Time Control Signal Path for IC Latency Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In larger data processing systems with multiple integrated circuits, maintaining a common view of time is challenging due to unknown communication latencies and variable signal propagation delays, which complicates tasks like scheduling and debugging across different integrated circuits.

Innovation Solution

A dedicated time control signal path separate from the communication network is used to determine signal propagation latency, allowing for precise correlation of local time counts between integrated circuits by adjusting or aligning them based on transmission and reception times of a time correlating signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a communication network is used to communicate between integrated circuits, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but signal propagation latency becomes variable and unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidlatency determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the time control signal path from the communication network, creating dedicated pathways for time synchronization. This segmentation allows the time control signals to travel through a dedicated route with predictable characteristics, while the communication network handles data traffic with its inherent flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated time control signal path acts as an intermediary between integrated circuits for time synchronization purposes. This intermediary pathway provides a controlled environment for time signals, isolating them from the variable conditions of the general communication network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a dedicated time control signal path is introduced, then latency determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatency determination accuracyVSAvoidsignal path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dedicated time control signal path serves multiple functions: it provides time synchronization, enables latency measurement, and establishes a reference for correlating local time counts across different integrated circuits. This multi-functionality justifies the additional complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If signal propagation latency is not accounted for, then system simplicity is maintained, but time correlation accuracy between integrated circuits deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidtime correlation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures signal propagation latency through the dedicated time control signal path and uses this measured latency as feedback to adjust and correlate local time counts across integrated circuits. This feedback mechanism enables automatic compensation for transmission delays, achieving accurate time correlation without manual calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10530562B2Correlating local time counts of first and second integrated circuits

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 ARM LTD

AI summary

A method for correlating first and second local time counts in first and second integrated circuits is provided. The first and second integrated circuits communicate via a communication network. A separate time control signal path is also provided between the integrated circuits. The method comprises determining a signal propagation latency associated with propagation of a latency determining signal between the integrated circuits on the time control signal path, and correlating the first and second local time counts in dependence on the signal propagation latency and a time correlating signal transmitted on the time control signal path.