Serializer Clock Calibration for Divider Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed data transmission in communication systems faces challenges in synchronizing input data with clocks at multiplexing stages, particularly at the 2:1 multiplexing stage, due to divider delay, buffer delay, and serialization operations, which are exacerbated by voltage and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter is designed with a clock generator, frequency dividers, delay lines, and a clock calibrator to generate and adjust clock signals, ensuring the rising edge of the divided clock is advanced by a fixed relationship relative to the fastest clock, using a combination of fixed and variable delays to maintain timing path requirements across multiplexing stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a frequency divider is used to generate a divided clock from a fastest clock, then the clock frequency is reduced to match multiplexing stage requirements, but the divided clock becomes delayed relative to the fastest clock due to divider delay and buffer delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by delaying the divided clock in advance to compensate for the delay introduced by the frequency divider and buffer. The delay line is configured to provide a delay that pre-compensates for the known divider delay and buffer delay, ensuring that the divided clock remains synchronized with the fastest clock throughout the serialization process. This proactive timing adjustment resolves the contradiction by anticipating and counteracting the time loss before it affects the multiplexing operation.
2Productivity
If the timing path is reduced to meet high-speed serialization requirements, then the data rate increases, but the input data becomes desynchronized with the clock at the multiplexer due to varying delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the delay line adjustable and reconfigurable. The delay line includes multiple delay elements that can be dynamically selected and adjusted based on operating conditions such as voltage and temperature variations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain optimal timing synchronization across different data rates and environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between high productivity and reliable synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the delay characteristics of the delay line in response to changing operating conditions. The system monitors parameters such as voltage and temperature and adjusts the delay line configuration accordingly to maintain proper timing alignment between input data and clock signals. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures reliable synchronization even as data rate and environmental parameters change.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage and temperature variations occur during operation, then the delay characteristics of the divider and buffer change, but the timing alignment between divided clock and fastest clock deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the timing alignment between the divided clock and the fastest clock, and adjusting the delay line configuration in response to detected misalignment. The system uses feedback from timing error detection to dynamically reconfigure the delay line, compensating for voltage and temperature-induced variations in divider and buffer delays. This closed-loop control maintains precise timing alignment despite environmental variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for clock calibration is described herein which comprises a serializer configured to convert an input data stream in parallel format to provide an out data stream in a serial format; a clock source configured to generate one or more clock signals; a first frequency divider configured to provide at least one divided clock signal of the one or more clock signals; a delay line configured to delay at least one divided clock signal; and a clock calibrator configured to control delay of the at least one divided clock signal at the delay line to adjust the one or more divided clock signals at a fixed relationship with respect to the one or more clock signals based on voltage and temperature variation.