Multi-Clock Phase Correction in Receiver Integrated Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuits face challenges in accurately regenerating clock signals and reproducing data due to phase shifts caused by frequency deviations in receive signals, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit with a phase detection and correction mechanism, utilizing a phase interpolator and loop filter, operates at multiple frequencies to adjust and correct phase shifts in clock signals, enhancing data reproduction accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-frequency operation is used to simplify the circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but phase shift correction accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into two separate processing paths: a first processing circuit operating at frequency f1 and a second processing circuit operating at frequency f2 (where f2 = 2m × f1). Each circuit processes phase shift correction independently at its own optimized frequency, allowing the system to achieve high correction accuracy without requiring a single complex multi-frequency circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operating frequencies (f1 and f2) for different processing circuits based on the specific requirements of phase shift correction. This dynamic frequency selection allows each circuit to operate at its optimal frequency, maintaining high correction accuracy while avoiding the complexity of a single circuit handling all frequencies.
2Measurement precision
If multiple frequencies are used to improve phase shift correction, then phase shift correction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-frequency processing is segmented into separate first and second processing circuits, each handling specific frequency ranges. The first circuit operates at frequency f1 while the second circuit operates at frequency f2 = 2m × f1, dividing the complex task into manageable independent units that reduce overall circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase interpolator is designed to be universal, capable of generating clock signals at both frequency f1 and frequency f2. This multi-functional design allows a single component to serve multiple frequency requirements, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each frequency and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, according to one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit includes the following configuration. A first converter samples a first digital value from an analog signal based on a first clock signal. A second converter samples a second digital value from the analog signal based on a second clock signal differing from the first clock signal by a first phase. A first processing circuit calculates phase shifts of the first and second clock signals based on the first and second digital values and using a first frequency of a third clock signal. A second processing circuit generates a control signal for correcting the phase shifts of the first and second clock signals based on the phase shifts calculated by the first processing circuit and using a second frequency of a fourth clock signal. The second frequency is 2m times the first frequency.