Sequencer De-multiplexing for High-Speed Logic Analyzer Memory Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current logic analyzers face challenges in processing high-speed incoming digital data due to the need for fast sequencers, which leads to increased memory requirements and processing time, making it difficult to operate effectively at data speeds above 2 GHz.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sequencer with 8-to-1 de-multiplexing, where incoming data is processed in parallel by multiple sequencing elements connected in a cascaded combination, allowing each element to handle one-eighth of the data cycles, reducing memory needs and enabling faster processing through look-up tables and multiplexers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sequencer operates at the speed of incoming data without de-multiplexing, then processing speed is maintained, but memory requirements increase geometrically making the solution prohibitively costly
Solution Approach 1:
The incoming data stream is divided into multiple lanes through de-multiplexing, with each lane processed by a separate LUT. This segmentation allows the system to process high-speed data by distributing the processing load across multiple smaller, parallel processing units rather than requiring one large LUT with excessive memory capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional sequential processing approach to a multi-dimensional parallel processing architecture. By introducing the dimension of parallelism through de-multiplexed lanes and cascaded LUTs, the system achieves high-speed processing without proportionally increasing memory requirements in a single LUT.
2Quantity of substance
If de-multiplexing is applied to reduce memory requirements, then memory needs decrease, but processing time increases making the solution less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The cascaded LUT architecture ensures continuous processing across multiple stages. Each LUT processes its assigned lane continuously without idle time, and the cascade structure allows data to flow seamlessly through multiple processing stages, maintaining high throughput despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically balances the trade-off between memory requirements and processing time by allowing flexible configuration of de-multiplex factors and cascade depth. This dynamic approach enables optimization based on specific application requirements, adjusting the number of LUTs and their interconnections to achieve the desired balance.
3Quantity of substance
If cascaded LUTs are used to reduce memory requirements, then memory needs decrease, but each LUT and interconnecting logic must still operate at the speed of incoming data which current technology cannot achieve at 2 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the processing into multiple LUTs operating in cascade, each LUT operates at a relaxed speed requirement compared to a single LUT handling the full data rate. The de-multiplexing factor determines how much the clock frequency can be reduced while still achieving the required overall processing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of parallel processing paths to compensate for the reduced speed of individual LUTs. By having multiple LUTs process different data lanes simultaneously, the system achieves high overall throughput even though each individual LUT operates at a lower frequency, making current technology capable of handling 2 GHz and above.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sequencing determines possible next states for respective possible previous states based upon resources, selects one of the possible next states as an actual next state based upon an actual previous state, and communicates the actual next state as the actual previous state.