Feedback Combinatorial Logic Circuits for Stable Single-Cycle Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combinatorial logic circuits are limited in their functionality due to the belief that feedback results in instability, preventing them from performing complex functions that require sequential logic circuits.
Innovation Solution
Combinatorial logic circuits with feedback are designed to include internal feedback loops among logic elements, allowing stable output without explicit stabilization by staticizers, enabling functions previously thought to require sequential logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If feedback is introduced into combinatorial logic circuits, then circuit functionality and complexity are improved, but circuit stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback loops into combinatorial logic circuits by connecting circuit outputs back to circuit inputs through additional logic elements. This enables the circuit to perform functions previously requiring sequential logic, including division, square root calculation, and distance calculation, while maintaining stability through careful design of the feedback path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sequential logic circuits are used to achieve complex functions, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and circuit structure are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using combinatorial logic with feedback instead of sequential logic. This inversion allows complex functions to be achieved without requiring clock signals, flip-flops, or other sequential logic elements, thereby simplifying the overall circuit structure while maintaining full functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If combinatorial logic circuits operate without feedback, then circuit stability is improved, but productivity and operational speed are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by introducing feedback loops that allow the circuit to maintain stable states and perform calculations in a single cycle. The feedback mechanism ensures that the circuit reaches a stable solution rapidly, enabling continuous processing without the need for iterative cycles or waiting for sequential logic states to settle.
Data Source
AI summary
Combinatorial logic circuits with feedback, which include at least two combinatorial logic elements, are disclosed. At least one of the combinatorial logic elements receives an external input (i.e., from outside the circuit), at least one of the combinatorial logic elements receives an input that is feedback of the circuit output, and at least one of the combinatorial logic elements receives an input that is neither an external input nor an output of the circuit but rather is from another of the combinatorial logic elements and thus only “implicit” to the circuit. No staticizers are needed; the logic circuits effectively create implicit equations to perform functions that were previously thought to require sequential logic. The combinatorial logic circuits result in a stable output (in some instances after a brief period of time) due to the implicit equations, rather than achieving stability from an explicit expression of some input to the circuit.