On-the-fly Multi-bit Flip-flop Generation via Modular Block Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-bit flip-flop designs are inflexible and require pre-built elements, limiting design choices and causing performance degradation during chip design, as they cannot be easily modified or customized to meet specific bit-count or performance requirements without significant perturbation to the layout.
Innovation Solution
The FlexMBFF approach allows for on-the-fly assembly and customization of multi-bit flip-flops by selecting and adjusting individual flip-flop blocks and control blocks, enabling the construction of customized instances with any specified bit-count and performance characteristics, while maintaining design performance with minimal perturbation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If pre-built multi-bit flip-flop elements are used, then chip space is reduced, but design flexibility and customization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-bit flip-flop is divided into multiple single-bit flip-flop blocks that can be independently selected and configured. Each block can be individually placed and routed, allowing designers to customize the configuration while maintaining space efficiency through the multi-bit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal multi-bit flip-flop structure that can be configured for different bit-counts and performance requirements using the same basic building blocks. The control block and flip-flop blocks can be combined in various configurations to meet different design specifications without requiring entirely different pre-built elements.
2Loss of time
If fixed multi-bit flip-flop configurations are used, then design time is reduced, but performance optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-bit flip-flop configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Designers can select different numbers of flip-flop blocks (e.g., 1-4 blocks) and configure control signals based on specific performance requirements, allowing optimization while maintaining relatively quick design through standardized blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing key parameters such as bit-count, control signal configuration, and flip-flop block selection to optimize performance. By adjusting these parameters within the standardized architecture, designers can achieve performance optimization without starting from scratch.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized multi-bit flip-flops are created from scratch, then design flexibility is maximized, but computational overhead and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design is segmented into standardized, pre-characterized flip-flop blocks and control blocks that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation reduces design complexity by providing modular building blocks with known characteristics, while still allowing extensive customization through different combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses replicated instances of standardized flip-flop blocks to create customized multi-bit configurations. By copying and combining these standardized blocks in different quantities and configurations, designers achieve customization without the complexity of designing each flip-flop from scratch.
4Ease of manufacture
If pre-built multi-bit flip-flops are used, then placement and routing is simplified, but modification and customization are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-bit flip-flop is segmented into independent single-bit blocks that can be individually placed and routed. This maintains the placement and routing simplicity of using standardized blocks while enabling customization by selecting different numbers and types of blocks and configuring their interconnections.
Data Source
AI summary
On-the-fly multi-bit flip-flop (MBFF) generation is provided by selecting at least two flip-flop blocks from a plurality of candidate flip-flop blocks; identifying a control block from a plurality of candidate control blocks, the control block being identified based on operational specifications of the selected flip-flop blocks; and generating a multi-bit flip-flop instance based on the selected flip-flop blocks and the identified control block.