Reference Clock Phase Alignment for Multi-Path Digital Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital systems face challenges in efficiently synchronizing multiple subsystems without the need for costly and power-hungry clock domain crossing (CDC) circuits.
Innovation Solution
Employing a common reference clock signal and phase alignment circuits to dynamically adjust signal delays across multiple signal paths, aligning clock arrival times without complex CDC circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clock domain crossing (CDC) circuits are used to synchronize multiple subsystems, then synchronization reliability is improved, but power consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock synchronization function from complex CDC circuits and implements it through a simplified reference clock distribution network. Each subsystem receives the same reference clock signal directly, eliminating the need for expensive and power-hungry CDC circuits while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference clock signal serves multiple subsystems simultaneously, providing a universal timing reference that eliminates the need for separate synchronization mechanisms in each subsystem. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system power consumption and cost.
2Measurement precision
If complex CDC circuits are implemented for clock synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the clock distribution into independent reference clock paths to each subsystem. Each subsystem independently receives and uses the reference clock signal, simplifying the overall circuit architecture while maintaining synchronization accuracy through direct reference to the same clock source.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference clock signal acts as an intermediary that mediates synchronization between multiple subsystems. Instead of complex direct interactions between subsystems, the reference clock provides a common timing reference that simplifies the synchronization mechanism while preserving accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional clock distribution methods are used, then subsystem independence is maintained, but synchronization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock distribution function into a unified reference clock network that serves all subsystems. This combining approach maintains subsystem independence in terms of functionality while dramatically improving synchronization efficiency through shared reference timing.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) chip includes transmit circuitry comprising multiple transmitters to launch multiple sets of signals on-chip in a phase-aligned relationship to on-chip clocked-device circuitry. A first signaling path includes a first delay circuit to dynamically delay a first set of the multiple sets of signals by a first delay that is based on a phase difference between a reference clock and an as-received version of the first set of the multiple sets of signals fed back from the on-chip clocked-device circuitry. A second signaling path is disposed in parallel with the first signaling path and includes a second delay circuit to dynamically delay a second set of the multiple sets of signals by a second delay and is based on a phase difference between the reference clock and an as-received version of the second set of the multiple sets of signals fed back from the on-chip clocked-device circuitry.