Multi-Phase Clock Multiplexer for Low-Power 50 Gbps Serialization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed data transceivers face challenges in achieving low power consumption and reduced IC area due to power consumption by clocking and clock distribution in data multiplexing systems, which limits data rates and increases bandwidth and timing delays.
Innovation Solution
A data multiplexing system utilizing eight phase signals derived from a ⅛th rate clock signal for data serialization, eliminating alignment latches and reducing power consumption by distributing load evenly, and using a symmetric 2 to 1 MUX to achieve lower power and area usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clock signal distribution and latches/flip flops are used for data serialization, then data alignment and serialization can be achieved, but power consumption increases and IC area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the clock signal distribution network and alignment latches from the data multiplexing system. By using a symmetric 2-to-1 MUX architecture with embedded timing control, the separate clock distribution infrastructure is removed, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining data alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the timing control function into the MUX structure itself. The symmetric 2-to-1 MUX design integrates what were previously separate functions (data switching and timing alignment) into a unified structure, eliminating the need for additional latches and reducing overall power consumption.
2Reliability
If conventional clock signal distribution and latches/flip flops are used for data serialization, then data alignment can be achieved, but IC area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the alignment latches and clock distribution network from the system. The symmetric MUX architecture performs both data selection and timing alignment functions, eliminating the need for separate latch circuits and reducing IC area.
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetric 2-to-1 MUX is designed to perform multiple functions: data switching, timing alignment, and phase selection. This multi-functional approach replaces what were previously separate components (MUXes, latches, and clock distribution networks), reducing overall IC area.
3Productivity
If high data rates of 50 Gbps and higher are achieved, then communication capacity increases, but power consumption and IC area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching action in the symmetric MUX architecture, where data is transferred in synchronized phases. This periodic operation at optimized frequencies enables high data rates while minimizing power consumption compared to continuous operation of traditional latch-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a symmetric MUX design that operates with reduced switching losses. The architecture optimizes the switching frequency and duty cycle to achieve high data rates with lower power consumption than conventional asymmetric designs.
4Productivity
If conventional MUX architecture is used, then data multiplexing can be achieved, but timing window is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric phase distribution in the symmetric MUX architecture, where different phases are allocated to different data paths based on timing requirements. This asymmetric phase assignment optimizes the timing window for each data stream, allowing larger timing margins compared to conventional symmetric approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic phase adjustment capability in the symmetric MUX, allowing the timing phases to be optimized for different data rates and timing requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables larger effective timing windows compared to fixed conventional architectures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for data multiplexing include or use a data serializer having a first set of four serializer outputs and a second set of four serializer outputs. The systems and methods also use or include a pair of 4 to 1 multiplexers each having four first multiplexer inputs and one first multiplexer outputs and a 2 to 1 multiplexer having two multiplexer inputs and one multiplexer output.