Adaptive Keeper Circuit for Variable-Voltage Dynamic Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keeper circuits in dynamic electrical circuits face challenges in maintaining the correct charge level due to variations in input amplitude between driver and receiver circuits, leading to potential pull-up or pull-down failures, which can result in incorrect output values.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive keeper circuit that dynamically adjusts its strength by gating a first voltage supply with a second voltage supply, making it stronger for high-voltage inputs and weaker for low-voltage inputs, thereby reducing the risk of failures without the need for a global controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a keeper circuit is designed to be strong enough to maintain charge, then reliability is improved, but it may cause pull-up failures when input amplitude is low
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper circuit transitions from a static design with fixed strength to a dynamic design where the keeper strength is adjusted based on the input signal amplitude. The circuit automatically adapts its pull-up strength by sensing the input voltage level and adjusting the keeper transistor operation accordingly, preventing both pull-up and pull-down failures across varying input conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the keeper circuit based on input conditions. By monitoring input amplitude and adjusting the keeper circuit's electrical parameters (such as effective resistance or current), the circuit maintains optimal performance across different input voltage levels without requiring multiple fixed designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a keeper circuit is designed to be weak enough to allow discharge, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential pull-down failures
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper circuit dynamically adjusts its strength based on real-time input signal characteristics. When input amplitude is high, the keeper operates more weakly to allow proper discharge; when input amplitude is low, the keeper operates more strongly to prevent pull-down failures. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing weakness for adaptability and strength for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the keeper circuit monitors the input signal amplitude and adjusts its own operation accordingly. This feedback loop enables the circuit to automatically optimize its strength, ensuring reliable operation across varying input conditions without manual intervention or external control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a global controller is used to adjust keeper strength, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper circuit is designed to self-adjust its strength without requiring an external global controller. The circuit autonomously senses input amplitude and modifies its own operation, eliminating the need for complex external control logic while maintaining adaptability across different input conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the input signal sensing function with the keeper circuit's strength adjustment function into a single integrated mechanism. By combining these functions, the circuit achieves adaptability without requiring separate control logic, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust keeper strength based on input conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical circuit includes a driver circuit, a receiver circuit, and a keeper circuit. The receiver circuit receives an input pulse from the driver circuit during a pre-charge phase. The receiver circuit generates an output pulse based on the input pulse during an evaluation phase. The keeper circuit maintains a charge of the output pulse until another evaluation phase, wherein the keeper circuit is adapted to the driver circuit by gating a first voltage supply of the driver circuit with a second voltage supply of the keeper circuit.