Ring-Oscillator Type Multi-Chip Clock Signal Synchronization Technique with In-Phase Clock Bus Lines

Abstract

This paper suggests a simple method to solve the clock skew problem generated on two or several separate chips when voltage difference, or gradient, occurs between/among the chips. Generation and distribution of clock signals with minimum skews becomes a critical factor in overall system performance in today’s GHz operation speed. With a few connection lines, similar to Data Bus, between two chips, named CBL (Clock Bus Line), a multi-chip synchronization method is newly proposed and proved through simulations and TTL chip measurements. With 2% of supplied voltage differences in different chips, within 3% of the period clock skew is guaranteed in this new scheme. A feasible way of implementation of this CBL method in today’s integrated circuits is also described along with CMOS layout.