Distributed clock generator for semiconductor devices and related methods of operating semiconductor devices
AssigneeMicron Technology, Inc.
InventorLeonard Forbes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A distributed clock generator for a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the clock generator is not localized in one particular location on the semiconductor die and then distributed, but instead the clock generation itself is distributed throughout the integrated circuit. The clock generator itself is a CMOS phase shift oscillator which uses a series resistance and a capacitance to ground. Phase shift elements utilize the phase shift of distributed transmission lines around the integrated circuit die and are thus conveniently implemented using the series resistance and parallel capacitance of the transmission lines.
Claims19
An integrated circuit having a plurality of functional blocks at different locations throughout a layout of the integrated circuit, comprising:
- a plurality of amplifiers distributed at a plurality of spaced-apart locations throughout the layout of the integrated circuit;
- and
- a plurality of phase shift elements each coupled between two of the plurality of amplifiers so as to define a closed loop,
- wherein the closed loop is tapped at a plurality of locations to form a plurality of clock signals of different phases, wherein the plurality of clock signals are each sent to various of the functional blocks.
An integrated circuit having a plurality of functional blocks at different locations throughout a layout of the integrated circuit, comprising:
- a plurality of amplifiers distributed at a plurality of spaced-apart locations throughout the layout of the integrated circuit;
- and
- a plurality of phase shift elements each coupled between two of the plurality of amplifiers so as to define a closed loop,
- wherein the closed loop is tapped at a plurality of locations to form a plurality of clock signals of different phases, wherein the plurality of clock signals are each sent to various of the functional blocks,
- wherein the plurality of phase shift elements comprises an even number collectively introducing substantially 360°, or an integer multiple of 360°, of phase shift.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.