Single-Trace Synchronous Interface for Precise Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in maintaining precise phase alignment of clock signals across line cards due to varying trace sizes and operating conditions, which conventional compensation techniques like static propagation delay compensation fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A one-line synchronous interface system using buffers and controllers to switch between input and output modes on a single trace for both data exchange and synchronization, employing time division multiplexing to synchronize and transmit data at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static propagation delay compensation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization precision deteriorates due to varying trace sizes and operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic compensation by continuously monitoring the actual arrival time of clock signals at each line card and adjusting the phase alignment in real-time. This dynamic approach replaces static propagation delay compensation, allowing the system to adapt to varying trace sizes and operating conditions while maintaining precise synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the actual clock signal arrival times are measured and fed back to the timing device. This feedback loop enables the timing device to calculate and apply appropriate phase adjustments to each line card, ensuring precise synchronization despite variations in trace characteristics and environmental conditions.
2Speed
If multiple wires are used for data and clock signals, then data transmission speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data transmission and clock signal distribution functions into a single wire interface. The timing device transmits both synchronization pulses and data over the same trace, eliminating the need for separate dedicated clock lines to each line card. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining high-speed communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wire interface is designed to perform multiple functions: distributing clock signals for synchronization, transmitting data bidirectionally, and providing phase alignment compensation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized lines, reducing overall interface complexity while preserving high-speed data transmission.
3Measurement precision
If buffers switch between input and output modes frequently, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffers are controlled to switch between input and output modes in periodic cycles synchronized with the received synchronization pulses. This periodic switching pattern, triggered by the clock signals themselves, simplifies the control logic compared to arbitrary switching while maintaining precise synchronization. The controller only needs to track the periodic pulse arrivals to manage buffer states.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and system for one-line synchronous interface are described. A timing device including a first buffer can be connected to a line card including a second buffer. The timing device can control the first buffer to output a synchronization pulse to the line card periodically at a time interval. For each output of the synchronization pulse, the timing device can switch the first buffer from a first output mode to a first input mode. Under the first input mode, the timing device listen for incoming data on the trace. The line card can receive the synchronization pulse periodically at the time interval. For each receipt of the synchronization pulse, the line card can switch the second buffer from a second input mode to a second output mode. Under the second output mode, the line card can transmit outgoing data on the trace.