Programmable Resonant Clock Network for Multi-Frequency Waveform Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resonant clock distribution networks face challenges in achieving target clock rise times and amplitudes across multiple frequencies and operating modes, requiring adjustments in driver size and reference clock duty cycles, while also dealing with manufacturing variations and at-speed testing complexities.
Innovation Solution
A resonant clock distribution network architecture with programmable driver sizes and reference clock duty cycles allows for efficient energy consumption and precise control of clock rise times and amplitudes across various frequencies and modes, including the ability to operate in both resonant and conventional modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If driver size is increased to achieve target clock rise time and amplitude, then clock waveform specifications are met, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements programmable driver sizes that can be dynamically configured based on operating frequency and mode. The driver circuit includes multiple parallel current sources with selectable enable signals, allowing the effective driver strength to be adjusted. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to use smaller driver sizes at lower frequencies where less current is needed, reducing energy consumption while still meeting clock waveform specifications when larger driver sizes are activated at higher frequencies or in resonant mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driver size parameter programmatically based on operating conditions. The driver circuit incorporates control logic that selects appropriate driver strength levels according to the operating frequency and mode (resonant vs. conventional). This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between clock waveform quality and energy consumption by matching driver strength to actual operational requirements rather than using a fixed oversized driver for all conditions.
2Speed
If driver size is increased to operate at higher clock frequencies, then high-frequency performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driver circuit into multiple independent current source segments that can be selectively enabled. Each current source corresponds to a specific frequency range or operating mode requirement. This segmentation allows the control logic to activate only the necessary portions of the driver circuit for the current operating frequency, avoiding the need to design and manage a single complex oversized driver that must handle all frequency ranges, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal driver architecture that can operate in multiple modes (resonant and conventional) and support multiple clock frequencies through programmable configuration. The same driver circuit structure serves different frequency ranges and operating modes by adjusting which current sources are enabled, eliminating the need for separate dedicated driver circuits for each frequency or mode, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining high-frequency performance capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If resonant mode is used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but adaptability to different operating modes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically reconfigurable driver circuit that can switch between resonant and conventional operating modes through programmable control. The driver includes mode selection logic that adjusts the enabling of different current sources based on the desired operating mode and frequency. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to operate in energy-efficient resonant mode when conditions are favorable, while seamlessly transitioning to conventional mode when different operational requirements arise, maintaining both energy efficiency and mode flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (driver strength, current source activation) based on the selected operating mode. In resonant mode, the driver uses specific current source configurations optimized for low energy consumption, while in conventional mode, different parameter settings are applied to meet performance requirements. This parameter adaptation enables the system to achieve energy efficiency in resonant mode while retaining full adaptability to switch to conventional mode when needed, rather than being locked into a single operating mode.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables low energy consumption and precise control of clock waveforms, ensuring compliance with specifications across multiple frequencies and modes, while simplifying at-speed testing by allowing seamless transitions between different clock frequencies and operating modes.
Implementation Method 1
energy-efficient operation is achieved using one or more inductors to resonate the parasitic capacitance of the clock distribution network
Data Source
AI summary
A resonant clock distribution network architecture is proposed that uses clock drivers of programmable size and reference clocks of programmable duty cycle to achieve a target clock rise time and clock amplitude with low energy consumption when operating in any one of multiple clock frequencies in resonant or non-resonant mode. Such a network is generally applicable to semiconductor devices with various clock frequencies, and high-performance and low-power clocking requirements such as microprocessors, ASICs, and SOCs.