Single-Reference Timer Array for Low-Noise RF Event Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timer arrays in RF circuits face issues with power consumption, digital noise, and layout complexity due to a large number of counters operating simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A timer array that uses a single reference counter, with a count translation logic block to translate reference clock counts into target offset values for each timer, reducing the number of counters and operating frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple counters operate simultaneously in a timer array, then timing precision and event synchronization capability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent counters into a single reference counter that serves the entire timer array. Instead of each timer having its own counter, a single reference counter generates timing signals that are distributed to multiple timers through a timing signal generator, reducing the number of active counters from N to 1 and thereby significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining timing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference counter is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it generates timing signals for multiple timers, provides synchronization references for different RF blocks, and enables event coordination across the entire system. This multi-functional design allows a single counter to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated counters.
2Measurement precision
If multiple counters operate simultaneously in a timer array, then event synchronization capability is improved, but digital noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple counters into a single reference counter, the patent reduces the number of simultaneous switching operations from N counters to 1 counter. This consolidation dramatically reduces digital noise generation while the timing signal generator distributes the single reference timing signal to multiple timers, maintaining event synchronization capability without the noise penalty of multiple independent counters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple counters are used in a timer array, then timing functionality for multiple events is improved, but layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the timing functionality of multiple counters into a single reference counter combined with a timing signal generator. This merged architecture provides the same multi-event timing capabilities as N independent counters but with significantly reduced layout complexity, as the single counter requires minimal space compared to N separate counter units.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing signal generator acts as an intermediary between the single reference counter and multiple timers. It receives the reference timing signal from the counter and generates the appropriate timing signals for each timer, enabling complex timing functionality without requiring complex interconnections between multiple counters.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of timers are implemented, then event coordination capability is improved, but physical die area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple timer counting functions into a single reference counter, eliminating the need for N separate counter circuits. This consolidation reduces the physical die area occupied by the timer array from what would be required for N independent counters to the area of a single counter plus a timing signal generator, while maintaining the capability to coordinate multiple events through the distributed timing signals.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for an optimal timer array using a single reference counter are presented. According to one aspect, timers of the timer array use the single reference counter to process different timed trigger requests. A count translation logic block translates counts corresponding to the requested timed triggers to target values of the reference counter. Register arrays that include the target values and active/inactive status flags of the timers are used to implement specific timers. Comparators are used to compare values of the reference counter to the target values to establish expiration of the requested timed triggers. A target translation logic block translates a current value of the reference counter to an offset value from the target values for monitoring by an external circuit.