SERDES Sideband Signaling Through Clock Edge Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Serializer/deserializer (SERDES) devices face challenges in efficiently communicating over channels using side band data, particularly in adjusting clock signals to accurately transmit and receive serialized data, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a side band transmission module combining side band data with a clock signal to generate a modified clock signal, which adjusts the leading or falling edges of a waveform based on side band data, and a serializer that outputs a modified waveform, implemented using a computer program executed by processors, enabling efficient data transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If side band data is combined with clock signal to generate modified clock signal, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines side band data with the clock signal to generate a modified clock signal that carries both timing information and data. This merging of data and clock functions into a single signal path improves transmission efficiency by utilizing the same channel for dual purposes, reducing the need for separate data and clock paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock signal serves multiple functions: it provides timing synchronization for the serializer and simultaneously carries side band data for communication. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve efficient data transmission without adding separate dedicated communication channels, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If waveform edges are adjusted based on side band data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the leading or falling edges of the waveform based on the side band data being transmitted. This dynamic adjustment allows precise control of waveform timing characteristics to encode data accurately, improving measurement precision of the transmitted signal while using the existing serializer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes temporal parameters of the waveform (edge timing positions) based on side band data values. By modulating the position of waveform edges rather than changing amplitude or frequency, the patent achieves precise data encoding with minimal additional hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A serializer/deserializer for a network device includes a data module configured to generate parallel data and side band data. A serializer is configured to convert the parallel data to serialized data for transmission over a communication channel, wherein the serialized data includes a serial data waveform. A side band transmission module is configured to generate a clock signal, inject the clock signal with side band data to generate a modulated clock signal, and apply the modulated clock signal to the serialized data to generate a modified serial data waveform. The modified serial data waveform includes the serialized data and the side band data and includes pulses with an increased pulse width and/or a decreased pulse width with respect to the serial data waveform. The serializer is configured to transmit, over the communication channel, the modified serial data waveform including the serialized data and the side band data.