Dynamic D Flip-Flop Latch Structure for Lower Chip Area and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional D flip-flops used in mining machines for bitcoin mining consume excessive chip area and power due to their complex structure, which affects computing speed and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A simplified dynamic D flip-flop design is introduced, omitting the output drive unit and using a two-stage latch structure, reducing the number of transistors and minimizing chip area and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional D flip-flop structure is used, then reliability is improved, but chip area increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the input drive unit and output drive unit from the conventional D flip-flop structure, retaining only the essential latch units. This extraction eliminates redundant transistors while preserving the core data latching functionality, thereby reducing chip area without significantly compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified dynamic latch structure that uses fewer transistors compared to conventional static flip-flops. The dynamic nature of the latch allows it to achieve the necessary reliability through clocked operation rather than through redundant static structures, reducing the transistor count from typical 6-10 transistors to just 4 transistors per latch unit
2Reliability
If conventional D flip-flop structure is used, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the input drive unit and output drive unit, the patent eliminates the continuous current paths present in conventional flip-flops. The remaining latch units only consume significant power during clocked transitions, reducing static power consumption while maintaining reliability through proper clocked operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic clock signals to control the latch units, enabling them to switch between transparent and hold states. This periodic operation ensures that power is consumed primarily during controlled transitions rather than continuously, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data integrity and reliability
3Area of stationary object
If simplified dynamic D flip-flop is used, then chip area is reduced and power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flip-flop functionality into distinct latch units, each with a clear and simple structure of just 4 transistors. This segmentation allows each unit to perform a specific latching function with minimal complexity, while the overall flip-flop functionality is achieved through the series connection of these simple units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using dynamic latching instead of static logic gates. This parameter change from static to dynamic operation allows the circuit to achieve the same functionality with fewer transistors, reducing both area and complexity while maintaining reliability through clocked operation
4Area of stationary object
If simplified dynamic D flip-flop is used, then chip area is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric transistor sizing within the latch units, where transistors are deliberately made different sizes to compensate for process variations. This asymmetric design provides inherent tolerance to manufacturing imprecision, allowing the simplified structure to maintain reliable operation even with standard fabrication tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates design margins and sizing ratios that provide a cushion against manufacturing variations. By designing the latch units with sufficient size differences and appropriate transistor ratios, the circuit maintains stable operation even when transistor dimensions deviate from nominal values due to fabrication process variations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dynamic D flip-flop, a register, a chip, and a data processing apparatus. A dynamic D flip-flop is provided, including: an input terminal, configured to receive input data; an output terminal, configured to provide output data in response to the input data; clock signal terminal(s), configured to receive clock signal(s); a first latch unit, configured to latch the input data from the input terminal and transmit the input data under control of the clock signal(s); and a second latch unit, configured to latch data from the first latch unit and transmit the data latched by the first latch unit under control of the clock signal(s), where the first latch unit and the second latch unit are sequentially connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal, and where the output terminal is configured to use data from the second latch unit as the output data for outputting.