Multi-Bit Flip-Flop Input-Compare Clock Gating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-bit flip-flops consume significant power due to inefficient clock signal management, particularly in synchronous systems, and there is a need for more effective power-saving mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-bit flip-flop circuit with integrated clock gating and a control circuit that uses disambiguation and disjunction logic to generate an enable signal based on input and output data comparisons, optimizing clock signal distribution to reduce unnecessary toggling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If traditional clock signal distribution is used in multi-bit flip-flops, then all flip-flops receive the clock signal continuously, but this causes significant power consumption due to unnecessary toggling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock signal distribution by introducing individual clock gating control for each flip-flop bit. Instead of a unified clock distribution network, each flip-flop receives clock control independently through gating mechanisms that segment the overall clock signal into bit-specific enabled/disabled states, reducing unnecessary toggling and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic clock gating control where the clock signal to each flip-flop is dynamically enabled or disabled based on operational requirements. The clock gating mechanism adjusts clock distribution in real-time, transitioning from static continuous clocking to dynamic conditional clocking, thereby reducing power consumption during idle or non-toggling periods.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If clock gating is implemented to reduce power consumption, then unnecessary toggling is minimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal clock gating control logic that can be applied across multiple flip-flop bits using the same control mechanism. The disambiguation and disjunction logic circuits serve multiple functions: they monitor input-output conditions, generate enable signals, and control clock distribution simultaneously, reducing overall control circuit complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the clock gating control functions into integrated logic circuits that combine disambiguation logic, disjunction logic, and enable signal generation in unified control blocks. By merging these previously separate functions into consolidated control circuits, the patent reduces the total number of discrete components and simplifies the overall control architecture.
3Productivity
If disambiguation and disjunction logic are used to generate enable signals, then clock signal distribution is optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the logic circuit design, specifically employing standard logic gate configurations with well-defined voltage thresholds and timing characteristics. By designing the disambiguation and disjunction logic using conventional CMOS logic parameters and standard cell libraries, the patent achieves optimized clock distribution while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes and precision capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a multi-bit flip flop, an integrated clock gating circuit connected to the multi-bit flip flop, and a control circuit connected to the integrated clock gating circuit and the multi-bit flip flop. The control circuit compares output data of the multi-bit flip flop corresponding to input data with the input data. The control circuit generates an enable signal based on comparing the output data of the multi-bit flip flop corresponding to the input data with the input data of the multi-bit flip flop. The control circuit provides the enable signal to the integrated clock gating circuit, wherein the integrated clock gating circuit provides, based on the enable signal, a clock signal to the multi-bit flip flop causing the multi-bit flip flop to toggle.