Design Optimization for AC Coupled On-chip Global Interconnect

AC coupled low-swing signaling is a new method that can improve delay performance and reduce per-bit power consumption in communication. This paper first performs a delay analysis for AC coupled low-swing circuits based on the Asymptotic Waveform Evaluation (AWE). The new delay metrics demonstrate that optimal designs can be obtained in low-swing signaling. To verify our analysis, a simulation environment is established. The simulation results indicate that the optimal designs can dramatically increase the 3-dB bandwidth. Thus, the optimal design method can effectively improve the bandwidth of AC coupled global wires.