Configurable final level clock driver to improve the energy efficiency of resonant clocks

摘要

The system and method are directed to a configurable last level clock driver coupled to an inductor-capacitor (LC) tank or resonant clock to improve the energy efficiency of the resonant clock. During the warm-up phase, the final level clock driver can be enabled to store energy in the LC tank, and during the gate control phase, the final level clock driver can be completely or partially disabled and stored in the LC tank. Energy can be recycled to the clock distribution network. During the refresh phase, the final level clock driver can be enabled to replenish the energy lost by the LC tank in the recirculation of energy to the clock distribution network during the gating phase. A programmable counter can be used to adjust the duration of the warm-up phase, the gate control phase, and the refresh phase.