Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) in VLSI: Concepts and Technique

Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) in VLSI: Concepts and Technique

Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) is a pivotal phase in the physical design of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuits. It aims to deliver the clock signal from a source, such as a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) or a clock generator, to all sequential elements like flip-flops and latches in a controlled and synchronized manner. Effective CTS is essential for maintaining the integrity of the timing and synchronization across the entire chip. The overall objective of CTS is to minimize skew, balance latency, reduce power consumption, and ensure signal integrity. With the growing complexity of modern VLSI systems and shrinking technology nodes, CTS has become a sophisticated and challenging aspect of the digital design flow. Importance of Clock Tree Synthesis Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) is vital because it directly affects the functional accuracy, power efficiency, and overall performance of a VLSI design. Properly executed CTS minimizes timing violations, such as setup and hold violations, which ca…