Reconfigurable Semiconductor Transistor Logic for Timing Skew
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IC chip design, clock skew due to path length, load, and on-chip variation differences leads to timing issues, which existing clock tree synthesis methods struggle to optimize across various process, temperature, and voltage corners.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device structure comprising NMOS and PMOS transistors connected in parallel and serial configurations through metal layers and oxide diffusion layers, allowing for flexible logic functions with strong driving or delay capabilities, minimizing layout area and reducing timing skew.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional clock tree synthesis methods are used to insert buffers and optimize timing skew, then timing skew is reduced under nominal conditions, but timing skew varies significantly across different process, temperature, and voltage corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by providing multiple connection configurations between transistor gates and drains through selectable switches. This allows the logic function and transistor connections to be dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions (process, temperature, voltage corners), enabling the circuit to adapt its timing characteristics to maintain consistent performance across different corners rather than being fixed at nominal optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the transistor connections by providing alternative connection paths that modify the effective resistance, capacitance, and switching characteristics. By selecting different connection configurations (e.g., connecting gates to different drains, changing parallel/serial arrangements), the circuit parameters are adjusted to compensate for corner variations and maintain timing skew within acceptable ranges across all operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If transistor connections are fixed in parallel or serial configurations, then specific logic functions are achieved, but flexibility to optimize for different operating conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed static connections into dynamic reconfigurable connections by introducing selectable switches that can change the connectivity between transistor gates and drains based on operating conditions. This allows the same physical transistor array to implement different logic functions and connection topologies (parallel, serial, or mixed configurations) dynamically, providing both ease of operation for specific functions and adaptability for different corners.
3Reliability
If different layout structures are designed for different logic functions, then optimal performance for each function is achieved, but design complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transistor array layout where the same physical structure can perform multiple logic functions through reconfigurable connections. By using selectable switches to change the connectivity of a single transistor array, the design achieves optimal performance for different logic functions (AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc.) without requiring separate dedicated layouts for each function, thereby reducing overall design complexity and area while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device is provided. Gates of first PMOS and NMOS transistors are coupled together for receiving an input signal. Gates of second PMOS and NMOS transistors are coupled together. Gates of third PMOS and NMOS transistors are coupled together. Gates of fourth PMOS and NMOS transistors are coupled together. Drains of fourth PMOS and NMOS transistors are coupled together for providing an output signal. When the first, second, third and fourth NMOS transistors are connected in parallel and the first, second, third and fourth PMOS transistors are connected in parallel, the output signal is provided according to the input signal and a first logic function. When the first and second NMOS transistors are connected in serial and the first and second PMOS transistors are connected in serial, the output signal is provided according to the input signal and a second logic function.