a common architecture. Each service type is processed through its dedicated phase frequency detector and clock reconstructor, but all share the same overall device structure and control logic, enabling multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated devices for each service type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device transfers only one type of clock signal, then the transfer process is simple and reliable, but the device cannot support multiple different clock sources simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The clock transfer function is segmented into N independent processing chains, with each chain dedicated to one clock source. This segmentation isolates potential interference between different clock sources while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of individual clock transfer paths. Each chain processes its assigned clock source independently, ensuring that reliability is maintained for each clock domain.
Solution Approach 2:
A common reference clock signal serves as an intermediary for synchronizing multiple different clock sources. The phase frequency detectors compare each clock source against this common reference, and the filters use the reference clock to reconstruct synchronized output clocks. This intermediary reference clock enables multiple diverse clock sources to be harmonized and transferred reliably within the same device.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a device and a method for supporting clock transfer of multiple clock domains. The device includes: N phase frequency detectors, N filters, N clock reconstructors, and N clock domain interfaces, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the N clock domain interfaces are in a one-to-one correspondence with the N phase frequency detectors, the N filters, and the N clock reconstructors, the N phase frequency detectors are respectively connected to N clock sources, and at least two clock sources of the N clock sources are different. The foregoing device can reconstruct multiple different clock signals by transferring a common reference clock signal, digitized phase difference information, and frequency difference information, and apply the clock signals to clock domain interfaces of various clock domains, so as to flexibly adapt to multiple different clock domains, implement that a single device simultaneously supports clock transfer of multiple clock domains, and flexibly satisfy user demands without adding or replacing devices.