Slave Transceiver Phase-Lock Feedback for Master Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed Ethernet transceivers face synchronization challenges due to data signal distortion and external noise, leading to excessive jitter and errors in data transmission between master and slave link partners, with current methods requiring excessive error detection circuitry and delayed phase-lock status detection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the slave transceiver locking a clock to data signals using a phase-locked loop and transmitting slave clock information to the master transceiver, allowing adaptive processing adjustments to maintain phase-lock and minimize distortion, including suppressing certain processing activities and transmitting training signals to aid re-acquisition of phase-lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the master transceiver monitors phase error signals to detect phase-lock status, then synchronization quality can be assessed, but the master transceiver requires excessive error detection circuitry and detection happens with time delay
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the master transceiver monitor the slave's phase-lock status through complex error detection circuitry, the invention inverts the approach by having the slave transceiver monitor its own phase-lock status and communicate this information back to the master. This simplifies the master's circuitry while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave transceiver performs self-monitoring of its phase-lock status using its own simpler circuitry and autonomously communicates this status to the master transceiver, eliminating the need for the master to perform complex monitoring functions.
2Measurement precision
If the master transceiver monitors phase error signals, then phase-lock quality can be detected, but detection happens with time delay after the slave loses phase-lock
Solution Approach 1:
The slave transceiver continuously monitors its own phase-lock status and proactively communicates changes to the master transceiver immediately when phase-lock is lost or gained, rather than waiting for the master to detect the condition with delayed monitoring.
3Speed
If data signals are transmitted over copper wire pairs, then high-speed communication is achieved, but signal distortion and external noise cause excessive jitter and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The slave transceiver provides feedback to the master transceiver about its phase-lock status, enabling the master to adapt its transmission parameters to compensate for signal distortion and noise, thereby maintaining reliable communication at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts transmission parameters based on real-time phase-lock status information exchanged between transceivers, allowing the system to optimize performance under varying channel conditions while maintaining reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances synchronization reliability by enabling timely adaptation and minimizing errors in data transmission, reducing the need for excessive electronic circuitry and improving signal quality by proactive management of phase-lock status.
Implementation Method 1
The slave transceiver locks a slave clock to the data signals with a slave phase-locked loop
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of aiding synchronization between a master transceiver and a slave transceiver is disclosed. The method includes the master transceiver transmitting data signals that are received by the slave transceiver. The slave transceiver locks a slave clock to the data signals with a slave phase-locked loop. The slave transceiver transmits slave clock information to the master transceiver.