The Perils of Aging, From a Semiconductor Device Perspective

The Perils of Aging, From a Semiconductor Device Perspective
by Mike Gianfagna on 10-17-2024 at 6:00 am

The Perils of Aging, From a Semiconductor Device Perspective

We‘re all aware of the challenges aging brings. I find the older I get, the more in touch I feel with those challenges.  I still find it to be true that aging beats the alternative. I think most would agree. Human factors aside, I’d like to discuss the aging process as applied to the realm of semiconductor device physics. Here, as with… Read More


Afraid of mesh-based clock topologies? You should be

Afraid of mesh-based clock topologies? You should be
by Daniel Payne on 03-18-2024 at 10:00 am

mesh-based clock topology

Digital logic chips synchronize all logic operations by using a clock signal connected to flip-flops or latches, and the clock is distributed across the entire chip. The ultimate goal is to have a clock signal that arrives at the exact same moment in time at all clocked elements. If the clock arrives too early or too late from the PLL… Read More


Clock Verification for Mobile SoCs

Clock Verification for Mobile SoCs
by Daniel Payne on 06-28-2023 at 6:00 am

Clock duty cycle distortion

The relentless advancement of mobile phone technology continues to push boundaries, demanding SoCs that deliver ever-increasing performance while preserving extensive battery life. To meet these demands, the industry is progressively embracing lower technology nodes with current designs being taped-out at 5nm or below.… Read More


Methodology to Minimize the Impact of Duty Cycle Distortion in Clock Distribution Networks

Methodology to Minimize the Impact of Duty Cycle Distortion in Clock Distribution Networks
by Kalar Rajendiran on 09-26-2022 at 6:00 am

Figure Gate Failing to Reach 1.1V

Synchronous circuits dominate the electronic world because clocking eases the design of circuits compared to asynchronous circuits. At the same time, clocking also introduces its share of challenges to overcome. No wonder, a tremendous amount of time and effort have been spent over the years on developing and implementing … Read More


WEBINAR: Challenges in analyzing High Performance clocks at 7nm and below process nodes

WEBINAR: Challenges in analyzing High Performance clocks at 7nm and below process nodes
by Daniel Nenni on 05-10-2022 at 6:00 am

Clock analysis rail to rail

Proper clock functionality and performance are essential for SoC operation. Static timing analysis (STA) tools have served well for verifying clocks, yet with new advanced process nodes, lower operating voltages, higher clock speeds and higher reliability requirements, STA tools alone can’t perform the kinds of analysis… Read More