Self-Aligning Interconnect for Parallel Lane Timing Skew

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Solution Overview

Problem

Parallel signaling lanes in integrated circuits are susceptible to lane-to-lane timing skew, which existing solutions like retiming flip-flops introduce undesirable latency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing programmable delay lines and phase detection in each data lane to dynamically adjust delays, eliminating the need for retiming flip-flops and ensuring synchronized data arrival without additional latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If retiming flip-flop stages are used to address lane-to-lane timing skew, then timing alignment is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming alignmentVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the delay amount in each lane based on measured timing skew. Delay circuitry in each lane independently adjusts its delay parameter to compensate for lane-to-lane skew, achieving timing alignment without the fixed, latency-introducing flip-flop stages. This continuous parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing precise timing control without additional latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the delay adjustment adaptive and continuous rather than static. The system measures actual timing skew and dynamically adjusts delay circuitry parameters in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions. This dynamic approach replaces the static flip-flop retiming with a flexible, latency-minimizing solution that maintains timing alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If delay circuitry is added to each lane to compensate for timing skew, then timing alignment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming alignmentVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the timing compensation function into independent delay circuitry units for each lane. Each lane has its own delay element that can be independently controlled, allowing precise per-lane timing adjustment. This segmented approach achieves timing alignment while keeping each individual delay unit simple and manageable, resolving the complexity issue through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by using a common control mechanism that manages delay adjustments across all lanes. The timing skew measurement and control logic serves multiple lanes simultaneously, reducing overall complexity. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve timing alignment across all lanes without requiring completely separate control circuits for each lane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12425014B1Self-aligning interconnect for a digital system
Publication Date: 2025.09.23 MOVELLUS CIRCUITS INC
  • US12425014B1 patent drawing
  • US12425014B1 patent drawing
  • US12425014B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated circuit (IC) chip includes transmit circuitry including multiple transmitters to launch parallel data in response to a transmit clock signal. The transmit clock signal is based on a reference clock signal. Receiver circuitry includes multiple receivers to receive the parallel data in response to a receive clock signal. The receive clock signal is based on the reference clock signal. Bus circuitry includes multiple data paths arranged in parallel between the transmit circuitry and the receiver circuitry. Each data path is coupled between a given one of the multiple transmitters and a given one of the multiple receivers. A first data path of the multiple data paths includes a delay circuit to dynamically delay first data of the parallel data propagating along the first data path by a first delay that is based on a channel delay exhibited by a second data path of the multiple data paths.