Patent · US Expired

Methods for aligning data and clock signals

US6798241B1 · kind B1 · utility

30Cited by
4References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 27, 2003
Grant dateSep 28, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 24, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04L7/0337
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Described are methods and circuits for aligning data and clock signals. Methods in accordance with some embodiments separate incoming data into three differently timed data signals: an early signal, an intermediate signal, and a late signal. The timing of the three data signals can be collectively moved with respect to the clock signal. In addition, the temporal spacing between the three signals can be adjusted so that the early and late signals define a window encompassing the intermediate signal. The three signals are aligned with respect to the clock edge to center the intermediate data signal on the clock edge. The early and late signals can be monitored to identify changes in the relative timing of the clock and data signals. Some embodiments automatically alter the timing of the data and/or clock signals to keep the intermediate data signal centered on the clock edge.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.