Flip-Flop Clock Divider for Fast Multi-Ratio Frequency Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) operating in synchronization with a clock signal require complex clock dividing circuits to generate various frequencies, leading to increased circuit area and low response speed, hindering the implementation of high-speed circuits.
Innovation Solution
A simplified clock dividing circuit structure incorporating a control logic unit and a flip-flop that generates divided clock signals by using inverters and latches to produce enable and data signals based on a division ratio, allowing for efficient frequency division with a constant response speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex clock dividing circuit structure is used to generate multiple divided clock signals with different frequencies, then the circuit can achieve various frequency division ratios, but the circuit area increases and response speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single flip-flop circuit that can operate in multiple modes to generate different divided clock signals. By controlling the enable signal and data signal inputs, the same flip-flop can produce divided clock signals with different frequencies and phase relationships, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each division ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically controllable signals (enable signal and data signal) to change the operation mode of the flip-flop circuit. By varying these control signals based on the required division ratio, the circuit can adapt its behavior without structural changes, allowing flexible frequency division while maintaining a simple fixed architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex clock dividing circuit structure is used to generate multiple divided clock signals with different frequencies, then the circuit can achieve various frequency division ratios, but the response speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The single flip-flop circuit serves multiple functions by responding to different combinations of enable and data signals, generating various divided clock outputs without requiring multiple specialized circuits that would introduce additional propagation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic unit prepares the enable and data signals in advance based on the required division ratio, allowing the flip-flop to immediately respond at its optimal speed without waiting for complex conditional logic to evaluate during operation.
3Device complexity
If a simplified clock dividing circuit structure is used, then the circuit area is reduced, but the ability to generate multiple divided clock signals with different frequencies may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified flip-flop circuit is designed to be universally applicable for generating different divided clock signals by varying the enable and data control signals, maintaining full frequency division capability despite the reduced structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the control signals (enable signal and data signal) to achieve different frequency division ratios from the same simple circuit structure, rather than changing the physical structure itself to accommodate different division requirements.
4Device complexity
If a simplified clock dividing circuit structure is used, then the operation speed is enhanced, but the response speed may vary with different division ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic unit determines and prepares the appropriate enable and data signals before the flip-flop operation, ensuring that the simple circuit structure always operates in its optimal mode regardless of the division ratio, thereby maintaining consistent response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic control signals allow the simple flip-flop circuit to adapt its operation mode based on the required division ratio, maintaining optimal performance characteristics across different operating conditions without sacrificing speed consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock dividing circuit includes a control logic unit and a flip-flop. The control logic unit outputs an enable signal and a data signal according to a clock signal and a division ratio. The flip-flop outputs a divided clock signal based on the clock signal, the enable signal and the data signal. The clock signal can be directly outputted as the divided clock signal through the flip-flop.