Selectable Delay Line Structure for Jitter Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern communication networks face challenges in maintaining accurate timing and reducing jitter in delay lines due to varying delays caused by manufacturing deviations, temperature, and voltage changes, which affect data transmission rates and signal reception.
Innovation Solution
A delay line structure comprising N delay units and N selectors, with each unit consisting of cascaded inverters and selectors, and a correction method using a Phase-locked-Loop (PLL) circuit to generate fixed phase clock signals and adjust delay settings based on judgment module outputs, allowing for precise delay control and jitter reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional delay line structures are used, then the circuit is simple, but the delay jitter is large due to manufacturing deviations and environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The delay line is divided into multiple delay units (first delay unit, second delay unit, etc.), each with selectable delay paths. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each unit and reduces the impact of manufacturing variations on the overall delay jitter, while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay line incorporates selectable delay paths with different delay characteristics that can be dynamically chosen based on operating conditions. This dynamic selection capability allows the system to adapt to environmental changes and manufacturing deviations, reducing delay jitter without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire circuit.
2Measurement precision
If delay control is added to meet timing requirements, then the timing accuracy is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing control function is segmented into multiple independent delay units, each with its own selection mechanism. This allows precise timing control to be achieved through coordinated selection across units rather than a single complex control circuit, distributing the complexity while maintaining high timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each delay unit is designed with universal functionality to provide multiple delay paths that can be selected based on different timing requirements. This multi-functionality allows the same structural pattern to be reused across multiple units, achieving precise timing control without proportionally increasing overall circuit complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple delay paths are provided for jitter reduction, then the delay jitter is reduced, but the selector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selection function is segmented and distributed across multiple selectors, each responsible for a specific delay unit. This segmentation prevents any single selector from becoming overly complex, as each selector only needs to manage the delay paths within its assigned unit rather than all possible paths system-wide.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay line structure employs a nested arrangement where delay units and selectors are hierarchically organized. Each selector is nested within the context of its associated delay unit, and multiple units are nested in sequence. This nesting allows the system to provide multiple delay paths for jitter reduction while keeping individual selector complexity manageable through hierarchical organization.
Data Source
AI summary
A delay line structure and a delay jitter correction method thereof are provided. The delay line structure comprises N delay units and N selectors. An output end of the N−1th delay unit is connected to a first input end of the N−1th selector and an input end of the Nth delay unit respectively, the N−1th selector inputs the N−1th selection signal, an output end of the Nth delay unit is connected to a first input end of the Nth selector, an output end of the Nth selector is connected to a second input end of the N−1th selector, and the Nth selector inputs the Nth selection signal. The time delay units and the selectors are stacked forwards according to the above-mentioned rule until the input ends of the first time delay units are connected with input signals and the output ends of the first selectors are connected with output signals.