Quadrature Divider Feedback Correction for Clock Spacing Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency division systems face challenges in achieving precise clock signal spacing and synchronization, particularly in high-speed data communication systems, leading to increased jitter and inefficiencies in clock signal generation and consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of fractional frequency dividers with error correction systems, utilizing quadrature dividers and phase detectors to synchronize sub-rate clocks, ensuring equal time spacing between clock signals and correcting for any spacing errors through adaptive calibration techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional frequency division systems are used, then clock signal generation is simple, but clock signal spacing precision deteriorates leading to increased jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the divided clock signals are fed back to control the timing of subsequent division operations. The system monitors the actual spacing between clock signals and adjusts the division timing dynamically to maintain precise spacing, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity by using intelligent control rather than simple passive division.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency division system transitions from static, fixed division ratios to dynamic, adjustable division timing. The system can adaptively change the timing of clock signal generation based on detected spacing errors, allowing precise clock signal spacing to be maintained across varying operating conditions while managing system complexity through adaptive control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clock domains with different frequencies are used, then system functionality is improved, but synchronization between domains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal clock synchronization mechanism that can operate across multiple clock domains with different frequencies. The synchronization system serves multiple functions: it can synchronize any pair of clock domains, maintain spacing precision across varying frequencies, and provide a unified timing reference for the entire system, thereby improving reliability without limiting system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization actions by establishing reference timing relationships between clock domains before actual data processing occurs. By pre-synchronizing the clock domains and establishing precise spacing relationships in advance, the system ensures reliable synchronization is maintained throughout operation, preventing timing errors before they can affect system functionality.
3Reliability
If traditional clock signal generation is used, then power consumption is high, but jitter reduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency division system performs self-correction of timing errors by using its own output signals to control its operation. The divided clock signals automatically regulate the timing of subsequent divisions, creating a self-correcting mechanism that reduces jitter without requiring external high-power intervention or complex external control circuits, thereby achieving jitter reduction with optimized power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit including a frequency divider configured to receive a plurality of first frequency input clock signals and provide a plurality of second frequency output clock signals, wherein the plurality of second frequency output clock signals are lower in frequency than the plurality of first frequency input clock signals, a phase detector configured to determine a difference between the plurality of second frequency output clock signals, a low pass filter configured to measure a clock signal spacing error associated with the plurality of second frequency output clock signals based on the difference between the plurality of second frequency output clock signals and to generate one or more control signals in response to the clock signal spacing error, and a control unit configured to generate one or more corrected first frequency input clock signals based on the one or more control signals.