Semiconductor Clock Distribution Inversion for Pipeline ADC Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor integrated circuits with pipeline ADCs, the large number of buffers required to match sample and hold clock signal timings at the input ends of stages increases circuit size and complicates timing adjustments, leading to insufficient timing margins and reduced processing speed.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor integrated circuit supplies clock signals from the subsequent stage processing circuit to the preceding stage, allowing for sequential timing signal generation and distribution, reducing the need for numerous buffers and minimizing circuit area while ensuring timing margins are secured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If clock signals are distributed in a tree-like shape with buffers inserted in each path to match sample and hold timings, then timing synchronization is improved, but circuit size increases due to a large number of buffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional clock distribution direction by supplying clock signals from the subsequent stage to the preceding stage rather than from the clock source outward. This reversal eliminates the need for numerous buffers in the clock distribution path, reducing circuit area while maintaining timing synchronization through the natural signal flow direction of the processing stages
2Manufacturing precision
If a large number of buffers are inserted to match clock timings at input ends of stages, then timing synchronization is improved, but timing margins become insufficient and processing speed reduces
Solution Approach 1:
By reversing the clock signal supply direction from subsequent stage to preceding stage, the patent reduces the number of buffer stages in the critical path. This inversion shortens the total signal propagation delay, providing sufficient timing margins without compromising synchronization, thereby enabling faster processing speeds
3Manufacturing precision
If buffers are inserted in each clock path to match timings, then timing synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the clock distribution system by inverting the signal flow direction to match the natural processing sequence. This approach eliminates the complex tree-like buffer network, reducing device complexity while maintaining timing synchronization through the streamlined clock signal path that follows the data processing flow
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a plurality of processing circuits including a sample and hold circuit, and a timing signal generation circuit that receives a reference clock signal and generates a timing signal to control a timing to operate the sample and hold circuit based on the reference clock signal. The plurality of processing circuits serially execute processing in order from the processing circuit at a preceding stage to the processing circuit at a subsequent stage. The timing signal generation circuit is coupled to the plurality of processing circuits so as to supply the timing signal to each of the plurality of processing circuits in order from the processing circuit at the subsequent stage to the processing circuit at the preceding stage.