Optimum wire sizing of RLC interconnect with repeaters

Abstract

Repeaters are often used to drive high impedance interconnects. These lines have become highly inductive which can affect signal behavior in long interconnects. The line inductance should, therefore, be considered in determining the optimum number and size of the repeaters driving a line. A tradeoff exists, however, between the transient power dissipation and the minimum propagation delay in sizing long interconnects driven by repeaters. Optimizing the line width to achieve the minimum power delay product, however, can satisfy current high speed, low power design objectives. A reduction in power of 65% and delay of 97% is achieved for an example repeater system.