Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for synchronizing timing in devices coupled to a data communication link are disclosed. In one example, a first device programs a future system time value in a second device. The first device launches a low-latency trigger signal that causes the future system time value to be loaded into a timer of the second device when a timer of the first device matches the future system time value. The second device measures phase difference between the trigger signal and edges of a clock signal used for timing in the second device. The phase difference is measured using an oversampling clock that provides a desired measurement reliability. The measured phase difference permits the first device to accurately determine system time as applied to the second device. The trigger signal can be provided on existing pins used by first and second devices in accordance with communication protocols and specifications.

Abstract: A serial transceiver that includes programmable distributed data processing is provided. The serial transceiver can include an ingress channel that receives serial ingress data and an egress channel that transmits serial egress data. The serial transceiver can also include first and second layers that are one and another of a transport layer, a link layer, or a physical layer (PHY). The first and second layers can include elements that process the ingress data and the egress data. The serial transceiver can also include a programmable controller, a first interconnect that connects the programmable controller to the first layer, and a second interconnect that connects the programmable controller to the second layer. The programmable controller can send first data via the first interconnect to the first layer, and the first data can be processed by one of the first layer elements.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for synchronizing timing in devices coupled to a data communication link are disclosed. In one example, a first device programs a future system time value in a second device. The first device launches a low-latency trigger signal that causes the future system time value to be loaded into a timer of the second device when a timer of the first device matches the future system time value. The second device measures phase difference between the trigger signal and edges of a clock signal used for timing in the second device. The phase difference is measured using an oversampling clock that provides a desired measurement reliability. The measured phase difference permits the first device to accurately determine system time as applied to the second device. The trigger signal can be provided on existing pins used by first and second devices in accordance with communication protocols and specifications.

Abstract: A serial transceiver that includes programmable distributed data processing is provided. The serial transceiver can include an ingress channel that receives serial ingress data and an egress channel that transmits serial egress data. The serial transceiver can also include first and second layers that are one and another of a transport layer, a link layer, or a physical layer (PHY). The first and second layers can include elements that process the ingress data and the egress data. The serial transceiver can also include a programmable controller, a first interconnect that connects the programmable controller to the first layer, and a second interconnect that connects the programmable controller to the second layer. The programmable controller can send first data via the first interconnect to the first layer, and the first data can be processed by one of the first layer elements.