Multi-Phase Synchronizer Circuit for Low-Latency Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard synchronizer circuits introduce inherent latency and safety delays due to the use of multiple flip-flops, which are not optimal for detecting asynchronous signal changes, particularly in critical applications like medical, automotive, and space industries.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using multiple synchronizer circuits operating on different phases of a clock signal, each with a two-stage flip-flop configuration, and a decision mechanism to generate synchronized signals that change at distinct points in the clock cycle, allowing for reliable and fast detection of signal changes with reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple flip-flops are connected in series to block metastable conditions, then reliability is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the synchronization function into multiple parallel synchronizer circuits, each handling different phases of the clock signal. Instead of passing through multiple flip-flops in series, the asynchronous signal is processed simultaneously by multiple circuits operating on different clock phases, reducing the time to resolve metastability while maintaining reliability through parallel validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional series connection of flip-flops to a multi-dimensional parallel architecture where synchronizer circuits operate on different phases of the clock signal. This adds the dimension of parallel processing and phase diversity, allowing the system to achieve both high reliability and low latency by selecting the first valid synchronized signal from multiple phase-aligned circuits.
2Reliability
If a third flip-flop is added in series to increase safety margin, then reliability is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization function is segmented into multiple parallel paths with different safety margins. Each synchronizer circuit can be configured with different numbers of flip-flops in series, allowing the system to select the appropriate safety level for each phase while maintaining overall low latency through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of clock phase distribution across synchronizer circuits. By configuring synchronizer circuits to operate on different phases (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), the system achieves diverse safety margins in parallel, allowing faster detection of valid signals while maintaining the required safety guarantees through selective validation.
3Speed
If synchronizer circuits operate on different clock phases, then detection speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronizer circuits are designed as universal modules that can operate on any clock phase. Each circuit is configured to synchronize on a specific phase edge (rising or falling), and the decision mechanism universally selects the first valid signal regardless of which phase produced it. This multi-functional design reduces complexity by using identical circuit templates with configurable phase parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of synchronizer circuits to operate on predetermined clock phases before actual signal synchronization occurs. The decision mechanism is pre-configured to recognize and select signals from the expected phase sequence, enabling fast detection without requiring complex real-time analysis of clock phase relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for synchronizing an incoming signal with a clock signal comprises two or more synchronizer circuits, wherein each synchronizer circuit receives the incoming signal and the clock signal. Each synchronizer circuit generates a synchronized signal, wherein the state of each synchronized signal changes on a different phase of said clock signal in response to a change of the state of said incoming signal. A decision mechanism circuit receives the synchronized signals generated by each synchronizer circuit, wherein the decision mechanism circuit determines the output signal in response to the change of the state of the incoming signal. The decision mechanism circuit further comprises a memory element having a state which is set according to a previously detected state of said signal, wherein the output signal is determined according to the state of the memory element.