Intentionally skewed optical clock signal distribution

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for distributing an intentionally skewed optical-clock signal to nodes of a source synchronous computer system. In one system embodiment, a source synchronous system comprises a waveguide, an optical-system clock optically coupled to the waveguide, and a number of nodes optically coupled to the waveguide. The optical-system clock generates and injects a master optical-clock signal into the waveguide. The master optical-clock signal acquiring a skew as it passes between nodes. Each node extracts a portion of the master optical-clock signal and processes optical signals using the portion of the master optical-clock signal having a different skew for the respective extracting node.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.