Flip-Flop Standard Cell With Integrated Bit Write and Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit design using standard cell libraries faces inefficiencies due to the need for additional circuitry for bit write and hold functions in flip flop standard cells, leading to increased power usage and space requirements, especially when constructing memory arrays.
Innovation Solution
The flip flop standard cell is configured with integrated bit write and hold functions, eliminating the need for external circuitry, and shares clock and scan enable signals among cells to reduce transistor count and array overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional external circuitry is used for bit write and hold functions in flip flop standard cells, then functional completeness is improved, but power consumption and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bit write and hold functions directly into the flip flop standard cell structure, merging previously separate external circuitry with the core flip flop unit. This integration eliminates the need for additional external circuitry while maintaining full functionality, thereby reducing power consumption and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flip flop standard cell is designed to perform multiple functions (data storage, bit write, and hold operations) within a single unified structure. This multi-functionality allows the cell to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated circuitry, reducing overall power consumption and area while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional external circuitry is used for bit write and hold functions in flip flop standard cells, then functional completeness is improved, but area and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bit write and hold circuitry directly into the flip flop standard cell, eliminating the need for separate external circuitry. This consolidation reduces the total area occupied by integrating multiple functions into a single compact unit, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining functional completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized flip flop cell is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs data storage, bit write, and hold operations within a single structure. This universality allows the same cell design to handle multiple operations without requiring additional space for separate dedicated circuitry for each function.
3Device complexity
If clock and scan enable signals are shared among cells, then device complexity is reduced, but signal distribution and timing control become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements shared clock and scan enable signal distribution across multiple flip flop cells, allowing these signals to serve multiple functions and multiple cells simultaneously. This approach reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant signal paths while the standardized cell design ensures consistent timing control across all cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical flip flop cell designs throughout the array, ensuring homogeneous structure and behavior. This homogeneity simplifies signal distribution because all cells respond identically to the shared clock and scan enable signals, making timing control more predictable and manageable despite the shared signal architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A flip flop standard cell that includes a data input terminal configured to receive a data signal, clock input terminal configured to receive a clock signal, a data output terminal, and a latch. A bit write circuit is configured to receive a bit write signal. The received data signal is latched and provided at the output terminal in response to the bit write signal and the clock signal. A hold circuit is configured to receive a hold signal, and the received data signal is not latched and provided at the data output terminal in response to the hold signal and the clock signal.