Architecture for frequency-scaled operation in resonant clock distribution networks

Abstract

An architecture for resonant clock distribution networks is proposed. This architecture allows for the energy-efficient operation of a resonant clock distribution network at multiple clock frequencies through the deployment of flip-flops that can be selectively enabled. The proposed architecture is primarily targeted at the design of resonant clock networks with integrated inductors and exhibits no inductor overheads. Such an architecture is generally applicable to semiconductor devices with multiple clock frequencies, and high-performance and low-power clocking requirements such as microprocessors, ASICs, and SOCs. Moreover, it is applicable to the binning of semiconductor devices according to achievable performance levels.