Clock Tree Frequency Division for Lower IC Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The clock tree in integrated circuits consumes a significant portion of the total power due to its high operation frequency and capacitive loads, leading to substantial power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A clock network that reduces the operation frequency of the clock signal by half using a reduction circuit and restores it to the desired frequency at destination components, comprising a reduction circuit and a combination circuit, which propagates the signal through a clock tree and adjusts it to maintain performance while reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the clock tree operates at high frequency to meet performance requirements, then the circuit performance is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clock network is segmented into multiple frequency domains. A first clock signal at a first frequency is generated for distribution through the clock tree, while a second clock signal at a second frequency (different from the first) is generated for specific destination components. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to operate at optimal frequencies, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of clock signals based on the specific requirements of different destination components. Instead of uniformly distributing high-frequency clock signals throughout the entire clock tree, the system adjusts clock frequency parameters locally - using a first frequency for general distribution and a second frequency for specific components, thereby optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption.
2Productivity
If the clock tree switches at maximum rate to drive capacitive loads, then the signal delivery capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock network implements dynamic frequency adjustment where different destination components receive clock signals at different frequencies based on their specific needs. The system dynamically selects whether to deliver a first clock signal or a second clock signal to different components, allowing the clock tree to adapt its switching rate and signal delivery capability to match actual requirements, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption from maximum-rate switching.
Data Source
AI summary
A first clock signal is generated from a reference clock signal. A first frequency associated with the first clock signal is less than a reference clock frequency associated with the reference clock signal. The first clock signal is propagated towards a first component of an integrated circuit through a clock tree. A second clock signal having a second frequency is generated from the first clock signal at a terminal point of the clock tree. The second clock signal is provided to the first component.