Flip-Flop Timing Circuit with Staged Clock Delay Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of integrated circuits has led to stricter design and manufacturing specifications, as well as reliability challenges, particularly in the timing sequences of master-slave flip-flops due to variations in clock signal edges, which can impact the reliability of operation sequences.
Innovation Solution
A modified timing circuit for master-slave flip-flops is introduced, incorporating time delay circuits to control the operation sequence by ensuring the transmission gate is opened before the gated input circuit changes state, using a combination of inverters and NOR gates to manage clock signals, thereby stabilizing the clock signal edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the miniaturization process is applied to integrated circuits, then power consumption is reduced and functionality is increased, but manufacturing precision and reliability become stricter and more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing time delay circuits that advance the opening of the transmission gate before the gated input circuit changes state. This pre-positioning of the transmission gate ensures proper timing sequence is established before the actual data transfer occurs, compensating for variations in clock signal edges that become more significant in miniaturized circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses time delay circuits as intermediary elements between the clock signal and the flip-flop operation. These intermediary circuits introduce controlled delays to synchronize the timing sequences, acting as mediators that buffer the effects of clock signal variations and ensure reliable operation in miniaturized circuits where timing margins are reduced
2Reliability
If the transmission gate is opened before the gated input circuit changes state, then the reliability of operation sequences is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional time delay circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the timing control function into separate time delay circuits for different clock signal edges. Instead of using a single complex timing mechanism, the invention segments the timing control into multiple simpler delay stages, each handling specific timing requirements for the transmission gate and gated input circuit independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-delays the clock signal to the transmission gate through time delay circuits before the gated input circuit transitions. This advance timing setup ensures the transmission gate is already in the correct state when data transfer is needed, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms
3Reliability
If time delay circuits are used to control the operation sequence, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements become stricter due to tighter timing specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces time delay circuits as intermediary elements that buffer and synchronize timing signals. These intermediary circuits absorb timing variations and provide stable, controlled delay periods that ensure proper sequencing of the transmission gate and gated input circuit operations, improving reliability while providing manufacturing tolerance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the delay time parameters of the time delay circuits to optimize the timing sequence. By carefully tuning the delay parameters, the invention ensures that the transmission gate opens at the correct moment relative to the gated input circuit state, achieving reliable operation while accommodating manufacturing variations
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a first time delay circuit, a second time delay circuit, and a flip-flop having a gated input circuit and a transmission gate. The first time delay circuit is configured to receive a first clock signal and to output a second clock signal. The second time delay circuit is configured to receive the second clock signal and to output a third clock signal. The transmission gate is controlled with the first clock signal and the second clock signal. The gated input circuit is controlled by the third clock signal. The first time delay circuit includes a first gate via-connector in direct contact with a first gate-conductor which intersects a first-type active region structure in a first area. The second time delay circuit includes a second gate via-connector in direct contact with a second gate-conductor which intersects a second-type active region structure in a second area.