Multi-Stage Serializer Layout With Fewer Latches and Slower Clocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Serializers consume large amounts of power due to their high number of circuit elements operating at high clock frequencies, making it desirable to minimize circuit elements and operate at lower clock frequencies for reduced power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed serializer design that uses a minimal number of latches and generates slower clock signals on both edges of a fast clock signal, with each stage comprising half as many multiplexing cells as the preceding stage, and employs clock signals that are skewed to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional serializers use a high number of circuit elements operating at high clock frequencies, then serialization function is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The serializer is divided into multiple stages, with each stage containing a subset of multiplexing cells. The 2N multiplexing cells are organized into N stages, where each stage processes a portion of the data inputs. This segmentation allows the circuit to operate with fewer active elements at any given time, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the serialization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The serializer employs periodic clock signals with varying frequencies across different stages. Each stage operates at a specific clock frequency, with subsequent stages using higher frequencies only when needed. This periodic action pattern allows the circuit to reduce power consumption by operating at lower frequencies during periods when full serialization capacity is not required, while still achieving the necessary data throughput.
2Speed
If serializers operate at high clock frequencies, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock frequency for each multiplexing cell is dynamically adjusted based on its position in the staging structure and the current operation phase. Multiplexing cells in later stages operate at higher clock frequencies only when processing data that requires high-speed transmission, while cells in earlier stages operate at lower frequencies. This dynamic frequency adjustment maintains data transmission speed where necessary while reducing power consumption overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clock frequency parameter across different stages and time periods. Each stage is assigned a specific clock frequency that is half the frequency of the subsequent stage, creating a graduated parameter structure. This parameter change strategy allows the serializer to achieve high data transmission speeds at the output while maintaining lower power consumption at intermediate processing stages.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a minimal number of latches is used, then power consumption is reduced, but circuit functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the latch function from every multiplexing cell and implements it only where absolutely necessary. Instead of including latches in all 2N multiplexing cells, the design uses latches selectively in only those cells that require data storage functionality, specifically in the first stage where 2N-2 multiplexing cells include latches. This extraction approach maintains essential circuit functionality while dramatically reducing the total number of latches and associated power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies latch functionality partially rather than universally across all multiplexing cells. By implementing latches in only 2N-2 cells of the first stage rather than all cells throughout the N stages, the design achieves sufficient data storage and synchronization capability to maintain circuit reliability, while avoiding the excessive use of latches that would increase power consumption. This partial action approach balances functionality with energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a high speed serializer for multiplexing 2N data inputs, N being a positive integer, comprises one less than 2N multiplexing cells arranged in N stages. The stages are numbered 1 through N, and the output of the Nth stage is a serial transmission and the inputs of the 1st stage are the 2N data inputs. Each stage comprises half as many multiplexing cells as the preceding stage. Additionally, each multiplexing cell comprises a multiplexer that comprises a pair of inputs and an output. 2N-2 of the multiplexing cells in the first stage further comprise a latch, and the output of the latch is coupled to an input of the multiplexer.