US Patent 10236891 Lock time measurement of clock and data recovery circuit

A lock time measurement system to determine a lock time includes a measurement device, a serializer-deserializer (SERDES), a pattern generator, and a splitter. In a first mode, the SERDES receives first data from the pattern generator by way of the splitter. A receiver of the SERDES outputs a recovered clock signal based on the first data to a transmitter. The transmitter includes a serializer and a multiplexer. The serializer receives the recovered clock signal by way of the multiplexer and modifies second data based on the recovered clock signal and outputs serial data. A measurement device, connected to the transmitter and the splitter determines the lock time. In a second mode, the SERDES functions as a transmitter for transmitting data and a receiver for receiving data in a communication link. The system has a better accuracy and utilizes existing receiver and driver circuits.