Serializer Stage Parity Checking Across Clock Domains

The patent applies preliminary action by inserting error detection codes (such as parity bits) into the data stream before serialization occurs. The EDC insertion circuit calculates and inserts error detection codes for each sub-word before the sub-words are time-multiplexed into the serialized data stream. This allows error detection to be performed on the serialized data without requiring additional complex circuitry, resolving the contradiction between maintaining data transmission capability and ensuring error detection capability across different clock domains and bit widths.

The patent merges the error detection code insertion function with the existing serialization infrastructure. The EDC insertion circuit is integrated into the serialization path, and the same time-multiplexing mechanism used for data serialization is also used to transmit the error detection codes. This combining approach allows error detection precision to be improved without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the error detection functionality is embedded within the existing serialization framework rather than being implemented as a separate complex system.

The patent implements continuous error detection by performing parity checks on the serialized data stream in real-time as the data flows through the system. The error detection circuit continuously monitors the serialized data stream and compares the received data against the transmitted error detection codes without requiring interruption of the data flow. This continuous processing approach minimizes the time penalty for error detection while maintaining high reliability, as the error detection occurs concurrently with data transmission rather than as a separate sequential step.