Effects of parameter variations and crosstalk on H-tree clock distribution networks

Controlling the delay and the transition time of the clock signal in the presence of various noise sources, process parameter variations and environmental effects represents a fundamental problem in the design of high speed synchronous circuits. The effects of parameter variations and crosstalk noise on the clock signal propagating along an H-tree clock distribution network are investigated in this paper. In particular, the effects of variations in power supply (VDD), temperature, and gate oxide thickness (tOX) on the clock signal delay and transition time are evaluated. In addition to parameter variations, crosstalk effects among the H-tree structure and other interconnect wires are investigated. It is shown that the delay and transition time of the clock signal is spatially dependent on interconnect crosstalk along an H-tree