Quasi-synchronous information transfer and phase alignment means for

Abstract

A quasi-synchronous information (clocking, data, control signals) transfer between a master unit A and at least one neighbor unit B offers the advantage that one transfer can occur every cycle where any interface delays are tolerated. When the master unit A sends its internal clock along with data and/or control signals to its neighbor unit B, the last named unit receives this clock and derives any and all locally required clocks from this clock. This keeps unit B exactly at the same frequency as unit A, although a phase shift occurs. Unit B also sends its internal clock along with data and/or control signals to unit A. When the clock signals arrive back at unit A, they will have exactly the same frequency as the internal clock of unit A but also an additional phase shift. Compensation of the overall phase shift will be done by a phase alignment means to which all signals are sent on their way to unit A.