SET Susceptibility Analysis of Clock Tree and Clock Mesh Topologies

Abstract

Clock distribution networks represent one of the most important signals in a synchronous integrated circuit, this signal may be altered by radiation effects and generate an abnormal behavior in the system. In this work we analyzed two types of clock distribution network using the same circuit to know which of one is more sensitive to radiation threats. Using a case study we compare clock tree with clock mesh. Finally we found that clock mesh topology is more sensitive to radiation effects in comparison with traditional tree distribution. This may occur because clock mesh has a uniform distribution of capacitance and this allows a good distribution of the signal even to transient pulse.