Leaf Clock Splitter With Local Frequency Division for Timing Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timing synchronization between distant components in electronic circuits is challenging due to time delays in clock signals, making it difficult to achieve synchronous operations, especially when components need different clock frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A novel clock splitter with an internal clock frequency-divider that selectively suppresses clock pulses to generate slower B and C clock signals, allowing for phase shifting and independent frequency control, enabling synchronization at terminal leaves of clock trees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clock frequency-divider is placed distant from clock splitters to provide lower frequency clock signals, then components can operate at different frequencies, but timing synchronization between distant components deteriorates due to time delays in clock signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clock distribution system into multiple segments: a first clock frequency-divider for generating a first lower frequency clock signal, a second clock frequency-divider for generating a second lower frequency clock signal, and clock splitters for phase shifting. Each segment operates independently to provide both frequency differentiation and timing synchronization locally, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clock signals are transmitted over long distances between oscillator and latches, then different frequency requirements can be met, but timing synchronization deteriorates due to distance differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing frequency division and phase shifting operations locally at or near the terminal leaves of the clock tree, before the clock signals reach the latches. This ensures that timing synchronization is established in advance, compensating for the time delays accumulated during long-distance transmission from the oscillator.
3Ease of operation
If clock splitters are used to provide time-shifted clock signals for synchronous operations, then data launch and capture can be achieved, but timing synchronization deteriorates when components are physically spaced far apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing customized frequency division and phase shifting functionality at each terminal leaf of the clock tree where it is needed. Each location receives clock signals with frequency and timing characteristics specifically adapted to its local requirements, ensuring both ease of operation for data launch and capture and reliability for timing synchronization despite physical spacing.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel clock splitter that has a local internal clock frequency-divider is presented. The clock splitter comprises an oscillator clock splitter, wherein the oscillator clock splitter splits an oscillator clock signal into a B clock and a C clock; a clock frequency-divider, wherein the clock frequency-divider selectively suppresses clock pulses in the C clock to generate a slower C clock signal that is slower than the oscillator clock; and a B/C clock order logic, wherein the B/C clock order logic phase shifts the C clock relative to a B clock. The clock frequency-divider may selectively suppress pulses in the B clock to generate a slower B clock signal. The slower B and C clock signals may have a same or different frequency. In one embodiment, the clock splitter is located at a terminal leaf of a clock tree.