Multi-Die Data-Strobe Deskew for Low-Latency Signal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cross-chip systems, the use of balanced delay elements and multi-phase clock generators to synchronize data and strobe signals increases latency and power consumption, hindering performance.
Innovation Solution
A system with unbalanced main data and strobe paths and a deskew circuit that controls delay elements to align strobe and data signals, reducing latency and power consumption while ensuring correct signal sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If balanced delay elements and multi-phase clock generators are used to synchronize data and strobe signals, then signal synchronization is improved, but latency and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic delay adjustment by making the strobe path delay configurable through control signals. The delay amount can be dynamically changed based on operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize between synchronization accuracy and latency requirements. This is achieved through controllable delay elements in the strobe path that can be adjusted without requiring complex balanced delay structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delay parameter of the strobe path dynamically by applying control signals to delay elements. This allows the system to adjust the strobe signal timing to match data signal arrival times under different operating conditions, achieving synchronization without fixed balanced delay structures. The control signals modify the delay parameter adaptively, reducing both latency and power consumption.
2Reliability
If balanced delay elements and multi-phase clock generators are used to synchronize data and strobe signals, then signal synchronization is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts strobe path delay only when needed for synchronization, rather than maintaining fixed balanced delay structures. This dynamic approach allows the system to reduce power consumption by activating delay adjustment only during timing mismatches, while keeping the strobe path relatively simple and low-power during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the delay parameter of the strobe path through control signals, enabling adaptive synchronization with lower power consumption. By changing the delay parameter dynamically rather than using fixed balanced delay elements, the system consumes less power while maintaining synchronization accuracy across varying operating conditions.
3Loss of time
If unbalanced delay paths are used, then latency and power consumption are reduced, but signal alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where control signals monitor the timing relationship between data and strobe signals and adjust the strobe path delay accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that even with unbalanced delay paths, the signals remain properly aligned by continuously adjusting the strobe timing based on actual signal arrival times.
Solution Approach 2:
The strobe path delay is made dynamic and configurable, allowing the system to compensate for unbalanced paths by adjusting delay in real-time. This dynamic adjustment maintains signal alignment while keeping the overall path delays unbalanced, achieving both low latency and proper synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system including a transmitter and a receiver is disclosed. The transmitter includes a first main data path and a first main strobe path, wherein the first main data path is configured to generate a plurality of data signals, the first main strobe path is configured to generate a first strobe signal, and delay amount of the first main data path and delay amount of the first main strobe path are unbalanced. The receiver includes a second main data path and a second main strobe path, wherein the second main strobe path is configured to receive the first strobe signal to generate a plurality of second strobe signals, and the second main data path is configured to receive the plurality of data signals, and uses the plurality of second strobe signals to sample the plurality of data signals to generate a plurality of sampled signals, respectively.