RTC Clock Signal Modulation for Inter-Die Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems, communication between multiple dies often requires additional input/output contacts, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for sharing clock information.
Innovation Solution
Modulating a real-time clock signal using pulse width modulation to encode information, allowing the existing RTC interface to pass clock information without the need for a separate interface, thus eliminating the requirement for additional contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated interface is used for communication between dies, then reliable data transfer is achieved, but the number of additional input/output contacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing RTC interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both its original real-time clock function and additional data transfer function. The modulated clock signal allows the same physical interface to convey both timing information and arbitrary data between dies, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the clock signal transmission and data transmission functions into a single communication channel. By modulating the clock signal with data information, two separate communication tasks (clock distribution and data transfer) are merged into one interface, reducing the total number of contacts required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional dedicated interfaces are implemented for data transfer, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RTC interface is enhanced to perform multiple functions - maintaining its original role in providing real-time clock signals while simultaneously serving as a data communication channel through signal modulation. This multi-functionality improves communication capability without adding new interface types or increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the existing clock signal by modulating its characteristics (such as duty cycle, frequency, or phase) to encode data information. This parameter modulation allows the same interface to convey additional information without requiring new interface structures, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity.
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
Enables efficient data transfer and synchronization between dies by utilizing the existing RTC interface to convey clock information, reducing the need for additional contacts and improving system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an RTC circuit to modulate a RTC signal to encode the clock information. The RTC circuit modulates the RTC signal using pulse width modulation
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with modulating a clock signal to encode information. A system may include a plurality of dies including a first die. The first die may include a real time clock (RTC) circuit to receive clock information associated with a shared clock signal that is shared among the plurality of dies, and modulate a RTC signal to encode the clock information. The first die may further include an output terminal coupled to the RTC circuit to pass the modulated RTC signal to one or more other dies of the plurality of dies. A second die of the plurality of dies may include a decoder to receive the modulated RTC signal and extract the clock information. The second die may adjust and/or condition the shared clock signal based on the received clock information. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.