Optical Clock Distribution To Silicon Chips

B. D. Clymer; J. W. Goodman

doi:10.1117/12.963491

9 June 1986 Optical Clock Distribution To Silicon Chips

B. D. Clymer, J. W. Goodman

Proceedings Volume 0625, Optical Computing; (1986) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963491
Event: O-E/LASE'86 Symposium, 1986, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Timing constraints for state-of-the-art very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI) in silicon are rapidly approaching communication limits available with layered two-dimensional metal and polysilicon wiring approaches. For such communication-limited systems, reliable clock distribution is a key concern. The range of finite differences in signal delays over clock wires of various lengths for large chips creates a timing skew that is significant when compared to the switching time of transistors in the circuit. The high bandwidth and three-dimensionality of imaging optical systems suggest that optical clock distribution systems have the potential to overcome the timing barriers presented by planar wiring. Clock signals can be holographically mapped to detector sites within small functional cells on a chip surface. Within each functional cell, the clock is distributed via surface wires with negligible delays, reducing skew effects to the variation in reaction times of the photodetectors on the chip. Experiments simulating the response of optical clock detection circuits in standard 4 micron CMOS technology have been performed.

Citation Download Citation

B. D. Clymer and J. W. Goodman "Optical Clock Distribution To Silicon Chips", Proc. SPIE 0625, Optical Computing, (9 June 1986); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963491

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available