Decentralized generation of synchronized clock control signals having

Abstract

In a microprogrammed processor consisting of several circuitized chips, which are to be synchronously operated, each chip is provided with its own local clock generator or T-ring for deriving therefrom timing signals required during the subphases of micro instruction execution. A master clock connected to all of the T-rings by lines of equal length forces the individual T-rings to operate synchronously and keeps them operating in such a manner. In addition, reset circuitry is provided for forcing all of the T-rings to their first timing interval for initial synchronization thereof or, at an appropriate time, when a micro instruction requiring less than the maximum number of available T-ring timing signals is executed. The timing signals which are locally produced are subject to little delay on their way to the various local switching points. Thus, the entire system can be operated at a higher oscillator or master clock frequency to take advantage of the enhanced processing and transfer speeds of modern, highly integrated circuit chips.