Transmitter Settings for Clock Transient Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stopping and starting clock signals in computer systems can cause voltage fluctuations due to sudden power demand changes, leading to data errors and performance issues, especially in portable devices where frequent power state transitions occur.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting transmitter and receiver settings during transient periods associated with deterministic events, such as power state changes, by increasing voltage swing or edge rate, or modifying equalization parameters to stabilize signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If clock signals are stopped to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage fluctuations occur when clocks are restarted causing data errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by adjusting transmitter and receiver settings before the transient period begins. Specifically, the transmitter settings are modified to compensate for expected voltage fluctuations, and receiver settings are adjusted to better handle transient conditions, thereby preventing data errors before they occur during clock restart.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying transmitter parameters (such as voltage swing, edge rate, and equalization) and receiver parameters during transient periods. These parameter adjustments allow the system to adapt to changing voltage conditions and maintain reliable data transmission during and after clock restart events.
2Reliability
If waiting period is added to allow voltage fluctuations to diminish, then data errors are reduced, but system response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of waiting for voltage fluctuations to naturally diminish, the system performs preliminary adjustments to transmitter and receiver settings before the transient period. This eliminates the need for waiting time while still achieving reliable data transmission during clock restart events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to skip the traditional waiting period by proactively adjusting settings in advance. The transmitter and receiver are configured beforehand to handle transient conditions, allowing the system to rush through what would otherwise be a delayed waiting period and achieve immediate reliable operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If transmitter voltage swing is increased during transient period, then signal stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making transmitter and receiver settings adjustable and adaptive. The settings are dynamically changed based on the operational state - using standard settings during normal operation to conserve power, and switching to transient-specific settings (with adjusted voltage swing and equalization) only during transient periods when stability is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying transmitter voltage swing and equalization parameters specifically during transient periods. These parameter adjustments optimize signal stability during transient conditions while allowing the system to return to power-efficient standard settings during normal operation, thus balancing stability and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments relate to a system that changes transmitter and/or receiver settings to deal with reliability issues caused by a predetermined event, such as a change in a power state or a clock start event. One embodiment uses a first setting while operating a transmitter during a normal operating mode, and a second setting while operating the transmitter during a transient period following the predetermined event. A second embodiment uses similar first and second settings in a receiver, or in both a transmitter and a receiver employed on one side of a bidirectional link The first and second settings can be associated with different swing voltages, edge rates, equalizations and/or impedances.