Parallel-Serial Converter Layout for Lower Output Capacitance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed integrated circuits face limitations in data processing speed due to large output capacitance and increased power consumption in parallel-to-serial conversion circuits, which affect signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A parallel-to-serial conversion circuit design that includes multiple data lines and converters operating at a 2:1 ratio, with drivers activated in phases to reduce output capacitance and improve signal integrity by simultaneously transmitting data through multiple drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If N outputs are connected together at the output terminal of an N:1 parallel-to-serial conversion circuit, then data processing capability is improved, but output capacitance becomes too large which lowers operating speed and increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single N:1 parallel-to-serial conversion function into multiple smaller 2:1 converters working in parallel stages. Instead of one large converter with N outputs connected together, the system uses multiple converters that process data in parallel, reducing the capacitance burden on any single output terminal while maintaining overall data processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional serial output approach to a multi-dimensional parallel processing architecture. By introducing multiple parallel data paths with phased clock signals, the system achieves high-speed data processing without concentrating all output capacitance at a single terminal, effectively adding temporal and spatial dimensions to the data conversion process.
2Productivity
If N outputs are connected together at the output terminal of an N:1 parallel-to-serial conversion circuit, then data processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data conversion workload across multiple parallel 2:1 converters instead of using a single N:1 converter. This segmentation allows each converter to operate with lower output capacitance, reducing the energy required for charging and discharging the output terminal, thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining data processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phased clock signals with different phases to activate different converters at different times. This periodic action ensures that not all converters drive the output simultaneously, reducing the peak current requirements and average power consumption while maintaining continuous high-speed data processing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A parallel-to-serial conversion circuit may include first to fourth data lines; first to fourth parallel-to-serial converters configured to parallel-to-serial convert data of corresponding two data lines, among the first to fourth data lines, at a ratio of 2:1, respectively; and first to fourth drivers configured to transmit converted data of corresponding parallel-to-serial converter, among the first to fourth parallel-to-serial converters, respectively, to an output line, wherein two of the first to fourth drivers are simultaneously activated.