Multipath Clock and Data Recovery Circuit for Flexible I/O Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-speed serial communication systems face challenges in I/O path flexibility due to fixed I/O pin layouts and redundancy in unidirectional clock and data recovery (CDR) circuits, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and semiconductor die area usage, which are exacerbated by the need for dedicated circuitry for upstream and downstream traffic.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multipath clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit that uses a single unidirectional CDR to selectively couple to multiple I/O ports, allowing for flexible configuration of I/O paths and reducing redundancy by using the same active components for both upstream and downstream paths, thereby minimizing power and die area consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a passive matrix switch is used to increase I/O path flexibility, then I/O path flexibility is improved, but signal degradation occurs due to insertion losses and bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive matrix switch components with active components (amplifiers, equalizers, CDR circuits) to create an active matrix switch. This merging allows the system to maintain the I/O path flexibility of the passive switch while the active components compensate for signal degradation through amplification and equalization, thereby resolving the contradiction between flexibility and signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces active components as intermediary elements between the passive switch and the transmission lines. These intermediary components (particularly the CDR circuits and equalizers) act as mediators that restore signal integrity after the passive switch, thus maintaining both flexibility and signal quality simultaneously.
2Reliability
If active components are added to compensate for signal degradation, then signal quality is improved, but power consumption and die area increase due to redundant circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the active components (CDR circuits, equalizers, amplifiers) multi-functional by enabling them to serve both upstream and downstream paths dynamically. Instead of having dedicated redundant circuitry for each direction, the same active components are shared and reconfigured based on traffic needs, reducing overall power consumption and die area while maintaining signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of active components between upstream and downstream paths using control logic that responds to traffic patterns. This dynamic sharing allows the system to activate only the necessary active components for current traffic demands, eliminating the need for permanently active redundant circuitry and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining signal integrity when needed.
3Reliability
If dedicated circuitry is provided for both upstream and downstream paths, then signal quality is maintained, but device complexity and die area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the upstream and downstream signal paths by using the same physical transmission medium and sharing active components between the two directions. This merging eliminates the need for completely separate dedicated circuitry for each path, reducing device complexity and die area while maintaining signal quality through the shared active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the active components (CDR circuits, equalizers, amplifiers) to be universal, serving both upstream and downstream functions. This multi-functionality allows a single set of active components to replace what would traditionally require two separate sets, thereby reducing circuit redundancy and complexity while maintaining the reliability needed for both directions of communication.
Data Source
AI summary
Multipath clock and data recovery circuits and multipath I/O devices are described that operate to provide flexible I/O paths for serial data communications. Active unidirectional components such as a clock and data recovery circuit may be used to implement different I/O paths. Bandwidth and signal degradation for high-speed serial data transmission is reduced.