Flip-Flop Timing Circuit Delays for Reliable Clock Edge 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 the operation sequence.
Innovation Solution
A modified timing circuit for master-slave flip-flops is introduced, incorporating first and second time delay circuits to control the transmission gate and gated input circuit, ensuring the transmission gate opens before the gated input circuit changes state, thereby stabilizing the operation sequence even with large variations in 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 clock signal variations occur, preventing timing violations in miniaturized circuits where timing margins are reduced.
2Use of energy by moving object
If circuit size is reduced through miniaturization, then power consumption decreases, but timing sequence reliability deteriorates due to clock signal edge variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces time delay circuits as intermediary elements between the clock signal and the flip-flop stages. These intermediary circuits buffer and condition the clock signal timing, ensuring that the transmission gate opens at the correct time relative to the gated input circuit, thereby maintaining timing sequence reliability despite miniaturization-induced variations.
3Reliability
If the transmission gate opens before the gated input circuit changes state, then operation sequence reliability is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional time delay circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing control function into separate time delay circuits that can be independently designed and optimized. By dividing the timing control into discrete segments (time delay circuits inserted at specific points in the signal path), the overall complexity is managed through modular design while achieving the required timing sequence reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a first time delay circuit, a second time delay circuit, and a master-slave flip-flop having a gated input circuit and a transmission gate. The transmission gate is configured to receive the first clock signal and the second clock signal to control a transmission state of the transmission gate. The gated input circuit is configured to have an input transmission state controlled by the third clock signal at the second output of the second time delay circuit. The second time delay circuit further includes a second gate-conductor and a second gate via-connector in direct contact with the second gate-conductor. The second gate-conductor intersects a first-type active region structure and a second-type active region structure in a second area, and wherein at least a portion of the second gate via-connector is atop the second-type active region structure.