Parallel Data Channel Synchronization Using Common Clock Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data channels in communication systems often go out of synchronization over time due to factors like alpha particle hits or power supply glitches, leading to errors in transmission and reception, which is undesirable and affects the reliability of data transfer.
Innovation Solution
Generating synchronization signals with short intervals to re-synchronize parallel data channels to a common time reference, ensuring continued synchronization and allowing a common clock signal to be used across all channels, thereby reducing electrical power consumption and improving data transfer reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If data channels operate independently without continuous synchronization, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization reliability deteriorates over time due to drift and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization by generating synchronization signals at regular intervals (e.g., every 8 clock cycles) to re-synchronize parallel data channels. This periodic intervention maintains synchronization reliability without requiring continuous complex synchronization mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple independent clock signals are used for each data channel, then synchronization reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clock functions into a single common clock signal that serves all parallel data channels. By using one clock source and periodically re-synchronizing channels through synchronization signals, the system achieves reliable synchronization while reducing power consumption compared to using multiple independent clock signals.
3Reliability
If synchronization signals are generated frequently, then synchronization reliability is maintained over long periods, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple periodic synchronization approach where synchronization signals are generated at fixed intervals (e.g., every 8 cycles) using basic counter logic. This periodic mechanism maintains long-term synchronization reliability without requiring complex continuous synchronization circuits, balancing reliability and complexity.
4Ease of operation
If parallel data channels operate without re-synchronization, then ease of operation is improved, but data transmission accuracy deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary synchronization action by periodically preparing and injecting synchronization signals into parallel data channels before significant drift occurs. This preliminary intervention maintains data transmission accuracy while requiring minimal operational complexity, as the synchronization happens automatically at predetermined intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
Maintaining synchronization when sending/receiving multiple channels of data with a corresponding common reference clock signal. Synchronization signals (e.g., pulses) are generated periodically and the timing of channels is adjusted. In an embodiment, multiple sequences of parallel data elements are received on corresponding parallel data channels using a first common clock signal. Each sequence of parallel data elements is converted to a corresponding sequence of serial data elements. The serial data elements are transmitted on a corresponding serial channel using a serial clock as a common reference. A synchronization signal may be generated periodically with a time period of (the number of bits in each parallel data element x the time period of the serial clock), wherein ‘×’ represents multiplication operation. As the parallel data channels are synchronized in short intervals, synchronization is maintained.