Clock Domain Synchronizer Selection Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronizer circuits face challenges in efficiently transitioning data between different clock domains while balancing power consumption and performance, as different synchronizers have varying power and performance characteristics, leading to suboptimal solutions that either consume high power or offer high latency.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method that includes a plurality of synchronizers in parallel, with a multiplexer selecting the most suitable synchronizer based on current performance states, allowing dynamic trade-offs between power consumption and performance by power-gating and clock-gating unused synchronizers, and using a synchronizer selection module to choose the appropriate synchronizer for adapting signals between clock domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a first synchronizer with shorter latency is used, then performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between multiple synchronizers based on current performance states, transitioning between different synchronizer configurations to optimize the balance between latency and power consumption. The synchronizer selection module changes which synchronizer is active based on real-time system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different synchronizers with different characteristics (latency, power consumption) based on performance states. This allows the system to adjust its behavior to match current operational requirements and conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple synchronizers are provided in parallel, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the synchronizer function into multiple separate synchronizer circuits, each optimized for different performance characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each synchronizer while providing overall system flexibility through selective activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple synchronizers are provided that can all perform the same basic function of adapting signals between clock domains, but with different performance characteristics. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to handle different operational requirements using different synchronizer instances.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power-gating and clock-gating are used on unused synchronizers, then power consumption is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronizer selection module monitors performance states and provides feedback control to enable or disable specific synchronizers. This feedback mechanism ensures that only the necessary synchronizers remain active, reducing power consumption while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages power consumption by enabling or disabling synchronizers based on their usage. The power-gating and clock-gating mechanisms are triggered automatically when synchronizers are not selected, reducing the need for continuous manual management and optimizing power efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a plurality of synchronizers to adapt a signal from a first clock domain to a second clock domain. Each synchronizer of the plurality of synchronizers includes a synchronizer input to receive the signal from the first clock domain and a synchronizer output to provide the signal as adapted to the second clock domain. The circuit also includes a multiplexer (mux) that includes a plurality of mux inputs and a mux output. Each mux input is coupled to the synchronizer output of a respective synchronizer of the plurality of synchronizers. The mux output provides the signal, as adapted to the second clock domain, from the synchronizer output of a selected synchronizer of the plurality of synchronizers.