Clock Distribution Module Dynamic Mesh Tree Skew Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current clock distribution networks in synchronous digital systems face challenges in achieving both high speed and low power configurations, with ideal H-tree implementations being difficult to implement and crude mesh implementations suffering from high power consumption, while normal clock tree configurations experience elevated skew over PVT variations.
Innovation Solution
A clock distribution module that dynamically configures between mesh and normal clock tree configurations based on detected skew levels, using a clock configuration module to selectively couple or isolate nodes, reducing skew and power consumption by adapting to operational conditions and branch activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mesh clock tree configuration is implemented to reduce skew between clock tree branches, then clock signal skew is reduced and timing closure is improved, but power consumption increases due to high current through shorting lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the clock distribution network, allowing it to switch between mesh and normal clock tree configurations based on operational conditions. The clock configuration module detects skew levels and PVT variations, then dynamically reconfigures the network topology to optimize between skew reduction and power consumption, rather than being statically fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the topological parameter of the clock distribution network dynamically. By detecting skew levels and PVT conditions, the system adjusts the network configuration parameter (mesh vs normal mode) to adapt to changing conditions, thereby optimizing performance across different operating scenarios.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a normal clock tree configuration is used to reduce power consumption, then power usage is reduced, but skew increases over PVT variations affecting timing closure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between normal and mesh configurations based on detected skew levels and PVT conditions. When skew remains within acceptable thresholds, the system operates in normal configuration for low power consumption. When skew exceeds thresholds due to PVT variations, the system dynamically reconfigures to mesh mode to reduce skew, thus adapting to changing operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock configuration module continuously monitors skew levels and PVT variations, using this feedback to determine when to switch between normal and mesh configurations. This closed-loop control ensures the network operates in the optimal configuration based on real-time conditions, balancing power consumption and skew reduction.
3Reliability
If an ideal H-tree clock tree design is implemented with symmetrical branches to minimize skew, then clock skew is minimized, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than requiring globally symmetrical H-tree branches, the patent applies local mesh connections selectively at specific nodes where skew compensation is needed. This localized approach to creating mesh configurations provides skew reduction benefits without requiring the complex global symmetry of ideal H-tree designs, thus reducing implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically creates mesh connections only when and where needed based on detected skew levels, rather than being statically configured with complex symmetrical H-tree structure. This dynamic approach simplifies implementation by using standard clock tree topology with selective, adaptive mesh connections rather than requiring complex pre-designed symmetrical structures.
4Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic frequency scaling is implemented to reduce power consumption by reducing clock frequency, then power consumption is reduced, but performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the clock distribution network topology based on operational conditions and detected skew levels. This allows the system to optimize between power consumption and performance by adapting the network configuration to match current workload and environmental conditions, complementing DFS strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock distribution module for a digital synchronous system is described. The clock distribution module comprising a first node arranged to comprise a clock signal comprising a propagation delay relative to a reference clock signal, at least one further node arranged to comprise a clock signal comprising a propagation delay relative to the reference clock signal corresponding to that of the first node, and a clock configuration module. The clock configuration module is arranged to receive at least one indication of clock skew between the first node and at least one further node of the clock distribution module, and to selectively couple the first node to the at least one further node based at least partly on the at least one indication of clock skew there between.