Serializer Circuit Retiming for Multi-Frequency Phase Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data serializers face challenges in effectively serializing parallel data signals with different frequencies and phases, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A serializer circuit comprising a recovery circuit, an adjusting circuit, and a multiplexer circuit that generates and aligns clock signals to retim and multiplex parallel data signals, ensuring phase alignment and increased frequency for efficient serialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a data serializer converts parallel data signals to serial data stream, then data transmission frequency is increased, but phase alignment between multiple parallel data signals becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing phase alignment and retiming of parallel data signals before they are multiplexed into a serial stream. The retiming circuits adjust the phase of each parallel data signal in advance to ensure they are properly aligned before serialization, preventing phase misalignment issues during high-speed transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through phase detection circuits that continuously monitor the phase relationship between parallel data signals and clock signals. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust retiming parameters to maintain phase alignment even when frequency variations occur, ensuring reliable serialization at high speeds.
2Productivity
If multiple parallel data signals with different frequencies are serialized, then data transmission capability is improved, but the complexity of clock signal generation and synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex synchronization task into separate retiming circuits for each parallel data signal. Each retiming circuit independently handles one data signal, performing phase alignment and frequency adjustment locally. This modular approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to handle multiple frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary retiming circuits as mediators between the parallel data signals with different frequencies and the final serial output. These retiming circuits act as intermediate stages that standardize the timing of each input signal before multiplexing, eliminating the need for direct complex synchronization between all signals.
3Reliability
If the serializer uses retiming circuits to align phases, then phase alignment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing retiming circuits that perform multiple functions: phase alignment, frequency adjustment, and signal conditioning. Each retiming circuit is a multi-functional module that handles various timing-related tasks, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A serializer circuit may include a recovery circuit, an adjusting circuit, and a multiplexer circuit. The recovery circuit may be configured to receive a first data signal at a first frequency, to generate a first clock signal at the first frequency using the first data signal, and to retime the first data signal based on the first clock signal to generate a retimed first data signal. The adjusting circuit may be configured to receive a second data signal and retime the second data signal based on the first clock signal to generate a retimed second data signal. The multiplexer circuit may be configured to multiplex the retimed first data signal and the retimed second data signal.