SoC Clock Division Synchronization for Cross-Domain Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The phase offset between different clock domains in a system-on-chip (SoC) due to clock frequency adjustments or on-off switching leads to increased circuit and timing overheads, resulting in degraded performance and complex adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
A clock management apparatus with a clock synchronization signal generator, clock gating units, and clock frequency division modules that adjust clock signals from an asynchronous to a synchronous state without shutting down the system, using a synchronization signal to control phase alignment across multiple clock domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If clock frequency adjustment or on-off switching is performed in different clock domains, then power consumption is reduced and task load adaptability is improved, but phase offset between clock domains increases leading to increased circuit and timing overheads
Solution Approach 1:
A phase offset compensation circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between different clock domains. This circuit includes a delay circuit that receives the synchronization signal and adjusts its delay amount dynamically, and a phase selection circuit that selects the optimal delayed signal to compensate for phase offset. This intermediary structure enables phase alignment without requiring complete system shutdown or complex global coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase offset compensation is performed in advance before signal transmission across clock domains. The delay circuit pre-adjusts the synchronization signal to predict and compensate for expected phase offsets, ensuring that clocks are aligned before actual data transfer occurs, thereby reducing timing overheads.
2Stability of the object's composition
If all clocks are turned off and then turned on together to achieve phase consistency, then phase offset is eliminated, but the adjustment process becomes complex and system performance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The clock management system is segmented into independent clock domains, each with its own phase offset compensation circuit. This allows individual domains to adjust their phases independently without requiring global shutdown. Each domain's delay circuit and phase selection circuit work autonomously to maintain phase consistency locally, simplifying the overall adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase offset is adjusted by changing the delay parameter of the synchronization signal in the delay circuit. By dynamically modifying the delay amount based on detected phase differences, the system achieves phase consistency through parameter adjustment rather than through complex operational sequences of turning clocks off and on.
3Adaptability or versatility
If phase offset between clock domains is large, then frequency adjustment flexibility is improved, but timing overheads increase leading to degraded performance
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the phase difference between clock domains is continuously detected and measured. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the delay amount in the delay circuit, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains optimal phase alignment while allowing flexible frequency adjustments, thereby preventing performance degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a clock management apparatus wherein the clock management apparatus includes a clock synchronization signal generator, a plurality of clock gating units and clock frequency division modules; a synchronization signal of a predetermined period is generated by the clock synchronization signal generator; each of the clock gating units is connected in series with a corresponding one of the clock frequency division modules to form a signal processing branch; and the signal processing branches are connected in parallel to receive a source clock signal respectively, the clock gating unit controls the on-off switch of the signal processing branch, and the clock frequency division modules are configured to perform phase adjustment on the clock signals of the signal processing branches after receiving the synchronization signal output by the clock synchronization signal generator, and to adjust the clock signals of the signal processing branches from an asynchronous state to a synchronous state.