Serializer Synchronization Circuit for High-Speed Phase-Aligned Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serializers in semiconductor systems face challenges in high-speed operation due to increased load at the output node, which affects the slope of the output signal and makes it difficult to synchronize data pieces with clock signals having different phases.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a synchronization circuit with a precharge circuit and multiple synchronization circuits that drive an output node to specific logic levels based on input signals and clock signals with phase differences, allowing for efficient synchronization and output of serial data signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a prior art serializer with multiple stages of multiplexer elements is used to synchronize data pieces with clock signals, then the serializer can handle parallel data conversion, but the load at the output node increases, causing the slope of the output signal to decrease and making high-speed operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The serializer is divided into multiple independent synchronization circuits (first, second, third, and fourth synchronization circuits), each handling a specific data piece and clock signal phase combination. This segmentation distributes the load across parallel paths rather than concentrating it through multiple sequential multiplexer stages, maintaining high-speed operation while preserving data processing capability.
2Reliability
If multiple stages of elements are included in the multiplexer to synchronize data pieces, then the serializer can achieve proper data synchronization, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple synchronization functions are merged into a unified circuit architecture where four synchronization circuits share common output nodes and clock signal sources. Each synchronization circuit integrates the functions of data selection and clock synchronization in a single stage, eliminating the need for multiple sequential multiplexer stages and reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization circuit includes a precharge circuit and a signal driving circuit. The precharge circuit precharges an output node to a first logic level. The signal driving circuit detects, in synchronization with a second dock signal having a phase leading a first clock signal, a logic level of an input signal and drives, in synchronization with the first clock signal, the output node to a second logic level according to the logic level of the input signal.