Spread Spectrum Clock Waveform Switching for USB4 Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spread spectrum clock generators struggle to adjust waveform patterns during training in USB4 standards, particularly in periodic burst and continuous modes, due to insufficient parameter settings for unit frequency shifts over time.
Innovation Solution
A spread spectrum clock generator with a setting screen that allows arbitrary frequency shift settings across multiple time sections and pattern switching, enabling seamless transitions between waveform patterns, including a frequency shift input unit and pattern switching input unit, to control the modulation signal waveform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed triangular wave pattern is used for SSC modulation, then the device structure is simple, but the waveform cannot be adjusted for different training modes in USB4 standard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic waveform pattern switching by allowing the modulation signal generator to change between different triangular wave patterns (first pattern and second pattern) based on training mode requirements. The modulation control unit receives training mode information and dynamically adjusts the modulation signal waveform, enabling the system to adapt to different training modes (steady-state, periodic burst, continuous) without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the triangular wave modulation signal, specifically the frequency shift characteristics. By adjusting the frequency shift parameter according to different training modes, the system can generate appropriate SSC modulated signals. The modulation control unit modifies the frequency shift parameter based on the selected waveform pattern, enabling flexible adaptation to different USB4 training mode requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parameter settings are provided for waveform adjustment, then the adaptability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex user input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service operation by automatically generating the appropriate triangular wave modulation signal based on the selected waveform pattern. When the user selects a pattern through the pattern switching input unit, the modulation control unit automatically configures the modulation signal generator with the correct parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually set multiple individual parameters. The system serves itself by internally adjusting all necessary parameters based on the pattern selection.
3Manufacturing precision
If the frequency shift parameter is fixed, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of clock signal generation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the frequency shift parameter of the triangular wave modulation signal according to different waveform patterns. The modulation control unit adjusts the frequency shift parameter to match the specific requirements of each training mode, ensuring accurate clock signal generation. By changing the frequency shift parameter dynamically, the system achieves high manufacturing precision in clock signal generation while meeting the specific demands of steady-state, periodic burst, and continuous training modes.
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
Improves usability by allowing precise adjustment of waveform patterns during training, facilitating seamless changes between modes and reducing user input complexity, thereby enhancing the accuracy of clock signal generation.
Implementation Method 1
a modulation unit that frequency-modulates the reference signal using the modulation signal to generate a spread spectrum clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a spread spectrum clock generator and a spread spectrum clock generation method, a pulse pattern generator and a pulse pattern generation method, and an error rate measuring device and an error rate measuring method capable of improving usability when adjusting a waveform of a modulation signal during training. A setting screen 60 includes a 0-th frequency shift input unit 71 for arbitrarily setting a frequency shift of a waveform of a modulation signal in a plurality of time sections, a first frequency shift input unit 72, a second frequency shift input unit 73, a third frequency shift input unit 74, and a modulation selection unit 67 for switching a waveform pattern of the modulation signal from a first pattern to a second pattern.