Logic Tile Clock Distribution With Zero-Skew Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clock signal distribution methods in integrated circuits, such as FPGAs, often result in significant skew delays when clock signals travel between logic tiles, affecting synchronization and communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of clock distribution and transmission circuitry within logic tiles that generate and transmit clock signals with programmable skew, utilizing u-turn circuits and buffers to ensure synchronous and zero-skew clock signals across tiles, with the option for on-chip or off-chip clock circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clock signals are distributed across multiple logic tiles using conventional methods, then the circuit can operate with multiple logic tiles, but significant skew delays occur between clock signals in different tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The clock distribution system is segmented into multiple independent clock trees, each serving specific logic tiles. Each clock tree is configured to provide zero-skew clock signals to its assigned tiles, allowing the overall system to scale while maintaining synchronization within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock distribution architecture dynamically configures clock signal paths through programmable interconnects and multiplexers. This allows the system to adapt clock routing to minimize skew delays for different logic tile configurations and operating conditions.
2Reliability
If clock distribution circuitry is added to each logic tile to reduce skew delays, then clock synchronization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock distribution circuitry within each logic tile is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving clock signals from multiple sources, selecting optimal clock inputs through multiplexers, distributing clocks to local logic elements, and interfacing with neighboring tiles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines clock distribution functions with the existing programmable interconnect structure of the logic tiles. Clock signals are routed through the same interconnect fabric used for data signals, and clock distribution multiplexers are integrated with the logic tile's configurable resources, thereby merging clocking infrastructure with logic resources.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a plurality of logic tiles, arranged in an array, wherein, during operation, each logic tile is configurable to connect with at least one logic tile that is adjacent thereto, and wherein each logic tile includes: clock distribution and transmission circuitry, configurable to (i) receive at least one tile input clock signal from one or more logic tiles which is/are adjacent thereto and (ii) to transmit at least one tile output clock signal to one or more logic tiles which is/are adjacent thereto; tile clock generation circuitry which is configurable to generate at least one tile clock using or based on the at least one input clock signal; circuitry, coupled to clock distribution and transmission circuitry, to disable circuitry of the clock distribution and transmission circuitry; and logic circuitry to perform operations using or based on at least one tile clock.