Modular PLD Transceiver Clocking for Multi-Channel Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable logic integrated circuit devices (PLDs) face challenges in synchronizing more than eight transceiver channels due to limitations in clock distribution architectures, which restrict their flexibility and performance in supporting advanced communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a modular transceiver circuitry design with multiple modules, each containing channels, a clock source, and dual clock signal distribution circuits with selection and routing capabilities, allowing for flexible clock signal distribution across modules, enabling synchronization of any number of channels and reducing clock skew.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing clock distribution architectures are used, then up to eight channels can be synchronized efficiently, but synchronization of more than eight channels is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The clock distribution architecture is segmented into multiple independent clock trees, each capable of servicing up to eight channels. This allows the system to scale beyond eight channels by adding more clock trees rather than redesigning the entire clock distribution system. Each clock tree operates independently, managing its own set of channels with dedicated clock signals and distribution paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension clock distribution approach (one clock tree serving all channels) to a multi-dimensional approach where multiple clock trees are arranged in a hierarchical structure. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous service to multiple groups of channels, enabling synchronization of more than eight channels through spatial and structural organization of clock distribution resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transceiver circuitry is designed for general purpose use, then it can satisfy many different users and reduce unit cost, but it lacks optimization for specific communication protocols requiring varying numbers of synchronized channels
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver circuitry incorporates dynamic configurability through programmable logic devices that can be configured at runtime. The system allows dynamic selection and activation of specific clock trees and channel groups based on the required communication protocol, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different protocol requirements without physical reconfiguration or dedicated hardware for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal transceiver architecture where a single device can support multiple communication protocols by providing a pool of transceiver channels that can be grouped and synchronized in various configurations. The multi-clock-tree architecture provides universal support for protocols requiring 1, 2, 4, 8, or more than 8 synchronized channels, eliminating the need for protocol-specific hardware designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Transceiver circuitry on a programmable logic device integrated circuit (“PLD”) is preferably provided in a plurality of identical or at least similar modules. Each module preferably includes a plurality of transceiver channels and a clock source unit. Clock distribution circuitry is provided for distributing the signal of a module's clock source to all of the transceiver channels in that module, and also selectively beyond that module to other modules.