Clock Distribution Resonator Layout for Suppressing Resonant Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clock distribution systems in computer systems face performance degradation due to undesirable resonant modes caused by fabrication tolerance mismatches, leading to frequency response differences and degradation of clock signal uniformity across transmission line branches.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating damping resonators with distinct resonator characteristics, including a transmission line segment and a resistor, coupled to transmission line branches to suppress undesirable frequency modes by reflection and cancellation, ensuring the clock signal is propagated effectively across multiple circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If transmission line branches are used to distribute clock signals, then clock signal distribution is achieved, but fabrication tolerance mismatches cause undesirable resonant modes and frequency response differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock signal distribution efficiencyVSAvoidclock signal uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A damping resonator is introduced as an intermediary component coupled to the transmission line branch. This damping resonator acts as a mediator that selectively suppresses undesirable resonant modes through its distinct resonator characteristics, while allowing the clock signal to propagate effectively. The damping resonator absorbs or dampens the harmful resonant frequencies caused by fabrication tolerances without interfering with the primary clock signal distribution function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If damping resonator is coupled to transmission line branch, then undesirable frequency modes are suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock signal uniformityVSAvoidclock distribution system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping resonator is designed with distinct resonator characteristics parameters that differ from the transmission line branch parameters. By carefully selecting and tuning these parameters (such as resonant frequency, quality factor, and coupling strength), the damping resonator can selectively target and suppress specific undesirable frequency modes while maintaining compatibility with the existing transmission line structure. This parameter-based approach allows for targeted suppression without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively suppresses undesired frequency modes, maintaining clock signal uniformity and amplitude across transmission line branches, thereby enhancing the performance and synchronization capabilities of the clock distribution system.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one damping resonator can have at least one resonator characteristic that is different relative to a respective resonator characteristic(s) associated with the transmission line branches and/or the clock distribution networks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

Incorporating damping resonators with distinct resonator characteristics, including a transmission line segment and a resistor, coupled to transmission line branches to suppress undesirable frequency modes by reflection and cancellation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4057510B1Clock distribution resonator system
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP
  • EP4057510B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4057510B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4057510B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

One example includes a clock distribution resonator system. The system includes a clock source configured to generate a clock signal having a predefined wavelength. The system also includes a plurality of transmission line branches each coupled to the clock source to propagate the clock signal. The system also includes a plurality of clock distribution networks coupled to the respective plurality of transmission line branches and being configured to provide the clock signal to each of a plurality of circuits. The system further includes at least one damping resonator. Each of the at least one damping resonator can be coupled to a respective at least one of the transmission line branches and configured to propagate the clock signal. The at least one damping resonator can have at least one resonator characteristic that is different relative to a respective resonator characteristic(s) associated with the transmission line branches and/or the clock distribution networks.