Sparse-rotary oscillator array (SROA) design for power and skew reduction

This paper presents a unique rotary oscillator array (ROA) topology—the sparse-ROA (SROA). The SROA eliminates the need for redundant rings in a typical, mesh-like rotary topology optimizing the global distribution network of the resonant clocking technology. To this end, a design methodology is proposed for SROA construction based on the distribution of the synchronous components. The methodology eliminates the redundant rings of the ROA and reduces the tapping wirelength, which leads to a power saving of 32.1%. Furthermore, a skew control function is implemented into the SROA design methodology as a part of the optimization of the connections among tapping points and subtree roots. This control function leads to a clock skew reduction of 47.1% compared to a square-shaped ROA network design, which is verified through HSPICE.