Automatic tap driver generation in a hybrid clock distribution system

摘要

A hybrid clock distribution system uses a distribution fabric to distribute clock signals across longer physical distances and local sub-distribution networks to distribute clock signals more locally and to implement logic functions such as clock gating. A set of tap drivers connect the distribution fabric to the sub-distribution networks. A design tool automatically generates and places the set of tap drivers.

主权项

1. A method of generating a clock distribution system for a circuit design, the clock distribution system connecting a clock root to a plurality of clock sinks, the clock distribution system including a distribution fabric connected by a set of tap drivers to a plurality of sub-distribution networks, the method comprising a computer system performing the steps of:
accessing information about the distribution fabric and the sub-distribution networks, wherein the sub-distribution networks contain clock gating logic; based on the information about both the distribution fabric and the sub-distribution networks, generating and placing a set of tap drivers for connecting the distribution fabric to the plurality of sub-distribution networks; and receiving user constraints on the set of tap drivers, wherein the step of generating and placing a set of tap drivers is performed subject to the user constraints.