Bidirectional Clock Tree Delay Buffering for Skew Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clock skew in integrated circuit devices occurs due to variations in branch length and stages within clock trees, affecting operational efficiency and latency as the clock signal is communicated through the tree, especially in larger and programmable logic devices like FPGAs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a clock switch block with tunable delay buffers in the clock tree that adjusts delays based on skew data determined by comparing feedback clock signals from different branches, allowing for coordinated operation of logic regions with reduced phase variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the clock tree size increases to cover more logic regions, then the coverage area increases, but the clock skew increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clock tree into multiple segments with individual delay buffers inserted at strategic points along the clock paths. Each segment can be independently adjusted to compensate for skew, allowing the overall clock tree to cover larger areas while maintaining synchronization precision across all logic regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the branch length variation increases to accommodate different logic regions, then the adaptability increases, but the clock skew increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by inserting delay buffers at specific locations within the clock tree where skew accumulation occurs. Each delay buffer is positioned to address the local skew characteristics of that particular branch segment, allowing different parts of the clock tree to have customized delay compensation tailored to their specific path lengths and loading conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of stages (muxes or buffers) increases to expand functionality, then the adaptability increases, but the clock skew increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic skew compensation by making the delay buffers programmable and adjustable. The delay buffer characteristics can be dynamically modified through programming to optimize the clock distribution for different operational modes and logic configurations, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements while minimizing both skew and latency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for improving operation of integrated circuit device including a logic region, which includes a plurality of logic gates that operate based at least in part on a clock signal to facilitate providing a target function, and a clock tree, which includes a clock switch block that receives a source clock signal from a clock source and a branch communicatively coupled between the clock switch block and the logic region, in which the branch operates to provide the clock signal to the logic region based at least in part on the source clock signal and the branch includes a tunable delay buffer that operates to apply a delay to the clock signal based at least in part on a clock skew expected to be introduced by the branch.