Oblique Clock Mesh Layout for Low-Latency IC Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit (IC) devices face challenges in providing accurate clock signals at increased clock frequencies with reduced power consumption and voltage, requiring effective clock signal distribution systems that minimize latency and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a clock distribution system featuring slanted or oblique clock metal patterns and shielding metal patterns to reduce interference and optimize clock signal delivery, including a clock mesh structure with polygonal regions and oblique metal patterns, and clock trees with slanted metal patterns to shorten wire lengths and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional clock signal distribution systems are used in IC devices operating at increased clock frequencies, then clock signal delivery can be achieved, but clock latency and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies oblique metal patterns that extend in diagonal directions rather than traditional horizontal or vertical orientations. This dimensional change in pattern orientation reduces the effective path length for clock signals to reach destination circuits, thereby reducing clock latency while maintaining compatibility with increased clock frequency operations
2Speed
If traditional clock signal distribution systems are used in IC devices operating at increased clock frequencies, then clock signal delivery can be achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using oblique metal patterns instead of traditional orthogonal patterns, the patent reduces the total wire length required for clock signal distribution. Since power consumption in metal interconnects is proportional to length, this dimensional change in pattern orientation directly reduces power consumption while enabling higher clock frequencies
3Ease of operation
If clock metal patterns are used for signal distribution, then clock signals can be delivered to circuitry, but interference between clock signals and other signals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs oblique metal patterns with specific angular orientations that create asymmetric routing paths for clock signals. This asymmetry in pattern orientation helps separate clock signal paths from other signal paths in the circuit layout, reducing capacitive coupling and electromagnetic interference between clock signals and other signals while maintaining effective signal distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A clock distribution system includes a clock mesh structure which has first metal patterns extending along a first axis, second metal patterns extending along a second axis, third metal patterns extending along a third axis. The first metal patterns, second metal patterns, and third metal patterns are electrically coupled with each other. The second axis is transverse to the first axis. The third axis is oblique to both the first axis and the second axis. The first metal patterns include a main first metal pattern, and other first metal patterns. The second metal patterns include a main second metal pattern, and other second metal patterns. The third metal patterns include a main third metal pattern, and other third metal patterns. The main third metal pattern overlaps the main first metal pattern and the main second metal pattern, without overlapping the other first metal patterns or the other second metal patterns