Multi-bit Register Clock Buffer Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The speed of multi-bit registers in semiconductor technologies needs improvement due to limitations in existing designs, particularly in reducing parasitic resistances and capacitances in wiring configurations.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of a clock buffer at an intervening position within an array of register units, optimizing wiring distances and configurations such as a column or matrix-like layout, reduces parasitic resistances and capacitances, thereby enhancing the speed of the multi-bit register.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the clock buffer is arranged on the periphery of the register array, then the layout is simple, but the wiring distance is long resulting in high parasitic resistance and capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces clock buffer units as intermediary elements positioned between the clock signal input and the register units. These clock buffer units are arranged in the same row as the register units, serving as mediators that reduce the effective wiring distance and minimize parasitic effects while maintaining layout organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the clock distribution system by inserting multiple clock buffer units at different positions within the register array rather than using a single peripheral clock buffer. This segmentation allows the clock signal to be distributed through multiple shorter paths, reducing overall parasitic resistance and capacitance.
2Device complexity
If the clock buffer is arranged at the top or bottom of the register column, then the structure is simple, but the wiring distance to remote register units is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement (clock buffer at top or bottom of column) to a two-dimensional distributed arrangement where clock buffer units are positioned in the same row as register units. This dimensional change allows for shorter wiring distances across the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning clock buffer units specifically in the same row as the register units they serve, rather than using a centralized peripheral location. This local placement optimizes the wiring distance for each specific register unit while maintaining overall structural organization.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-bit register (200), a chip, and a computing apparatus, the multi-bit register (100) including: a plurality of register units (210-1, 210-2, . . . , 210-N), each of which is configured to store a bit of data, and the plurality of register units (210-1, 210-2, . . . , 210-N) being connected in parallel to each other; a clock buffer configured to provide a clock signal for the plurality of register units (210-1, 210-2, . . . , 210-N), wherein the plurality of register units (210-1, 210-2, . . . , 210-N) is arranged into an array of register units, and the clock buffer is arranged at an intervening position of the array of register units (210-1, 210-2, . . . , 210-N).