System and method for flexibly distributing timing signals
AssigneesSony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
InventorsEdward John Paluch, Jr., Kuei-Cheng Lin
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Abstract
The present invention comprises a system and method for flexibly distributing timing signals. Timing signals may require varying delays when connected, via circuit paths of varying propagation delays, to multiple circuit elements in order to preserve circuit synchronization. In one embodiment of the present invention, multiple clock signal generators are programmed to produce clock signals of differing time delays. This programming may be accomplished after the design and fabrication of the circuits utilizing the clock signals. These clock signals are then distributed, via circuit paths of varying propagation delays, to the multiple circuit elements.
Claims6
A distribution system for timing signals, comprising:
- a plurality of clock generators configured to selectively generate said timing signals, said plurality of clock generators being individually programmable under software control, wherein said clock generators include a plurality of digital delay elements configured to progressively delay said timing signals, said digital delay elements being coupled to a looped-back clock;
- and
- a plurality of distribution lines coupled to said clock generators and configured to distribute said timing signals.
A distribution system for timing signals, comprising:
- a plurality of clock generators configured to selectively generate said timing signals, said plurality of clock generators being individually programmable under software control, wherein said clock generators include a plurality of digital delay elements configured to progressively delay said timing signals, said digital delay elements being coupled to a plurality of clocks;
- and
- a plurality of distribution lines coupled to said clock generators and configured to distribute said timing signals.
A method for generating and distributing timing signals, comprising the steps of:
- generating said timing signals utilizing a plurality of clock generators configured to selectively generate said timing signals, said plurality of clock generators being individually programmable under software control, wherein said clock generators include a plurality of digital delay elements configured to progressively delay said timing signals, said digital delay elements being coupled to a looped-back clock;
- and
- distributing said timing signals utilizing a plurality of clock signal distribution signal lines coupled to said clock generators and configured to distribute said timing signals.
A method for generating and distributing timing signals, comprising the steps of:
- generating said timing signals utilizing a plurality of clock generators configured to selectively generate said timing signals, said plurality of clock generators being individually programmable under software control, wherein said clock generators include a plurality of digital delay elements configured to progressively delay said timing signals, said digital delay elements being coupled to a plurality of clocks;
- and
- distributing said timing signals utilizing a plurality of clock signal distribution signal lines coupled to said clock generators and configured to distribute said timing signals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.