Globally integrated power and clock distribution network

The global networks within a conventional integrated circuits (IC) consists of three major types: power, ground, and clock networks. These three networks consumes most of the metal resources in the highest metal layers. The signals traversing the power and clock distribution networks are fundamentally different in terms of signal frequency and current flow. Combining the power and clock network into a globally integrated network is therefore possible. In this paper, the general concept of a globally integrated power and clock (GIPAC) system is proposed. The circuitry supporting this GIPAC system is also presented. Simulation results based on a 90 nm CMOS technology demonstrate the potential of GIPAC.