Flip-Flop Feedback Gating for Low-Power Stable Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flip-flops in semiconductor systems face issues with high power consumption due to unnecessary precharge and discharge operations, leading to increased energy usage and potential noise-induced reliability issues from floating nodes.
Innovation Solution
A flip-flop design incorporating a first, second, and third stage circuit, where the second stage circuit generates a feedback signal to cut off current paths during clock transitions, preventing precharge and ensuring nodes are always connected to power or ground, thereby reducing power consumption and preventing node floating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precharge and discharge operations are performed in conventional flip-flops, then nodes are maintained at stable voltage levels, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the second stage circuit generates feedback signals based on the states of internal nodes. These feedback signals control the precharge and discharge operations, enabling the circuit to perform operations only when necessary to maintain stable voltage levels, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while preserving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of current paths using clock signals and feedback signals. The current paths are selectively activated or deactivated based on the operational state of the flip-flop, allowing the circuit to adapt its power consumption characteristics to actual operational needs rather than continuously performing precharge and discharge operations
2Reliability
If current paths are continuously active in conventional flip-flops, then nodes remain connected to power supply, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic clock signals to control the activation of current paths. Instead of maintaining continuous connection, the current paths are activated periodically only when required for proper flip-flop operation, reducing power consumption while ensuring nodes remain properly connected during critical operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and selectively activates only the necessary current paths based on operational requirements. By using feedback signals to control which current paths are active, the design removes unnecessary power connections while maintaining essential node connections, thereby reducing overall power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A flip-flop generates a first feedback signal using a signal generated inside the flip-flop. The flip-flop includes a first stage circuit, a second stage circuit and a third stage circuit. The first stage circuit receives a first data signal and a clock signal and generates a first internal signal through a first node. The second stage circuit receives the first internal signal, the clock signal, and the first feedback signal and generates a second internal signal through a second node. The third stage circuit generates a second data signal by latching the second internal signal when the clock signal is at a first level, using the second internal signal and the clock signal. The second stage circuit cuts off at least one first current path between the second node and a power supply, based on the first feedback signal, when the clock signal is at a second level.