Novel Approaches to Resource-Efficient Hardware: Time-Domain Solutions for Clock Synchronization and Error Correction
Abstract
In time-domain processing, the time difference is directly proportional to the amplitude of the analog signal. Within the context of a time variable, it functions similarly to a pulse-width-modulated signal, where the pulse width is directly proportional to the signal's amplitude. Time variables exhibit a dual characteristic, acting both as analog and digital signals. The continuous amplitude of the analog signal is represented by the pulse duration, while the digital aspect is characterized by two distinct values (0 and 1). This duality allows time variables to engage in analog signal processing within a digital environment, a capability that is not shared by purely analog or purely digital variables.
Time-domain processing can be used in various operations, including addition, multiplication, amplification, integration, and quantization. The fundamental building blocks of time-domain circuits include digital-to-time converters (DTCs), time-to-digital converters (TDCs), time multipliers, and time quantizers, etc. In this thesis, we explore three specific applications of time-domain processing: clock skew compensation system in three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D-ICs), minimum finder (MF) for soft decoders, and hybrid soft decoder.
The three time-domain applications — clock skew compensation system in 3D-ICs, MF for soft decoders, and hybrid soft decoder — share an intrinsic connection in their reliance on the unique advantages of time-domain signal processing. Time-domain processing can be utilized for various operations, such as addition, multiplication, amplification, integration, and quantization. The fundamental building blocks of time-domain circuits include DTCs, TDCs, time multipliers, and time quantizers, among others.
In summary, these three applications demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of time-domain processing in modern integrated circuits and decoding technologies. By optimizing time-domain signal processing in various application scenarios, it is possible to significantly enhance system performance and reduce power consumption, thereby meeting the growing demand for high performance and low power.