Abstract: One or more link training signals are received, including instances of a link training pattern, on a plurality of lanes of a physical link that includes at least one valid lane and a plurality of data lanes. The plurality of lanes are trained together using the link training signals to synchronize sampling of the valid lane with sampling of the plurality of data lanes. An active link state is entered and a valid signal received on the valid lane during the active link state. The valid signal includes a signal held at a value for a defined first duration and indicates that data is to be received on the plurality of data lanes in a second defined duration subsequent to the first duration. The data is to be received, during the active link state, on the plurality of data lanes during the second defined duration.

Abstract: One or more link training signals are received, including instances of a link training pattern, on a plurality of lanes of a physical link that includes at least one valid lane and a plurality of data lanes. The plurality of lanes are trained together using the link training signals to synchronize sampling of the valid lane with sampling of the plurality of data lanes. An active link state is entered and a valid signal received on the valid lane during the active link state. The valid signal includes a signal held at a value for a defined first duration and indicates that data is to be received on the plurality of data lanes in a second defined duration subsequent to the first duration. The data is to be received, during the active link state, on the plurality of data lanes during the second defined duration.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus which comprises: an input sensing stage for sensing an input signal relative to another signal; a decision making circuit, coupled to the input sensing stage, for determining whether the input signal is a logic low or a logic high; and a power management circuit, coupled to the input sensing stage and the decision making circuit, which is operable to monitor a state of the decision making circuit and to disable the input sensing stage according to the monitored state. Described is an apparatus which comprises: a decision making circuit integrated with an input sensing stage, wherein the decision making circuit is operable to pre-charge its internal nodes during a phase of the clock signal; and a latching circuit to latch an output of the decision making circuit.

Abstract: A system-on-a-chip, such as a logical PHY, may be divided into hard IP blocks with fixed routing, and soft IP blocks with flexible routing. Each hard IP block may provide a fixed number of lanes. Using p hard IP blocks, where each block provides n data lanes, h=n*p total hard IP data lanes are provided. Where the system design calls for k total data lanes, it is possible that k?h, so that ?k/n? hard IP blocks provide h=n*p available hard IP data lanes. In that case, h?k lanes may be disabled. In cases where lane reversals occur, such as between hard IP and soft IP, bowtie routing may be avoided by the use of a multiplexer-like programmable switch within the soft IP.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus which comprises: an input sensing stage for sensing an input signal relative to another signal; a decision making circuit, coupled to the input sensing stage, for determining whether the input signal is a logic low or a logic high; and a power management circuit, coupled to the input sensing stage and the decision making circuit, which is operable to monitor a state of the decision making circuit and to disable the input sensing stage according to the monitored state. Described is an apparatus which comprises: a decision making circuit integrated with an input sensing stage, wherein the decision making circuit is operable to pre-charge its internal nodes during a phase of the clock signal; and a latching circuit to latch an output of the decision making circuit.

Abstract: A system-on-a-chip, such as a logical PHY, may be divided into hard IP blocks with fixed routing, and soft IP blocks with flexible routing. Each hard IP block may provide a fixed number of lanes. Using p hard IP blocks, where each block provides n data lanes, h=n*p total hard IP data lanes are provided. Where the system design calls for k total data lanes, it is possible that k?h, so that [k/n] hard IP blocks provide h=n*p available hard IP data lanes. In that case, h?k lanes may be disabled. In cases where lane reversals occur, such as between hard IP and soft IP, bowtie routing may be avoided by the use of a multiplexer-like programmable switch within the soft IP.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus which comprises: an input sensing stage for sensing an input signal relative to another signal; a decision making circuit, coupled to the input sensing stage, for determining whether the input signal is a logic low or a logic high; and a power management circuit, coupled to the input sensing stage and the decision making circuit, which is operable to monitor a state of the decision making circuit and to disable the input sensing stage according to the monitored state. Described is an apparatus which comprises: a decision making circuit integrated with an input sensing stage, wherein the decision making circuit is operable to pre-charge its internal nodes during a phase of the clock signal; and a latching circuit to latch an output of the decision making circuit.