Programmable Delay Circuit for Precise Input Signal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for aligning input signals in integrated chip testing are inefficient due to manual calculations of finite delays, leading to inaccuracies and increased complexity, especially as the number of signals increases, causing time inefficiencies and misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a clock generating circuit, flip flops, a finite state machine, and programmable delay elements that automatically detect early arrivals of signals and adjust delays to align input signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual calculation of finite delay is used to align input signals, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate due to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit automatically calculates and applies the finite delay required for signal alignment without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts by detecting signal arrival times and programmatically setting the delay values, eliminating human error while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses programmable delay elements that can dynamically adjust their delay values based on detected signal characteristics. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different signal conditions and achieve precise alignment automatically.
2Ease of operation
If manual calculation of finite delay is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic delay calculation and signal alignment without requiring operator intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit pre-calculates and applies the necessary delay values before signal processing begins, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during the testing process and thereby improving productivity.
3Device complexity
If manual calculation of finite delay is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates with increase in number of input signals
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit automatically measures and calculates the precise delay required for each input signal independently, using digital processing to maintain high accuracy even as the number of signals increases, without requiring complex manual calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable delay elements can be independently configured for each signal line, allowing the system to dynamically adjust and precisely measure delays for any number of input signals with consistent accuracy.
4Reliability
If finite delay is added to minimize interface uncertainties, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to calculation inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the precise delay values needed to compensate for interface uncertainties by measuring actual signal characteristics, eliminating manual calculation errors and ensuring both reliability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect signal arrival times and use this information to automatically adjust the delay values, ensuring that the finite delay added is precisely calibrated to minimize interface uncertainties while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for aligning input signals includes a clock generating circuit (CGC) responsive to first signal and second signal to generate a clock signal. A first flip flop and a second flip flop, coupled to the CGC, are responsive to first type of edge of the clock signal to output the first signal and the second signal. A finite state machine (FSM), coupled to the CGC, the first flip flop and the second flip flop, is responsive to second type of edge of the clock signal to detect early arrival of one of the first signal and the second signal with respect to each other, and to generate first control signal and second control signal. A first programmable delay element and a second programmable delay element, coupled to the FSM, delays first input signal based on the first control signal and second input signal based on the second control signal.