Timing Optimization Through Clock Skew Scheduling

1. Introduction.- 2. VLSI Systems.- 2.1 Signal Representation.- 2.2 Synchronous VLSI Systems.- 2.3 The VLSI Design Process.- 2.4 Summary.- 3. Signal Delay In Vlsi Systems.- 3.1 Delay Metrics.- 3.2 Devices and Interconnections.- 4. Timing Properties Of Synchronous Systems.- 4.1 Storage Elements.- 4.2 Latches.- 4.3 Parameters of Latches.- 4.4 Flip-Flops.- 4.5 Parameters of Flip-Flops.- 4.6 The Clock Signal.- 4.7 Single-Phase Path with Flip-Flops.- 4.8 Single-Phase Path with Latches.- 4.9 A Final Note.- 5. Clock Scheduling and Clock Tree Synthesis.- 5.1 Background.- 5.2 Definitions and Graphical Model.- 5.3 Clock Scheduling.- 5.4 Structure of the Clock Distribution Network.- 5.5 Solution of the Clock Tree Synthesis Problem.- 5.6 Software Implementation.- 6. Clock Scheduling For Improved Reliability.- 6.1 Problem Formulation.- 6.2 Derivation of the QP Algorithm.- 7. Practical Considerations.- 7.1 Computational Analysis.- 7.2 Unconstrained Basis Skews.- 7.3 I/O Registers and Target Delays.- 8. Experimental Results.- 8.1 Description of Computer Implementation.- 8.2 Graphical Illustrations of Results.- 9. Conclusions.- 10. Future Directions.- 10.1 Algorithmic Enhancements.- 10.2 Practical Considerations.- References.- Appendices.- A- Numerical Illustration of Algorithms.- A.1 Algorithm LMCS-1.- A.2 Algorithm LMCS-2.- A.3 Algorithm CSD.- B- Glossary of Terms.- C- Graphical Illustration of Results.- About the Authors.