Adaptive Clock Duty-Cycle Control for Asymmetric Aging Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asymmetric aging in clock distribution networks causes duty-cycle distortion in clock signals, leading to timing issues in circuits due to uneven delays in signal paths, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a duty-cycle adjuster and a timing measurement circuit that measures parameters of the clock signal, determines necessary adjustments, and compensates for duty-cycle distortion by adjusting the clock signal's duty cycle, thereby maintaining optimal timing across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If asymmetric aging occurs in clock distribution network signal paths, then the clock signal is distributed to circuits, but duty-cycle distortion occurs leading to timing violations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the duty cycle of the clock signal is measured by a measurement circuit, and the measured value is fed back to a duty cycle adjustment circuit. This adjustment circuit modifies the clock signal's duty cycle based on the measured value to compensate for distortion caused by asymmetric aging in the clock distribution network, thereby maintaining timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the duty cycle parameter of the clock signal to compensate for asymmetric aging effects. By adjusting the duty cycle parameter based on measured values and feedback control, the system counteracts the duty-cycle distortion that occurs due to aging in the clock distribution network signal paths.
2Productivity
If existing technologies are used to distribute clock signals, then clock signals are delivered to circuits, but duty-cycle distortion cannot be adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the duty cycle of the clock signal is measured by a measurement circuit, and the measured value is fed back to a duty cycle adjustment circuit. This adjustment circuit modifies the clock signal's duty cycle based on the measured value to compensate for distortion caused by asymmetric aging in the clock distribution network, thereby maintaining timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the clock distribution system automatically monitors and corrects its own duty-cycle distortion. The measurement circuit continuously measures the duty cycle, and the adjustment circuit automatically compensates for distortion without external intervention, enabling the system to maintain timing accuracy autonomously.
3Device complexity
If no duty-cycle adjustment is made, then the clock distribution network operates simply, but timing violations occur due to asymmetric aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the duty cycle of the clock signal is measured by a measurement circuit, and the measured value is fed back to a duty cycle adjustment circuit. This adjustment circuit modifies the clock signal's duty cycle based on the measured value to compensate for distortion caused by asymmetric aging in the clock distribution network, thereby maintaining timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (measurement circuit and duty cycle adjustment circuit) that mediate between the clock generator and the clock distribution network. These intermediaries monitor the clock signal's duty cycle and make necessary adjustments to compensate for asymmetric aging effects, ensuring timing compliance without fundamentally redesigning the entire clock distribution architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure related to a method of duty-cycle distortion compensation in a system including a clock generator configured to generate a clock signal. The method includes measuring one or more parameters of the clock signal, determining a duty-cycle adjustment based on the measured one or more parameters, and adjusting a duty cycle of the clock signal based on the determined duty-cycle adjustment.