Bounding-Box H-Tree Configuration for FPGA Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices face challenges in synchronizing multiple clock regions due to uneven clock route lengths and interference between clock domains, leading to performance issues and operational errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-level H-trees within a bounding box to balance clock route lengths and reduce latency by relocating tree centers or adjusting bounding boxes, ensuring clock signals are synchronized across clock regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clock routes are configured to have similar lengths from input, then synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for H-tree configuration and tree center relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock distribution network into multiple H-trees, each serving a specific bounding box region. By dividing the overall clock distribution task into smaller H-tree segments, the system achieves synchronized clock delivery to multiple clock regions while managing complexity through modular organization of tree centers and bounding boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by positioning tree centers at specific coordinates and using bounding boxes to define coverage areas. By relocating tree centers to optimal positions (including reflecting them into bounding boxes), the system balances clock route lengths across two-dimensional space, achieving synchronization without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If H-tree is formed within a placement bounding box, then clock distribution is optimized, but tree center may fall outside the bounding box requiring relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reflection transformation to invert the positioning problem. When a tree center falls outside its bounding box, instead of moving the bounding box, the system reflects the tree center into the bounding box by inverting its coordinates relative to the bounding box boundaries. This maintains clock distribution efficiency while ensuring proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameters of tree centers by calculating reflected coordinates when centers fall outside bounding boxes. By modifying the x and y coordinates through reflection formulas, the system ensures tree centers are properly positioned within their designated regions while maintaining optimal clock distribution paths.
3Reliability
If multiple clock regions are synchronized, then operational reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to additional clock routing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clock regions into bounding box groups, each served by a dedicated H-tree with a single tree center. By combining multiple clock regions that share similar spatial characteristics into unified bounding boxes, the system reduces the total number of tree centers needed, thereby synchronizing multiple clock regions while minimizing power consumption through resource consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a computing device may identify a set of candidate configurations of bounding boxes on a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The computing device may construct H-trees associated with respective candidate configurations. Identifying the H-trees may include identifying a level of an H-tree associated with a candidate configuration and a bounding box of the clock domain placement. Identifying the H-trees may include identifying a tree center of the H-tree that is located outside of the bounding box. Identifying the H-trees may include relocating a tree center or adjusting the bounding box. Relocating the tree center may include reflecting the tree center into the bounding box. Adjusting the bounding box may include shifting the bounding box to include the tree center.