Configurable Logic Architecture with Bypassable Sequential Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital design techniques face challenges in optimizing logic circuit performance, particularly in meeting timing constraints and reducing latency, as the number of logic stages increases, leading to higher area and power consumption, and complex functions result in slower clock rates.
Innovation Solution
The method involves designing a logic circuit with initial and final stages and a sequential component, where timing delays are estimated, and the sequential component is either bypassed or retained based on whether the timing constraints are met, using a multiplexor to select between the output and input of flip-flops or latches, and a processor to generate the final design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of logic stages is increased to implement complex functions, then the functionality and processing capability are improved, but the area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic pipeline stage configuration by making the sequential component bypassable through control signals. The multiplexor dynamically selects between the sequential component output and the bypass path, allowing the logic circuit to adapt between different pipeline depths based on operational requirements, thus implementing complex functions only when necessary while reducing area overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequential component is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating a bypass capability. The same hardware structure serves dual purposes: acting as a pipeline stage when timing constraints require it, and being bypassed when not needed. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated bypass logic, reducing overall area while maintaining functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of logic stages is increased to implement complex functions, then the functionality is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic bypass mechanism allows the logic circuit to adjust its operational mode based on timing requirements. When paths meet timing constraints, the sequential component is bypassed, reducing switching activity and power consumption. When timing constraints are violated, the sequential component is activated to break the path into smaller stages, ensuring correct functionality while managing power through controlled activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the sequential component from always-active to conditionally-active based on timing analysis results. By modifying the activation state of the sequential component and multiplexor based on whether timing constraints are met, the design optimizes power consumption by eliminating unnecessary switching and logic evaluation in bypassed paths.
3Reliability
If sequential components are always retained in pipeline stages, then timing constraints are met, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypassable sequential component creates a dynamic pipeline structure where the number of active pipeline stages can be adjusted. When timing analysis shows that paths meet constraints, the bypass path is activated, effectively removing the sequential component from the critical path and reducing latency. When timing constraints are at risk, the sequential component is retained to ensure proper timing, thus dynamically balancing reliability and speed.
4Reliability
If sequential components are always retained in pipeline stages, then timing constraints are met, but the number of pipeline stages increases leading to higher area and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic bypass mechanism allows the logic circuit to adapt the number of active pipeline stages based on timing requirements. The multiplexor enables conditional retention or bypassing of sequential components, so the actual number of pipeline stages in operation varies depending on whether timing constraints are met, optimizing the balance between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the sequential component from permanently-present to conditionally-present in the critical path. By modifying the activation state based on timing analysis, the design effectively reduces the average number of pipeline stages while maintaining timing constraint satisfaction when needed, thus reducing overall device complexity and associated area and power overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing a logic circuit includes providing an initial design of the logic circuit, including at least first and second logic stages, and a sequential component, which is inserted between the first and second logic stages and comprises a flip-flop or a latch. Timing delays of multiple paths in the initial design, including at least one path in which the sequential component is bypassed, are estimated. Based on the timing delays, a decision is made whether the paths in which the sequential component is bypassed meet a timing constraint set for the logic circuit. A final design of the logic circuit is then generated, in which the sequential component is either bypassed or not bypassed, depending on the decision.