Low-Latency Timing Control via GPIO Pulse Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timing control systems for hardware devices lack precise synchronization capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in event coordination across multiple devices, which can impact the processing and response of computing systems.
Innovation Solution
A timing control system that includes a centralized counter and programmable timing registers, coupled with a pulse generator, to generate GPIO signals for initiating events at hardware devices with nanosecond-level synchronization, allowing for precise coordination of events across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a centralized counter with low-latency interface and programmable timing registers is implemented, then synchronization precision is improved to nanosecond level, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the counter, timing registers, and pulse generator into a single integrated timing control system. The counter is directly connected to multiple timing registers through a low-latency interface, eliminating the need for separate timing control circuits for each device. This merging approach achieves nanosecond-level synchronization precision while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing control system is designed as a universal platform that can coordinate events across multiple different hardware devices simultaneously. The programmable timing registers can be configured to trigger events at different time points, and the pulse generator can output signals to multiple devices, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various synchronization scenarios without requiring device-specific customization.
2Productivity
If precise timing coordination is implemented across multiple devices, then event coordination efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing control system operates autonomously once configured. The counter automatically increments and compares its value with the programmed timing registers, and the pulse generator automatically triggers events when timing conditions are met. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous software intervention or complex control algorithms, improving event coordination efficiency while keeping the operational complexity manageable.
3Loss of time
If nanosecond-level synchronization is achieved, then processing response time is improved, but hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing registers are programmed in advance with the desired event trigger times. The counter continuously compares its current value with these pre-programmed values, and triggers events automatically when the timing condition is met. This preliminary action approach allows nanosecond-level synchronization response without requiring complex real-time calculation or control algorithms, as the timing decisions are predetermined and executed automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A timing control system includes one or more device processors operatively coupled to one or more devices, a counter connected to the device processor(s), and a plurality of timing registers operatively coupled to the counter, each of the timing registers configured to store a value indicating a time at which an event is to be initiated at a corresponding one of the device(s). The system also includes a pulse generator operatively coupled to the counter and the timing registers, the pulse generator configured to generate one or more associated general-purpose input/output (GPIO) output signals, and send to each of the one or more devices an associated GPIO output signal to initiate the event at a plurality of the one or more devices in coordination with one another or to initiate the event at one of the one or more devices in coordination with another event at that device.