The DQS phase-shift circuit uses a DLL to dynamically control the clock delay required by the DQS/CQ/CQn/QK# pins.
In turn, the DLL uses a frequency reference to dynamically generate control signals for the delay chains in each DQS/CQ/CQn/QK# pins, allowing it to compensate for process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations.
The DQS phase-shift circuit can still be used to ensure effective phase-shift for memory interfaces running on frequencies below the minimum 200MHz DLL input frequency.
Follow these guidelines:
1) For an interface frequency between 100MHz - 199MHz, the frequency of the clock feeding the DLL should be doubled to achieve an effective phase-shift of 45°
2) For an interface frequency between 50MHz - 99MHz, the frequency of the clock feeding the DLL should be multiplied by four to achieve effective phase-shift of 22.5°.
To maximize the effective phase-shift, another workaround is to use the nearest frequency above the minimum DLL input frequency to drive the DLL.
You should see the following results:
1) For an interface frequency between 100MHz - 199MHz, you will get a phase-shift closer to 90° or above 45°.
2) For an interface frequency between 50MHz - 99MHz, you will get a phase-shift closer to 45° or above 22.5°.
For timing analysis purposes, the DQS_PHASE_SHIFT parameters in the ALTDQ_DQS2 IP need to be set to the actual effective phase-shift value.
For example, if the ALTDQ_DQS2 IP’s parameter DQS_PHASE_SETTING = 2 (90° default setting), the interface memory frequency is 178MHz, and the DLL is running at 205MHz, then 90 degree of 205MHz (1.22ns) actually translates to 78.14degree of 178MHz.
Then, set DQS_PHASE_SHIFT = 7814 and verify the number in TimeQuest.
Add the following assignment into the .qsf file:
set_global_assignment -name USE_DLL_FREQUENCY_FOR_DQS_DELAY_CHAIN ON
This is applicable when targeting Arria® V or Cyclone® V in Quartus® II software version 13.0SP1 DP5 or newer and when targeting Stratix V or Arria V GZ in Quartus II version 13.1 or newer.
Without this global assignment in the .qsf file, the timing analysis will not be accurate.
