Synchronous Clock Delay Circuit for Global Reset Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing global reset networks for integrated circuits is problematic due to the difficulty in precisely managing the timing of the global reset signal with high-speed clock signals, which can lead to improper reset of flip-flops and significant design challenges, including the need for extensive redesign of signal paths and layout constraints.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a synchronous clock delay circuit that delays the transition of the clock signal responsive to the global reset signal, ensuring the reset signal arrives before the next clock signal transition, thereby simplifying the design of the reset network and reducing layout constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a global reset network is designed to reset all flip-flops simultaneously, then the reset function is achieved, but the timing precision deteriorates due to signal path variations and layout constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronous clock delay circuit performs preliminary action by delaying the clock signal transition before the reset signal arrives at the flip-flops. This proactive timing adjustment ensures that the reset signal is properly captured by all flip-flops regardless of signal path variations, eliminating the need for precise layout matching while maintaining reliable simultaneous reset functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If the reset network is designed with precise signal path timing, then the timing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to extensive redesign of signal paths and layout constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronous clock delay circuit acts as an intermediary between the clock signal and the flip-flops. By introducing this intermediate delay mechanism, the patent eliminates the need for complex signal path timing design and layout constraints, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining timing precision through the centralized delay control.
3Productivity
If the clock signal transitions immediately after reset, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the reset signal may not have propagated to all flip-flops
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronous clock delay circuit performs preliminary action by proactively delaying the clock signal transition before the reset signal has fully propagated to all flip-flops. This ensures that when the clock transitions, all flip-flops are guaranteed to be in the reset state, maintaining reliability while allowing the clock to operate at high speed without unnecessary wait states.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a plurality of flip-flops and a global reset network for resetting the flip-flops. The integrated circuit includes a synchronous clock delay circuit that delays, responsive to a global reset signal, a transition in a clock signal provided to the flip-flops. The delay in the transition of the clock signal ensures that all of the flip-flops receive the global reset signal within a same delayed clock cycle and that the flip-flops do not receive the global reset signal during a rising or falling edge of the clock signal.