Resonator Spine Clock Distribution for Uniform Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clock distribution systems in computer systems, particularly in CMOS and RQL circuits, face challenges in ensuring uniformity of clock current distribution across circuits, leading to non-uniform timing and synchronization issues.
Innovation Solution
A clock distribution system utilizing a resonator spine and rib configuration with transformer-coupling lines that inductively couple to the resonator ribs, providing a sinusoidal clock signal and mitigating non-uniformity through various configurations of inductive couplings to ensure uniform clock current distribution across associated circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clock distribution systems are used in CMOS and RQL circuits, then clock signals can be provided to circuits, but non-uniform clock current distribution occurs leading to timing synchronization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical clock distribution with a resonator-based system using acoustic waves. The resonator spine and ribs form a mechanical waveguide structure that propagates acoustic clock signals, substituting electrical signal distribution with acoustic wave propagation to achieve uniform energy distribution across circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the clock signal from electrical domain to acoustic domain by generating acoustic waves at resonant frequencies. The resonator system operates at specific resonant modes (fundamental and higher modes) to control wave propagation characteristics, changing the physical parameter domain from electrical to acoustic to solve distribution uniformity issues.
2Ease of operation
If resonator spine and rib configuration is used to propagate sinusoidal clock signal, then uniform clock current distribution is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator system is segmented into a central spine and multiple ribs, where the spine acts as the main waveguide and ribs as distribution branches. This segmentation allows the complex resonator structure to be built from simpler modular components that can be systematically arranged to achieve desired distribution patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator spine serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary waveguide for acoustic wave propagation, provides structural support for the ribs, and functions as a resonant element itself. The ribs simultaneously distribute acoustic energy to multiple circuits and act as additional resonant elements, reducing the need for separate components.
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 system effectively distributes a sinusoidal clock signal uniformly across circuits, enhancing synchronization and timing functions while mitigating non-uniformity, thus improving the overall performance of clock distribution in computer systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resonator rib conductively coupled to the at least one resonator spine and arranged as a standing wave resonator
Implementation Method 2
at least one transformer-coupling line... with a plurality of inductive couplings to the at least one resonator rib to inductively generate a clock current corresponding to the sinusoidal clock signal
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment includes a clock distribution system. The system includes at least one resonator spine that propagates a sinusoidal clock signal and at least one resonator rib conductively coupled to the at least one resonator spine and arranged as a standing wave resonator. The system also includes at least one transformer-coupling line. Each of the at least one transformer-coupling line is conductively coupled to an associated circuit and has a plurality of inductive couplings to the at least one resonator rib to inductively generate a clock current corresponding to the sinusoidal clock signal via each of the plurality of inductive couplings in an additive manner to provide functions for the associated circuit.