A low-swing differential signalling scheme for on-chip global interconnects

Abstract

The dense very deep submicron (VDSM) system on chips (SoC) face a serious limitation in performance due to reverse scaling of global interconnects. Interconnection techniques which decrease delay, delay variation and ensure signal integrity, play an important role in the growth of the semiconductor industry into future generations. Current-mode low-swing interconnection techniques provide an attractive alternative to conventional full-swing voltage mode signaling in terms of delay, power and noise immunity. In this paper, we present a new current-mode low-swing interconnection technique which reduces the delay and delay variations in global interconnects. Extensive simulations for performance of our circuit under crosstalk, supply voltage, process and temperature variations were performed. The results indicate significant savings in power, reduction in delay and increase in noise immunity compared to other techniques.