Abstract: A loss-of-signal detector includes digital and analog monitoring of incoming data. The incoming signal is compared digitally to at least one predetermined pattern that may indicate a loss of signal, and also is monitored by an analog detector that detects transitions in the data. If the digital comparison fails to match any of the at least one predetermined pattern, or if transitions are detected by the analog monitoring, even if the digital comparison produces a pattern match, then loss of signal is not indicated.

Abstract: A phase interpolator circuit can include first and second transistors coupled to form a differential pair, first and second load circuits, a first switch circuit coupled between the first transistor and the first load circuit, a second switch circuit coupled between the second transistor and the second load circuit, a current source circuit, and a third switch circuit coupled between the differential pair and the current source circuit. A phase interpolator circuit can include three differential pairs of transistors. Six periodic input signals having six different phases are concurrently provided to control inputs of transistors in the three differential pairs of transistors. The phase interpolator circuit generates a selected phase in an output signal in response to four of the periodic input signals.

Abstract: Equalization of an incoming data signal can be controlled by sampling that signal at times when data values in that signal should be stable (“data samples”) and when that signal should be in transition between successive data values that are different (“transition samples”). A transition sample that has been taken between two successive differently valued data samples is compared to a reference value (which can be one of those two data samples). The result of this comparison can be used as part of a determination as to whether to increase or decrease equalization of the incoming data signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (“IC”) may include clock and data recovery (“CDR”) circuitry for recovering data information from an input serial data signal. The CDR circuitry may include a reference clock loop and a data loop. A retimed (recovered) data signal output by the CDR circuitry is monitored by other control circuitry on the IC for a communication change request contained in that signal. Responsive to such a request, the control circuitry can change an operating parameter of the CDR circuitry (e.g., a frequency division factor used in either of the above-mentioned loops). This can help the IC support communication protocols that employ auto-speed negotiation.

Abstract: A PLD includes at least one IP block or circuit, and at least one I/O block or circuit. The performance of the at least one IP block is adjusted in order to meet at least one performance characteristic by changing a supply level of the at least one IP block, by adjusting at least one body bias level of the IP block, or both. The performance of the at least one I/O block is adjusted by changing a supply level of the at least one I/O block, by adjusting at least one body bias level of the I/O block, or both.

Abstract: A circuit includes phase detection circuitry, a clock signal generation circuit, a first frequency divider, and a second frequency divider. The phase detection circuitry compares an input clock signal to a feedback signal to generate a control signal. The clock signal generation circuit generates a periodic output signal in response to the control signal. The first frequency divider divides a frequency of the periodic output signal by a first value to generate a first frequency divided signal. The second frequency divider divides the frequency of the periodic output signal by a second value to generate a second frequency divided signal. The first and the second frequency divided signals are routed to the phase detection circuitry as the feedback signal during different time intervals.

Abstract: Equalization of an incoming data signal can be controlled by sampling that signal at times when data values in that signal should be stable (“data samples”) and when that signal should be in transition between successive data values that are different (“transition samples”). A transition sample that has been taken between two successive differently valued data samples is compared to a reference value (which can be one of those two data samples). The result of this comparison can be used as part of a determination as to whether to increase or decrease equalization of the incoming data signal.

Abstract: In a programmable logic device with a number of different types of serial interfaces, different power supply filtering schemes are applied to different interfaces. For interfaces operating at the lowest data rates—e.g., 1 Gbps—circuit-board level filtering including one or more decoupling capacitors may be provided. For interfaces operating at somewhat higher data rates—e.g., 3 Gbps—modest on-package filtering also may be provided, which may include power-island decoupling. For interfaces operating at still higher data rates—e.g., 6 Gbps—more substantial on-package filtering, including one or more on-package decoupling capacitors, also may be provided. For interfaces operating at the highest data rates—e.g., 10 Gbps—on-die filtering, which may include one or more on-die filtering or regulating networks, may be provided. The on-die regulators may be programmably bypassable allowing a user to trade off performance for power savings.

Abstract: Signal detection circuitry for a serial interface oversamples the input—i.e., samples the input multiple times per clock cycle—so that the likelihood of missing a signal is reduced. Sampling may be done with a regenerative latch which has a large bandwidth and can latch a signal at high speed. The amplitude threshold for detection may be programmable, particularly in a programmable device. Thus, between the use of a regenerative latch which is likely to catch any signal that might be present, and the use of oversampling to avoid the problem of sampling at the wrong time, the likelihood of failing to detect a signal is greatly diminished. Logic, such as a state machine, may be used to determine whether the samples captured s do or do not represent a signal. That logic may be programmable, allowing a user to set various parameters for signal detection.

Abstract: A dynamic flip-flop includes first and second input stages forming a differential input stage adapted to receive differential data. The flip-flop is reset in response to a reset signal. To ensure proper operation, a transistor disposed between the first and second input stages is always maintained active to provide a conduction path between the ground terminal and the nodes that may be charged from the supply voltage. To improve the setup and hold time of the flip-flop, the clock signal is applied to a first transistor disposed in the first input stage and a second transistor disposed in the second input stage.

Abstract: A programmable logic device integrated circuit (“PLD”) includes high-speed serial interface (“HSSI”) circuitry in addition to programmable logic circuitry. The HSSI circuitry includes multiple channels of nominal data-handling circuitry (typically including clock and data recovery (“CDR”) circuitry), and at least one channel of nominal clock management unit (“CMU”) circuitry (typically including phase-locked loop (“PLL”) circuitry or the like). To increase the flexibility with which the channels can be used, the nominal data-handling channels are equipped to alternatively perform CMU-type functions, and the nominal CMU channel is equipped to alternatively perform data-handling functions.

Abstract: A programmable logic device (“PLD”) or the like has a plurality of data transmitter channels. Certain circuitry is shared by the channels. The shared circuitry includes at least one phase-locked loop (“PLL”) circuit for producing a primary clock signal, and global frequency divider circuitry for producing at least one global secondary clock signal based on the primary signal. The primary and global secondary signal(s) are distributed to the channels. Each of the channels includes local frequency divider circuitry for producing at least one local secondary clock signal based on the primary signal. Each channel also includes selection circuitry for selecting either the global or local secondary signal(s) for use by clock utilization circuitry of the channel. The clock utilization circuitry may include serializer circuitry for converting data from parallel to serial form.

Abstract: Transceiver circuitry on a programmable logic device integrated circuit (“PLD”) is preferably provided in a plurality of identical or at least similar modules. Each module preferably includes a plurality of transceiver channels and a clock source unit. Clock distribution circuitry is provided for distributing the signal of a module's clock source to all of the transceiver channels in that module, and also selectively beyond that module to other modules.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first area, a second area, and a third area. The second area includes a locked loop circuit that generates a clock signal. The locked loop circuit receives a supply voltage that is isolated from noise generated in the first area. The third area includes multiple quads of channels and a clock line coupled to route at least one clock signal generated in the second area to the channels in each of the quads. The third area is separate from the second area in the circuit.

Abstract: Methods and circuits are presented for providing equalization, including decision feedback equalization (DFE), to high data-rate signals. Half-rate delay-chain circuitry produces delayed samples of an input signal using two or more delay-chain circuits operating at a fraction of the input signal data-rate. Two delay-chain circuits operating at one-half the input signal data-rate may be used. More generally, n delay-chain circuits operating at 1/n the input signal data-rate may be used. Multiplexer circuitry combines the outputs of the delay-chain circuits to produce an output signal including samples of the input signal at the input signal data-rate. Duplicate path DFE circuitry includes two paths used to provide DFE equalization while reducing the load of the DFE circuitry on the circuitry that precedes it. A first path produces delayed samples of a DFE signal, while a second path produces the DFE output signal from the delayed samples.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device such as a programmable logic device (“PLD”) includes a plurality of blocks of legacy circuitry. These legacy blocks leave at least one corner of the device unoccupied by such legacy circuitry. This at least one corner is used for relatively newly developed circuitry so as to simplify and speed the design of relatively new circuitry, to avoid having to significantly redesign any of the legacy circuitry to give the device the capabilities of the new circuitry, etc. The relatively newly developed circuitry may be high-speed serial data signal interface (“HSSI”) circuitry that is capable of operating at serial data rates faster than any legacy HSSI circuitry on the device.

Abstract: High-speed serial interface or transceiver circuitry on a programmable logic device integrated circuit (“PLD”) includes features that permit the PLD to satisfy a wide range of possible user needs or applications. This range includes both high-performance applications and applications in which reduced power consumption by the PLD is important. In the latter case, any one or more of various features can be used to help reduce power consumption.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a clock signal with relatively high bandwidth and relatively low phase noise. A circuit of the invention can include a pair of transistors serially coupled between a signal of relatively high voltage and a source of relatively low voltage, where a voltage of the signal of relatively high voltage can vary according to a voltage of a variable control signal. A gate of one of the pair of transistors can be coupled to an input clock signal, and an output node between the pair of transistors can be coupled to an output clock signal. The circuit can also include a third transistor, whose drain and source are coupled to the output clock signal, and whose gate can be coupled to a gear input signal. This circuit can advantageously operate under at least two different gears, each with different bandwidth and phase noise characteristics.

Abstract: A circuit includes phase detection circuitry, a clock signal generation circuit, a first frequency divider, and a second frequency divider. The phase detection circuitry compares an input clock signal to a feedback signal to generate a control signal. The clock signal generation circuit generates a periodic output signal in response to the control signal. The first frequency divider divides a frequency of the periodic output signal by a first value to generate a first frequency divided signal. The second frequency divider divides the frequency of the periodic output signal by a second value to generate a second frequency divided signal. The first and the second frequency divided signals are routed to the phase detection circuitry as the feedback signal during different time intervals.

Abstract: A programmable logic device (“PLD”) includes circuitry for optionally and variably modifying characteristics of an input signal in any of several respects. Examples of such modifications include AC coupling the signal into the PLD, low pass filtering the signal (with selectable low-pass filter corner frequency), shifting the common voltage of the input signal, and/or subjecting the input signal to a selectable amount of attenuation.