Clock Driver Placement Reducing IC Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock systems in integrated circuits are inefficient due to poor design, leading to increased power consumption and longer conductor lengths, as clock trees are often configured late in the design process without optimal placement of clock drivers and synchronous cells.
Innovation Solution
A method to identify and reposition clock driver cells and synchronous cells to reduce conductor lengths and power consumption by relocating them to areas of high clock signal requirements, orienting cells for shorter interconnect lengths, and selectively integrating cells to optimize clock tree design, while ensuring timing constraints are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clock trees are configured late in the design process, then design flexibility is maintained, but power consumption increases and conductor lengths become longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing clock tree configuration during the placement phase rather than waiting until later design stages. The system proactively identifies clock drivers and synchronous cells, determines optimal locations for clock tree components, and configures the clock tree structure before final routing is completed. This early configuration enables better conductor routing and reduces overall power consumption while maintaining design flexibility through automated adjustment capabilities.
2Device complexity
If clock drivers are placed without optimal location determination, then design process is simplified, but conductor lengths increase and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated algorithms that independently determine optimal locations for clock drivers and synchronous cells without requiring manual designer intervention. The system automatically identifies cells requiring clock signals, calculates optimal placement positions, and configures the clock tree structure. This automation reduces the manual design process complexity while achieving optimal conductor routing that minimizes length and power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronous cells are located in less desirable locations, then placement flexibility is maintained, but interconnect configurations become suboptimal and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an iterative optimization process that dynamically adjusts the locations of synchronous cells and clock tree components. The system starts with an initial placement configuration and then iteratively refines positions based on power consumption metrics and interconnect efficiency. This dynamic adjustment maintains placement flexibility while progressively improving power consumption and interconnect configuration through multiple optimization cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A system an method of designing an integrated circuit identifies a plurality of synchronous cells of an integrated circuit to be driven by a clock driver, wherein the plurality of synchronous cells are a subset of previously placed cells of the integrated circuit. The placement of synchronous cells is performed to reduce a current needed from the clock driver to drive the plurality of synchronous cells.