Multi-Channel Data Bonding With Digital Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing channel bonding technologies in SerDes IP face limitations in data transmission rate due to the need for precise clock phase adjustment, which becomes inaccurate at higher frequencies, affecting the reliability and performance of chip operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel data bonding method that utilizes phase detection on identification data to determine shift values, aligning serial data across multiple channels by shifting parallel data based on these values, thereby reducing the complexity of clock phase adjustment and allowing higher clock frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clock phase adjustment is implemented in the analog part of PMA to align serial data, then data alignment is achieved, but clock frequency cannot be too high which limits data transmission rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog clock phase adjustment mechanism with a digital phase detection and shift value calculation mechanism. Instead of adjusting clock phases in the analog PMA domain, the system uses digital phase detection on identification data to calculate shift values, which are then applied to align serial data from multiple channels. This substitution of analog mechanical adjustment with digital processing enables higher clock frequencies while maintaining alignment precision.
2Productivity
If multiple channels are used to transmit data in parallel to exceed single link capacity, then data transmission rate is improved, but channel bonding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel bonding process into distinct functional modules: phase detection module that detects phase differences of identification data, shift value calculation module that computes required shift amounts, and data shifting module that applies the shifts to align serial data. This segmentation of the bonding process into independent, manageable modules reduces overall system complexity while enabling multi-channel parallel transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces identification data as an intermediary element that carries phase information. Instead of directly managing complex clock phase relationships between multiple channels, the system uses identification data inserted into each channel as a mediator to convey timing information. This intermediary approach simplifies the bonding process by providing a clear reference for phase detection and shift calculation.
3Reliability
If clock phase adjustment is performed to align data from multiple channels, then data alignment is achieved, but logic complexity and timing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog clock phase adjustment circuits with digital phase detection and calculation logic. The digital approach uses identification data to detect phase differences and compute shift values through straightforward digital operations, significantly reducing logic complexity and timing constraints compared to analog phase adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliable data alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-channel data bonding method, apparatus and system, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: using a receive clock of a target transmit channel of multiple transmit channels as a transmit clock of each of other transmit channels of the multiple transmit channels; acquiring a receive clock of each of the multiple transmit channels; generating identification data of each of the multiple transmit channels; obtaining a shift value of each of the multiple transmit channels, by performing phase detection on the identification data of the transmit channel according to the transmit clock and the receive clock of the transmit channel; receiving parallel data of each of the multiple transmit channels; and shifting the parallel data of each of the multiple transmit channels according to the shift value of the transmit channel, thereby obtaining shifted data. With this method, a data transmission rate can be improved, and the performance and reliability of chip can be improved.