Distributed resonant clock grid synthesis

A system for designing VLSI clock distribution networks, including:

• a computer for inputting a set of clock distribution network design criteria;
• a computer for laying out an initial clock grid network design by first implementing and sizing input buffers for the clock grid network and then by placing and implementing LC tanks to resonate with the clock grid network;
• a computer for simulating the clock grid network by resizing the input buffers in view of the placed and implemented LC tanks based on an AC analysis;
• a computer for simulating whether the clock distribution network design criteria are met when using the resized input buffers;
• a computer for implementing a resonant grid using the resized input buffers, clock grid, and LC tank placements and implementations if the clock distribution network design criteria are met;
• and
• looping back to placing and implementing LC tanks if the clock distribution network design criteria are not met.

A semiconductor device having a clock grid, comprising:

• a clock grid conductor;
• a set of input buffers driving signals onto the clock grid conductor;
• and
• a set of resonant LC tanks located on the clock grid;
• wherein the clock grid conductor, input buffers, and LC tanks are implementations of a design comprised of:
• obtaining a set of clock distribution network design criteria;
• laying out an initial clock grid network;
• implementing and sizing input buffers;
• placing and implementing LC tanks to resonate with the clock grid network;
• resizing the input buffers in view of LC tanks based on the results of an AC analysis;
• checking whether the clock distribution network design criteria are met when using the resized input buffers;
• if the clock distribution network design criteria are met then implementing a VLSI clock distribution network using the clock grid network, resized input buffers, and placed and implemented LC tanks;
• and
• if the clock distribution network design criteria are not met looping back to placing and implementing LC tanks to resonate with the clock grid network.