Reconfigurable Resonant Clock Mesh for Multi-Frequency Timing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resonant clock circuits face increased power consumption at non-resonant frequencies due to low Q factor inductors, leading to power dissipation and timing uncertainty, as they are typically optimized for a single resonance frequency.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable resonant clock mesh scheme with a selectable high Q factor inductor array and driver component that adjusts inductance and driver size based on the current frequency, using configuration bits to optimize performance across multiple frequencies, thereby reducing power consumption and mitigating timing discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a resonant clock circuit uses a fixed inductor optimized for a single resonance frequency, then it achieves high Q factor and low power consumption at that specific frequency, but it suffers from increased power consumption and timing uncertainty when operating at non-resonant frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable resonant clock circuit where the inductor value can be dynamically changed based on the operating frequency. The circuit includes multiple inductors with different values that can be selectively connected to the resonant circuit, allowing the system to adapt its inductance to match different operating frequencies and maintain high Q factor across multiple frequency ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inductance parameter of the resonant circuit by selecting different inductor values from an array of inductors with progressively doubled inductance values. This parameter change allows the circuit to operate at multiple resonant frequencies while maintaining optimal performance and low power consumption at each frequency
2Reliability
If a resonant clock circuit uses a fixed inductor optimized for a single resonance frequency, then it achieves stable timing at that frequency, but it experiences timing uncertainty and skew when operating at non-resonant frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit dynamically adjusts its inductance value to maintain resonance at different operating frequencies, ensuring stable timing characteristics across multiple frequency ranges. The reconfigurable nature allows the circuit to optimize its timing performance for each selected frequency by matching the inductor value to the desired operating point
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the inductance parameter to match different operating frequencies, the circuit maintains consistent timing stability across multiple frequency ranges. Each inductor value is selected to optimize the resonant frequency and minimize timing skew and jitter at that specific frequency
3Device complexity
If a resonant clock circuit uses a single inductor value, then the circuit structure remains simple, but it cannot efficiently operate across multiple frequencies without power dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inductor function into multiple discrete inductor components with different values. These segmented inductors are connected in parallel with switching mechanisms, allowing the circuit to select the appropriate inductor value for each operating frequency. This segmentation enables multi-frequency operation while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable resonant clock circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by operating at different frequencies using the same basic circuit topology. The ability to switch between different inductor values gives the circuit universal applicability across multiple frequency ranges, eliminating the need for separate circuits for each frequency
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
The solution effectively lowers power consumption and reduces timing uncertainties by providing high Q factor inductors for various frequencies, ensuring efficient operation and stable clock signals across different operating frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor array is configured to have an effective inductance according to a selected frequency from a plurality of available frequencies. The LC tank generates a resonant signal with a resonant frequency corresponding to the selected frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a resonant clock system having a driver component, a clock load capacitor, and a reconfigurable inductor array. The driver component generates a driven input signal. The clock load capacitor is configured to receive the driven input signal. The inductor array is configured to have an effective inductance according to a selected frequency. The inductor array also generates a resonant signal at the selected frequency using the effective inductance.