Abstract:
A system for simplifying clock construction and distribution within an integrated circuit, and for simplifying analysis within the integrated circuit. The system utilizes a memory, software stored within said memory defining functions to be performed by the system, and a processor. The processor is configured by the software to: read a defined location for a clock generator within the integrated circuit, wherein the clock generator generates a clock signal; read a defined number of interconnect routes to be created within the integrated circuit, wherein a subset of the number of interconnect routes corresponds to a number of logical blocks that will later be provided within the integrated circuit, and wherein each of the interconnect routes within the subset comprises an open end for one of the logical blocks to be placed; test electrical characteristics and functionality of the integrated circuit to ensure that a time for the clock signal to traverse each of the interconnect routes within the subset is equal, and change properties within the integrated circuit if the clock signal traversal time is not equal; and add the logical blocks to each of the interconnect routes within the subset, wherein each of the logical blocks is connected to the open end of one of the interconnect routes within the subset.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to integrated circuits and, more particularly, is related to simplifying clock construction and clock distribution within an integrated circuit, in addition to simplifying analysis of the clock in the integrated circuit. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many integrated circuits (IC) are synchronous circuits wherein the IC is synchronized by clock signals. Clock signals are typically provided by a clock generator located within the IC that provides clock signals to logical blocks located within the IC. The logical blocks located within the IC differ in accordance with functionality made available by the IC. 
     Prior to fabrication of an IC, the IC is typically created in software to enable testing of IC electrical characteristics and functionality. To enable testing of the IC, logical blocks within the IC are arranged by a circuit designer in accordance with either, a known predefined schematic, or simply in a random arrangement that allows all logical blocks to fit upon the IC. An example of a program that may be utilized to simulate placement of the logical blocks on the IC is the IC layout tool MAGIC, developed by Berkeley. Of course, other IC layout tools may be utilized as well. 
     After placement of logical blocks upon the IC, the clock generator is added to the IC and interconnect is mapped within the IC, from the clock generator to the logical blocks, thereby distributing a clock signal to each logical block. Clock signal buffers may be utilized within the IC to assist in driving clock signals to the logical blocks. 
     After completion of the IC layout, electrical characteristics and functionality of the IC may be tested. An example of an IC simulation program that may be used to test the electrical characteristics and functionality of the IC is simulation program for integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE). Of course, other IC simulation programs may be utilized as well. 
     It is desirable for the clock signal to arrive at the logical blocks simultaneously to effectively provide a synchronized IC. If, however, the clock signal is received by different logical blocks, at different times, the difference in clock signal arrival time may be accounted for during designing of the IC. While multiple methods may be utilized to compensate for the difference in clock signal arrival time, one method utilized is to account for the difference, or skew, as additional setup or hold time to be added to the IC during design of the IC. An example of a method that may be utilized to add additional setup or hold time to the IC is modifying characteristics of a clock buffer that is utilized to drive the clock signal from the clock generator to the logical blocks. 
     Since the fabrication method described above requires waiting for placement of logical blocks before clock generator placement and clock signal distribution, testing of the IC can not be effectively performed until after logical blocks have been placed, the clock generator has been placed, and the clock has been distributed from the clock generator to the logical blocks. Unfortunately, requiring a delay to testing of the IC until after placement of logical blocks, the clock generator, and distribution of the clock results in a delay to manufacturing and distribution of the finalized IC. 
     In addition, since clock distribution is dependent upon placement of the logical blocks, as has been explained above, it is difficult to utilize the same clock distribution pattern for more than one IC. Since the same clock distribution pattern may not be utilized for more than one IC, each new IC demands an allotment of time to design and fabricate a new clock distribution pattern. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the foregoing, the preferred embodiment of the present invention generally relates to a system for simplifying clock construction and distribution within an IC, and simplifying analysis within the IC. 
     Generally, with reference to the structure of the clock distribution system, the system utilizes a memory; software stored within the memory defining functions to be performed by the system; and a processor. The processor is configured by the software to perform the steps of: reading a defined location for a clock generator within the integrated circuit, wherein the clock generator generates a clock signal; reading a defined number of interconnect routes to be created within the integrated circuit, wherein a subset of the number of interconnect routes corresponds to a number of logical blocks that will later be provided within the integrated circuit, and wherein each of the interconnect routes within the subset comprises an open end for one of the logical blocks to be placed; testing electrical characteristics and functionality of the integrated circuit to ensure that a time for the clock signal to traverse each of the interconnect routes is equal, and changing properties within the integrated circuit if the clock signal traversal time is not equal; and adding the logical blocks to each of the interconnect routes within the subset, wherein each of the logical blocks is connected to the open end of one of the interconnect routes within the subset. 
     The present invention can also be viewed as providing a method for simplifying clock construction and analysis of a integrated circuit. In this regard, the method can be broadly summarized by the following steps: defining a location for a clock generator within the integrated circuit, wherein the clock generator generates a clock signal; defining a number of interconnect routes to be created within the integrated circuit, wherein a subset of the number of interconnect routes corresponds to a number of logical blocks that will later be provided within the integrated circuit, and wherein each of the interconnect routes within the subset comprises an open end for one of the logical blocks to be placed; testing electrical characteristics and functionality of the integrated circuit to ensure that a time for the clock signal to traverse each of the interconnect routes is equal, and changing properties within the integrated circuit if the clock signal traversal time is not equal; and adding logical blocks to each of the interconnect routes within the subset, wherein each of the logical blocks is connected to the open end of one of the interconnect routes within the subset. 
     Other systems and methods of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components of the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a computer or processor-based system in which the present clock distribution system may be provided. 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram providing an example of an integrated circuit that may be created and tested by utilizing the integrated circuit layout tool provided by the computer system of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 provides an example of an H-tree clock distribution pattern that may be utilized within the integrated circuit of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a flowchart that shows the architecture, functionality, and operation of a possible implementation of the present clock distribution system. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The clock distribution system of the present invention can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is intended to be a non-limiting example, a portion of the clock distribution system is implemented in software that is executed by a computer, for example, but not limited to, a server, a personal computer, work station, minicomputer, or main frame computer. 
     The software based portion of the clock distribution system, which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in connection with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device such as a computer-based system processor containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus or device. 
     The computer-readable medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) (magnetic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD ROM) (optical). Note that the computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the drawings, FIG. 1 is a typical computer or processor-based system  2  in which the clock distribution system may be provided. FIG. 1 shows a computer system  2  generally comprising a processor  4 , a storage device  6 , and a computer memory  8 . The processor  4  accepts data from the computer memory  8  over a local interface  10 , such as a bus(es), or a dedicated path. 
     The memory  8  may have stored therein an operating system  12 , such as, but not limited to, Unix®, WindowsNT®, SunSolaris® or any such operating system. The memory  8  may also have IC layout and simulation tools  14  stored therein. An example of an IC layout tool is MAGIC, developed by Berkeley. Of course, other IC layout tools may be utilized as well. As is known by those of ordinary skill in the art, MAGIC is a very large-scale integration (VLSI) layout system. The memory  8  also has clock distribution software stored therein, which defines the functions to be performed by the present clock distribution system. 
     While the IC layout tool is utilized to create representation of logical blocks in an IC layout, simulation of the IC layout is required to ensure that the created IC has desired electrical characteristics and functionality. Simulation is also necessary, because fabricating an IC is costly in a variety of ways. The process for manufacturing an IC is expensive, therefore it is desirable to minimize the number of times an IC is manufactured from a defective IC layout. After use of the IC layout and simulation tools  14 , an IC may be fabricated. An example of an IC is provided by FIG. 2, which is described in detailed below. 
     The computer system  2  also comprises input device(s)  16  and output device(s)  18 . Generally, the computer system  2  may also run any of a number of different platforms. A PCI slot  22  may be attached to the local interface  10  to provide a means for a peripheral device, such as a network interface card (NIC), to attach to the computer system  2 . 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram providing an example of an IC  102  that may be created and tested by utilizing the IC layout tool  14 . As is shown by FIG. 2, the IC  102  comprises a series of pads  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  112 , a clock generator  122 , and a series of logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142 . The pads  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  112 , clock generator  122 , and logical blocks are connected within the IC  102  via interconnect. The clock generator  122  is connected to the logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142  for purposes of providing the logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142  with a clock signal, as well as the pads  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  112 . It should be noted that more than one clock generator may be located within the IC  102 . It should also be noted that the term clock generator within this document represents the source of a clock signal. 
     In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, the clock generator  122  may be located outside of the IC  102 . A clock signal may be introduced to the IC  102  via a pad  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  112 , wherein the clock signal may be introduced from a clock chip located on a printed circuit board to which the present IC  102  is connected after fabrication. 
     Preferably, an H-tree clock distribution pattern is utilized to distribute a clock signal, that has been created by the clock generator  122 , to the logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142 . It should be noted that other clock distribution patterns may also be utilized such as, but not limited to, a T-tree clock distribution pattern. FIG. 3 provides an example of an H-tree clock distribution pattern that may be utilized for distributing the clock signal within the IC  102 . The H-tree clock distribution pattern comprises a series of H-tree structures, one of which is illustrated by FIG. 3 for exemplary purposes. 
     The H-tree structure  162  shown by FIG. 3 comprises a first leg portion  164 , a second leg portion  166 , and a median portion  168 . A first end of the median portion  168  intersects a central portion of the first leg portion  164  at a branch point, while a second end of the median portion  168  intersects a central portion of the second leg portion  166  at a different branch point. As is known by those of ordinary skill in the art, the H-tree structure  162  may be connected to other H-tree structures (not shown) via an end of a leg portion  164 ,  166 . It should be noted that  176  is the input of the H-tree structure  162 . 
     A median portion buffer  172  is provided at each intersection between the median portion  168  and the leg portion  164 ,  166 . In addition, a leg portion buffer  174  is provided at each end of the leg portion  164 ,  166 . The buffers  172 ,  174  drive a received clock signal to a destination logical block  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142 . Therefore, use of buffers  172 ,  174  at the above mentioned locations within the H-tree structure  162  drives clock signals received from the clock generator  122 , along the H-tree structure  162 , to other H-tree structures (not shown), to the destination logical block  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142 . 
     It should be noted herein that the leg portion buffers  174  and/or median portion buffers  172  may be located in different locations. In addition, more, or less leg portion buffers  174  and/or median portion buffers  172  may be provided. 
     The clock signal is driven from the clock generator  122  (FIG. 2) into a central median portion buffer  176 , which is preferably located at the center of the median portion  168 . The central median portion buffer  176  comprises logic for controlling the clock signal, which may be tested by utilizing verilog simulations. Such controls may include starting transmission of the clock signal and stopping transmission of the clock signal. The central median portion buffer  176  drives the received clock signal to each median portion buffer  172 . The clock signal may then be driven by each median portion buffer  172  to co-located leg portion buffers  174 . It should be noted that, if the leg portions  164 ,  166  are identical in size, then the skew to the buffers  172 ,  174  will be the same for all four endpoints. Therefore, it is preferred that each leg portion  164 ,  166  be equivalent in input capacitance. 
     Since each leg portion  164 ,  166  is equivalent in size, a fixed length of interconnect is traversed during transmission of the clock signal. Utilizing a fixed length of interconnect, in combination with buffers  172 , ensures that equal amounts of clock delay are experienced within the IC  102 . Clock delay is further discussed below. 
     FIG. 4 is a flowchart that shows the architecture, functionality, and operation of a possible implementation of the clock distribution system. In this regard, each block represents a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved, as will be further clarified hereinbelow. 
     As shown by block  202 , an IC layout tool is utilized to define location of the clock generator  122  within the IC  102  prior to defining location of logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142 . It should be noted that design of the IC  102  may also be performed by hand by a designed of the IC  102 . Preferably, a user of the computer system  2  defines the location of the clock generator  122 . The user also specifies how many routes of interconnect are to be created (block  204 ). A subset of the number of routes of interconnect is directly related to the number of logical blocks that will later be provided on the IC  102 , with an endpoint of an interconnect route being the future location of a logical block  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142 . The number of logical blocks may, or may not, be known by the IC designer at the start of IC  102  design. It should be noted that the location of the clock generator  122  may instead be predefined due to pad ring constraints of the IC  102  or other such design constraints. 
     The IC layout tool then automatically distributes the clock throughout the IC  102  by creating separate interconnect routes (block  206 ). The IC layout tool preferably utilizes an H-tree distribution pattern to in create the interconnect paths for distributing clock signals throughout the IC  102 . The H-tree distribution pattern has been described in detail above. Once again, it should be noted that other distribution patterns may be utilized by the IC layout tool  14  (FIG.  1 ). 
     As shown by block  208 , the IC layout tool  14  (FIG. 1) automatically creates: median portion buffers  172  (FIG. 3) at each intersection between a median portion  168  (FIG. 3) and a leg portion  164 ,  166  (FIG.  3 ); leg portion buffers  174  (FIG. 3) at each end of a leg portion  164 ,  166  (FIG.  3 ); and central median portion buffers  176  (FIG. 3) at the center of a median portion  168  (FIG.  3 ). The buffers  172 ,  174 ,  176  (FIG. 3) provide clock-driving capability to the IC  102 . 
     After the IC layout tool  14  (FIG. 1) has been utilized for the above mentioned purposes, the simulation tool is utilized to test electrical characteristics and functionality within the IC  102  (block  212 ). Recall that at this point, the logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142  still have not been provided within the IC  102  layout. Therefore, at this point in time a clock block has been defined comprising the clock generator  122 , clock distribution throughout the IC, and buffers  172 ,  174 ,  176 . 
     During simulation of the IC  102 , having the clock generator  122 , interconnects, and buffers  172 ,  174 ,  176  defined therein, the amount of time required for the clock signal to travel from the clock generator  122  to each individual endpoint within each individual route of interconnect is determined. As mentioned above, it is desirable that the required clock signal traversal times be equal for each individual route of interconnect. If, however, the clock signal traversal time from the clock generator  122  to each individual endpoint is not equal, interconnect routes and/or buffer  172 ,  174 ,  176  properties may be changed until the clock signal traversal times are equal. 
     Typically, a mismatch in clock signal traversal time indicates that interconnects were not routed identically, wherein one route of interconnect may be shorter than another route, or wider than another route. One issue that could cause a difference in clock signal traversal times wherein the interconnect routes are identical, is capacitive coupling. A difference in capacitive coupling within the IC  102  can arise if spaces between clock wires (not shown) and logical wires (not shown) within the IC  102  differ. To avoid the issue of capacitive coupling, shield wires (i.e., ground wires (GND) and power wires (VDD)) may be placed on each side of the clock wires to guarantee that coupling is identical at each interconnect leg portion  164 ,  166 . 
     Defining the clock generator  122 , clock distribution pattern, and buffers  172 ,  174 ,  176 , prior to allocation of logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142 , and simulation of the IC  102  prior to allocation of logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142 , allows for minimizing critical path design time required to tune the clock generator  122  and clock distribution. As is known in the art, critical path is when a step in IC  102  design and/or fabrication is preventing public release of the IC  102 . Minimizing critical path design time potentially speeds design of the IC  102 , allowing for minimal delay before fabrication and quicker time to marketing the IC  102 . 
     As shown by block  214 , the logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142  are added to the IC  102  at the endpoints of interconnect routes as they become available. Electrical characteristics and/or functionality of the IC  102  may then be tested. After testing the IC  102 , tuning of the clock tree may be performed by utilizing the methods provided above. It should be noted that tuning of the clock tree may not be necessary. In addition, it is possible for all logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142  to be available at once, resulting in all logical blocks  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  142  being added at once, prior to testing of the IC  102 . 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.