RF Interconnect Preamble Synchronization for Compact Chip Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional integrated circuits face challenges in efficient communication between devices due to the need for numerous electrical interconnects, which occupy space and consume power, especially when using traditional bus-based communication methods.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Radio Frequency Interconnect (RFI) that uses a differential transmission line to connect devices, featuring a transmitter and receiver with a carrier synchronization section, which generates and regenerates carrier signals for data modulation and demodulation, reducing the number of electrical interconnects and conserving space and power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electrical interconnects are used to connect devices in packaged integrated circuits, then devices can communicate with each other, but the number of interconnects increases, occupying more space and consuming more power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidspace occupied by interconnects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical interconnects with a radio frequency interconnect system that uses electromagnetic waves for communication. The transmitter converts data to RF signals that propagate through the packaging substrate, eliminating the need for numerous physical electrical connections between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RF interconnect system serves multiple communication functions simultaneously through a single transmission medium. The differential transmission line carries modulated RF signals that can convey multiple data streams, replacing the need for separate dedicated electrical interconnects for each communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If electrical interconnects are used to connect devices in packaged integrated circuits, then devices can communicate with each other, but power consumption increases due to the large number of interconnects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption of interconnects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If carrier signals are used for data transmission, then data can be modulated and transmitted efficiently, but clock and phase synchronization becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a preamble sequence at the beginning of each data transmission. The preamble contains known patterns that enable the receiver to perform preliminary clock recovery and phase alignment before the actual data arrives, simplifying the synchronization process for the main data stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the receiver detects the preamble sequence and adjusts its clock and phase references accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic synchronization without requiring complex external control circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The RFI enables efficient communication by reducing the number of electrical interconnects, saving space and power, while allowing for data transmission between devices in integrated circuits using a more compact and energy-efficient method compared to traditional bus-based systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first carrier generator of the transmitter configured to generate a clock recovery signal based on a carrier signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarrier signal generation:

Implementation Method 2

a modulator of the transmitter configured to modulate a data packet based on the carrier signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

a transmission line having an input end and an output end... to transmit the modulated data packet from the transmitter to the receiver by the transmission line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

uses a differential transmission line to connect devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential signaling:

Data Source

PatentUS10090883B2Radio frequency interconnect having a preamble generator

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

A radio frequency interconnect includes a transmitter coupled with an input end of a transmission line, and a receiver coupled with an output end of the transmission line. The transmitter includes a first carrier generator configured to generate a clock recovery signal based on a carrier signal, to output a reference clock signal, and to transmit the clock recovery signal to the receiver. The transmitter also includes a modulator configured to modulate a data packet based on the carrier signal. The transmitter also includes a preamble generator configured to generate and add a preamble to data to generate the data packet. The preamble includes a data sequence associated with the reference clock signal. The transmitter further includes a transmitter output configured to transmit the modulated data packet to the receiver by the transmission line.