Bidirectional Gray Code Counter Without Binary Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy bidirectional binary counters and Gray code counters face challenges with high energy consumption, limited counter frequencies, and increased physical area due to complex design requirements, especially in small devices like smartphones and smartwatches.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional Gray code counter design that uses a single sequential logic element to store Gray code values, eliminating the need for conversion between Gray code and binary, and employs logic circuitry to increment or decrement Gray code values while maintaining the format, thereby reducing energy consumption and physical area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bidirectional binary counters are used for simplicity and ease of design, then device complexity is reduced, but energy consumption increases and counter frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the numerical representation parameter from binary to Gray code. This parameter change fundamentally alters how counting operations are performed, enabling single-bit transitions that reduce energy consumption while maintaining bidirectional functionality. The Gray code representation transforms the counting mechanism to operate with fewer bit changes per increment/decrement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional binary counting mechanism with a Gray code-based counting mechanism. This substitution changes the fundamental operating principle of the counter, using the unique property of Gray code where consecutive values differ by only one bit, thereby reducing the mechanical/electrical switching activity and associated energy consumption.
2Device complexity
If bidirectional binary counters are used for simplicity and ease of design, then device complexity is reduced, but counter frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the numerical representation parameter from binary to Gray code. This parameter change fundamentally alters how counting operations are performed, enabling single-bit transitions that reduce energy consumption while maintaining bidirectional functionality. The Gray code representation transforms the counting mechanism to operate with fewer bit changes per increment/decrement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional binary counting mechanism with a Gray code-based counting mechanism. This substitution changes the fundamental operating principle of the counter, using the unique property of Gray code where consecutive values differ by only one bit, thereby reducing the mechanical/electrical switching activity and associated energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Gray code counters are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the Gray code counter inherently manage its own state transitions through the properties of Gray code representation. The counter automatically ensures single-bit transitions between consecutive values without requiring external control logic or conversion mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall system complexity despite using Gray code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a bidirectional Gray code counter that can perform both increment and decrement operations using the same structural framework. The single sequential logic element and associated logic circuitry handle both counting directions, eliminating the need for separate up-counter and down-counter designs.
4Use of energy by moving object
If Gray code counters are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption decreases, but physical area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple components into a single sequential logic element that stores the Gray code value. By combining the storage and counting functionality into one element with associated logic circuitry, the design reduces the total physical area required compared to traditional approaches that would require separate storage elements and conversion logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having the Gray code counter inherently manage its own state transitions through the properties of Gray code representation. The counter automatically ensures single-bit transitions between consecutive values without requiring external control logic or conversion mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall system complexity despite using Gray code.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems and methods associated with bidirectional Gray code counter design are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a bidirectional Gray code counter may include a sequential logic element to store a Gray code value and logic circuitry. The logic circuitry may be to determine, based on a bidirectional indicator signal, whether to increment or decrement the Gray code value update, through performance of an increment or a decrement of the Gray code value based on the determination of whether to increment or decrement the Gray code value, the Gray code value to be a sequential Gray code value and replace the Gray code value stored in the sequential logic element with the updated Gray code value. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.