Oblique Clock Mesh Routing for Low-Interference IC Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit (IC) devices face challenges in providing accurate clock signals due to increased complexity and the need for reduced power consumption and voltage, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A clock distribution system is implemented with slanted or oblique clock metal patterns and shielding metal patterns to reduce clock latency, power consumption, and interference, featuring a clock mesh structure with polygonal regions and oblique metal patterns, as well as clock trees with overlapping tiers and shielding configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional clock signal distribution methods are used in complex IC devices, then the device can operate, but clock signal accuracy deteriorates due to increased complexity and longer clock paths
Solution Approach 1:
The clock distribution network is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels (primary clock network, secondary clock networks, and clock mesh structures). Each segment handles a specific region or function, allowing the overall system to manage complexity while maintaining signal accuracy through localized optimization of each segment.
2Speed
If clock frequency is increased to improve performance, then processing speed improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the IC device receive clock signals with locally optimized characteristics. The system provides higher clock frequencies to regions requiring high performance while using lower frequencies in regions where performance demands are lower, thereby achieving overall speed improvement without proportionally increasing total power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If voltage is reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but clock signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces additional dimensional considerations in clock distribution, including three-dimensional integrated circuit structures with multiple metal layers and vertical interconnects. This dimensional expansion allows clock signals to be distributed through multiple spatial paths, providing redundancy and signal integrity maintenance even at reduced voltages through improved signal routing and shielding options.
4Loss of time
If clock path length is reduced to decrease latency, then signal transmission speed improves, but routing flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clock distribution system employs nested hierarchical structures where primary clock networks contain secondary networks, which in turn contain clock mesh structures. This nesting allows the system to maintain short local clock paths within each nested level (reducing latency) while the overall hierarchical arrangement provides flexible routing options for different device configurations (maintaining adaptability).
Data Source
AI summary
A clock distribution system includes a clock mesh structure which has a plurality of first metal patterns extending along a first axis, a plurality of second metal patterns extending along a second axis, a plurality of third metal patterns extending along a third axis. The plurality of first metal patterns, the plurality of second metal patterns, and the plurality of 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.