Multi-Phase Clock Adjustment for Uniform Phase Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-phase clock systems with non-uniform phase differences between clocks pose challenges in achieving uniform distribution of clock phases, which is essential for proper synchronization and data transmission in applications like double data rate transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system that measures and adjusts the relative phase differences between clock pairs, using an N-to-two signal multiplexer and control and adjust circuitry to uniformly distribute the clock phases over the cycle time, allowing for desired non-uniform distributions as well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-phase clock systems are used for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but phase distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system measures actual phase differences between clock signals and uses this information to adjust and correct phase distributions. Control circuitry continuously monitors phase relationships and makes real-time adjustments to maintain uniform distribution, resolving the contradiction between achieving multi-phase functionality and maintaining phase uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes phase parameters by adjusting the timing and distribution of clock phases based on measured conditions. By varying phase differences and timing parameters adaptively, the system achieves both the desired multi-phase data transmission capability and uniform phase distribution, transforming fixed parameter limitations into flexible adjustable parameters.
2Manufacturing precision
If phase adjustment mechanisms are added to achieve uniform distribution, then phase distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified circuitry that performs both measurement and adjustment operations. The control circuitry serves dual purposes by both detecting phase differences and executing corrections, eliminating the need for separate dedicated adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while achieving uniform phase distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-adjustment capabilities where the clock distribution network automatically corrects its own phase imbalances without requiring external intervention or complex external control mechanisms. The built-in measurement and control circuitry enables the system to self-regulate phase distributions, reducing the need for additional complexity.
3Measurement precision
If measurements are taken between all pairs of clocks, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into segmented stages, measuring phase differences between adjacent clock phases first and then deriving overall phase relationships from these incremental measurements. This segmentation approach maintains measurement accuracy by focusing on local comparisons while reducing the total number of direct measurements required between all clock pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements between adjacent clock phases before conducting comprehensive phase distribution analysis. By establishing baseline measurements between neighboring phases first, the system prepares reference data that simplifies subsequent comprehensive measurements and reduces the overall measurement complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system where indicators of the relative phase differences between combinations of clocks in a multi-phase clock system are developed and/or measured. These indicators convey information regarding which phase difference between a given pair of the clocks is greater than (or less than) the phase difference between another pair of the clocks. This information is used to sort/rank/order phase differences between the various combinations of pairs of clocks according to their phase differences. This ranking is used to select the pair of clocks to be adjusted.