Transmitter Settings Adjustment for Clock Transient Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stopping and starting clock signals in computer systems causes voltage fluctuations, leading to data errors and performance issues due to transient voltage responses in power delivery networks, especially in portable devices where frequent power state changes occur.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting transmitter and receiver settings during transient periods associated with clock change events, such as increasing voltage swing or edge rate, to mitigate voltage noise and ensure reliable data transmission without the need for additional waiting periods.
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 voltage conditions. This preliminary adjustment allows the system to immediately achieve reliable data transmission after clock restart without waiting for voltage to stabilize.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying transmitter and receiver operational parameters during transient periods. The transmitter adjusts parameters such as drive strength and edge rate, while the receiver adjusts parameters such as sampling thresholds and equalization settings. These parameter changes enable the system to operate reliably during voltage transients without requiring additional waiting time.
2Reliability
If the system waits for voltage fluctuations to diminish before resuming operation, then data errors are reduced, but system response time is delayed
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 voltage conditions. This preliminary adjustment allows the system to immediately achieve reliable data transmission after clock restart without waiting for voltage to stabilize.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the skipping principle by allowing the system to rush through the transient period without traditional waiting. Instead of waiting for voltage to naturally stabilize, the system actively compensates for voltage fluctuations through adjusted transmitter and receiver settings, enabling immediate operation while maintaining data integrity throughout the transient period.
3Reliability
If transmitter settings are adjusted during transient periods, then data errors are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the transmitter and receiver continuously monitor signal quality and adjust their settings accordingly. During transient periods, the receiver provides feedback about voltage conditions and signal integrity, allowing the transmitter to dynamically adjust its parameters. This feedback loop enables reliable operation during transients while keeping the control mechanism manageable through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making transmitter and receiver settings adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on the operating condition (normal mode vs. transient mode). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle voltage fluctuations without requiring complex hardware modifications, as the complexity is managed through software-controlled parameter adjustment.
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.