4-Level Logic Decoder Using Comparison Circuits for HDL Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 4-level logic decoders are complex due to the use of delay cells and flip-flops, making it difficult to model the decoder circuitry using Hardware Design Language (HDL) and resulting in a cumbersome design.

Innovation Solution

A 4-level logic decoder design that utilizes a clock signal and a one-bit data signal for encoding and decoding, employing comparison circuitry, gate circuitry, and decode logic circuitry to transform 4-level data into 2-bit data, eliminating the need for delay cells and allowing HDL modeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If delay cells and flip-flops are used for detecting and storing signal differences, then the decoder can accurately decode 4-level data, but the design becomes complicated and HDL modeling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoiddecoder design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the delay cell component from the decoder architecture. Instead of using delay cells to detect signal differences, the invention uses direct comparison circuitry that compares the 4-level data signal with clock and data signals, eliminating the need for delay elements and simplifying the overall design while maintaining decoding accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The decoder is segmented into distinct functional blocks: comparison circuitry for detecting signal levels, storage circuitry for holding decoded values, and control logic for managing the decoding process. This modular segmentation makes the design more manageable and amenable to HDL modeling while preserving the reliability of the decoding function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If manual gate-level implementation is used, then timing can be controlled, but design time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming controlVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the decoder architecture by removing delay cells and using synchronous comparison-based detection. This parameter change enables the design to be described at a higher level of abstraction using HDL, reducing manual gate-level implementation effort while maintaining timing control through synchronous design principles and standardized cell libraries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional 4-level logic decoder design is used, then decoding function is achieved, but the circuit size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding functionVSAvoidcircuit size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into unified circuit blocks. The comparison circuitry simultaneously detects multiple signal characteristics, and the storage circuitry integrates holding and output functions. This functional merging reduces the overall circuit size while maintaining the complete decoding function, making the decoder more compact and efficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1911164B14-level logic decoder
Publication Date: 2009.01.07 NXP BV
  • EP1911164B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1911164B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1911164B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a 4-level logic decoder for decoding n 4-level input data signals into n 2-bit signals. The 4-level logic decoder comprises n decoding circuits (120) with each decoding circuit comprising comparison circuitries (125) for comparing the 4-level input data signal with a clock signal and a one-bit data signal. In dependence upon the comparison results signals are provided to a decode logic circuit (138), which are indicative of a data bit value of the 4-level input data signal representing one of the clock signal, the one-bit data signal, and static values of the 4-level input data signal. In dependence upon the signals the decode logic circuit (138) generates then a 2-bit output data signal. The 4-level logic decoder is easily implemented using simple circuit of logic components, which allow modeling using an HDL.