Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – Bus access regulation
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-29
2001-03-27
Lee, Thomas (Department: 2182)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
Bus access regulation
C710S001000, C365S051000, C365S063000, C365S106000, C365S206000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209055
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to electromagnetic coupling of conductors, and more specifically concerns noise induced among conductors used for transmitting information in the context of microelectronic circuitry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electromagnetic coupling among conductors is an increasing concern for circuit designers. That is, in microelectronic circuitry, transistor dimensions and conductor spacing are both shrinking, while operating frequencies are increasing, which results in corresponding faster switching transition times (i.e., rise and fall times). These phenomena contribute to both increased electromagnetic coupling among lines and increased sensitivity to noise induced from active lines to quiet lines, which can result in unintentional switching of circuits. Therefore a need exists for reducing switching noise among conductors in integrated circuitry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing need is addressed in the present invention, as follows.
For transmitting information on a plurality of integrated circuit conductive lines, n conductive lines are provided on a path in an integrated circuit. The path has first and second portions, and an interposing, transition portion, wherein the lines have first positions with respect to one another in the first portion, and certain of the lines change relative positions in the transition portion, so that the lines have second positions with respect to one another in the second portion. A driver is operatively coupled to the lines for transmitting information on the n lines. The information is encoded in a format wherein only one of the n lines has a signal asserted thereon at a time, so that there is a reduction in noise induced among the lines.
In another aspect, in the first path portion, certain lines are adjacent to one another, and the change in relative positions is such that none of the lines adjacent to one another in the first portion remain adjacent to one another in the second portion.
In a further aspect, the lines are positioned wherein for at least one of the first and second positions the lines are substantially in a single plane. Also, the lines may be positions such that in the first positions the lines are substantially in a single plane, and in the second positions the lines are also substantially in a single plane.
In a still further aspect, n=4, and a first two of the lines are interior with respect to the other two lines, according to the first positions, while the first two are exterior with respect to the other two lines according to the second positions.
In another aspect, the lines are ordered with respect to one another 0-1-2-3 according to the first position, and ordered with respect to one another 1-3-0-2 according to the second position. Alternatively the lines may be ordered with respect to one another 0-1-2-3 according to the first positions, and 2-0-3-1 according to the second positions.
In another embodiment, for transmitting information on a plurality of integrated circuit conductive lines, m sets of n conductive lines are provided on m respective paths in an integrated circuit. A number, x, of the m paths have first and second portions, and an interposing, transition portion. Such n lines of such x paths have first positions with respect to one another in the first portion, and second positions with respect to one another in the second portion. A number, m-x, of the m paths have first, second and third portions, a first interposing, transition portion between the first and second portions, and a second interposing, transition portion between the second and third portions. Such n lines of such x-m paths have first positions with respect to one another in the first portion, second positions with respect to one another in the second portion, and third positions with respect to one another in the third portion. At least one driver is operatively coupled to the lines for transmitting information on each set of n lines in a format wherein only one of the n lines has a signal asserted thereon at a time.
In another aspect, for the both the x paths and the m-x paths, in the first path portion, certain lines are adjacent to one another, but none of the lines adjacent to one another in the first portion remain adjacent to one another in the second portion.
In yet another aspect, for the m-x paths, in the second path portion, certain lines are adjacent to one another, but none of the lines adjacent to one another in the second portion remain adjacent to one another in the third portion. Also, the third positions may be the same as the first positions, or the third positions may be different than the first positions.
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Beck John Andrew
Durham Christopher McCall
Klim Peter Juergen
Carwell Robert M.
England Anthony V.S.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Lee Thomas
Peyton Tammara
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