Multi-Stage Serializer Clock Phasing for High-Speed Data Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serializer circuits face challenges in serializing high-speed input data signals due to latency issues and insufficient critical path timing, which leads to incorrect data transmission and increased latency, especially when dealing with high-speed data signals.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system employs a multi-stage serializer architecture with intermediate serializer circuits, a tri-state circuit, and output serializer circuits, utilizing clock signals with predetermined phase differences to ensure a full clock cycle critical path, thereby serializing input data signals without excessive delay and ensuring correct data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 2:1 serializer circuit with a multiplexer and latch is used to serialize two input data signals, then the first and second input data signals are outputted successively, but the second input data signal is delayed by half cycle of the clock signal which introduces latency in the serializer circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The serializer circuit is divided into multiple independent serializer circuits (first, second, third, fourth) that operate in parallel. Each serializer circuit receives a subset of input data signals (first and second, third and fourth, fifth and sixth, seventh and eighth respectively) and processes them independently. This segmentation allows multiple data paths to operate simultaneously, reducing overall latency while maintaining correct serialization through coordinated clock phases.
2Productivity
If the critical path in the 2:1 serializer circuit is half cycle of the clock signal, then the first and second input data signals are serialized, but the critical path is not sufficient to serialize high speed input data signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple clock signals with different phases (first, second, third, fourth clock signals) to control the operation of different serializer circuits at different time intervals. Each serializer circuit operates during specific clock phases, creating a periodic action pattern that allows the critical path to be sufficient for high-speed serialization while maintaining correct output through phase-coordinated operation.
3Speed
If first and second flip-flops are placed in close proximity to the multiplexer to reduce time interval, then the time interval between outputting and receiving data signals is reduced, but latency is introduced in the 2:1 serializer circuit
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple serializer circuits are merged into a single system that processes multiple input data signals simultaneously. The first, second, third, and fourth serializer circuits are combined to handle eight input data signals in parallel, achieving high-speed data transmission across multiple channels while the overall system latency is managed through coordinated clock phases rather than individual circuit delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for serializing input data signals and generating an output data signal includes a FIFO memory that launches the input data signals at different phases of a clock signal. The system further includes multiple stages of a serializer circuit, and each stage of the serializer circuit receives a clock signal. Each successive stage includes half the number of serializer circuits that are included in the previous stage, and each successive stage is clocked by a clock signal that transitions at twice the frequency of the previous stage clock signal. The serializer circuits that belong to a single stage receive the clock signal with different phase. The phase and frequency of clock signals of serializer stages are adjusted such that a launched input data signal is outputted as the output data signal. Further, a critical path for each serializer circuit is equal to full clock cycle of the clock signal.