Inventors:
Linda Y. Yip - Milpitas CA
Kinying Kwan - San Jose CA
Assignee:
Tandem Computers Incorporated - Cupertino CA
International Classification:
H03K 19096
Abstract:
A master clock signal, used to operate the clock devices (e. g. , flip flops) formed on an integrated circuit chip, includes first and second clock paths. The first clock path is a linear trunk having laterally extending tributaries. The clock trunk is driven, through buffer circuits, at both ends with the master clock, and the internal devices coupled to the tributaries to receive the clock signal. The second path comprises a closed loop formed proximate the periphery of the integrated circuit chip. Clock buffer circuitry receives the master clock signal and apply that master clock signal to two points on the closed loop path. The closed loop path is used to communicate the master clock to only the input/output devices, i. e. , those that receive data and/or informational signals from an external source, or that communicate such signals to a destination external to the integrated circuit.
