Dual-Path Multimode Storage Element for Performance Stability Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulse-triggered storage elements in microprocessors trade off performance for stability, being sensitive to process and operating condition variations, and fail in timing-insensitive modes, whereas master-slave elements provide reliable operation but at reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A dual-path, multimode sequential storage element (SSE) is introduced, comprising a pulse-triggered and a master-slave storage element in parallel, with a selector mechanism to choose between them based on performance and reliability needs, using a pulse clock or phase clock signal to optimize performance or reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pulse-triggered storage elements are used, then performance is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-path storage element where the circuit dynamically switches between pulse-triggered mode (for high performance) and master-slave mode (for high stability) based on operating conditions. The selector mechanism enables the system to adapt its behavior dynamically, choosing the appropriate path according to process variations and operating parameters, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the storage element by providing two distinct operational modes with different characteristics. The pulse-triggered path operates with narrow clock pulses for high speed, while the master-slave path operates with wider clock pulses for stability. The selector mechanism changes which path is active based on detected operating conditions, effectively changing system parameters to resolve the performance-stability contradiction.
2Speed
If pulse-triggered storage elements are used, then data transfer speed is improved, but sensitivity to process variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit dynamically selects between pulse-triggered and master-slave paths based on detected process variations and operating conditions. When process variations are within acceptable limits, the pulse-triggered path is selected for high speed. When variations exceed thresholds, the selector switches to the master-slave path which is less sensitive to variations, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector mechanism acts as an intermediary that monitors operating conditions and process variations, then mediates between the two storage paths by selecting the appropriate one. This intermediary component enables the system to navigate between high-speed operation and robustness against process variations, resolving the contradiction.
3Loss of time
If pulse-triggered storage elements are used, then latency is reduced, but operational reliability under varying conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-path storage element dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on clock signal characteristics and operating conditions. When clock pulses are within the optimal narrow width range, the pulse-triggered path is activated for minimal latency. When clock pulses deviate from optimal parameters, the system dynamically switches to the master-slave path which maintains reliability, thus resolving the contradiction between latency and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage element is designed with universal functionality to operate in both pulse-triggered and master-slave modes, allowing it to serve multiple operational requirements. This multi-functionality enables the circuit to maintain both low latency (via pulse-triggered mode) and high reliability (via master-slave mode) under different conditions, resolving the contradiction.
4Reliability
If master-slave storage elements are used, then stability is improved, but performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between master-slave and pulse-triggered modes based on performance requirements and operating conditions. When stability is the primary concern or operating conditions are unfavorable, the master-slave path is selected. When performance is critical and conditions are favorable, the system dynamically switches to the pulse-triggered path, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-path, multimode sequential storage element (SSE) is described herein. In one example, the dual-path, multimode SSE comprises first and second sequential storage elements, a data input, a data output, and a selector mechanism. The first and second sequential storage elements each have an input and an output. The data input is coupled to the inputs of both sequential storage elements and is configured to accept data. The data output is coupled to the outputs of both sequential storage elements and is configured to output the data. The selector mechanism is configured to select one of the sequential storage elements for passing the data from the data input to the data output. In one example, the first sequential storage element comprises a pulse-triggered storage element and the second sequential storage element comprises a master-slave storage element.