Hybrid Multi-Bit Flip-Flop Architecture Without Clock Tree Rebuild

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Solution Overview

Problem

The debanking procedure of replacing single bits in multi-bit flip-flops during engineering change orders is highly disruptive and results in significant area and power penalties, as it involves rebuilding the clock tree and silicon congestion.

Innovation Solution

A flexible hybrid multi-bit flip-flop architecture that combines single-bit flip-flops with different architectural configurations, allowing for minimal area and power impact, enabling seamless substitution without disrupting the clock tree.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional debanking procedure is used to replace single bits in multi-bit flip-flops, then timing specifications can be satisfied, but area and power penalties increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming specification satisfactionVSAvoidsilicon area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-bit flip-flop is segmented into individual single-bit flip-flops that can be independently configured with different architectural styles (high-performance, area-compact, power-optimized), allowing selective optimization without affecting the entire flip-flop bank

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different architectural configurations are applied to different bits within the same multi-bit flip-flop based on local timing requirements, rather than using a uniform architecture across all bits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If traditional debanking procedure is used to replace single bits in multi-bit flip-flops, then timing specifications can be satisfied, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming specification satisfactionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Different architectural configurations are applied to different bits within the same multi-bit flip-flop based on local timing requirements, allowing power-optimized architectures to be used where timing is not critical

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The architectural configuration of each bit can be dynamically selected during place-and-route based on actual timing needs, rather than being fixed in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional debanking procedure is used to replace single bits, then timing specifications can be satisfied, but clock tree rebuilding is required causing silicon congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming specification satisfactionVSAvoidclock tree complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid multi-bit flip-flop architecture maintains universal compatibility with existing clock tree structures, allowing timing optimization without requiring clock tree reconstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple single-bit flip-flops with different architectures are merged into a unified multi-bit flip-flop structure that shares common clocking infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If hybrid multi-bit flip-flop architecture is used, then area and power penalties are minimized, but architectural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesilicon areaVSAvoidarchitectural configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flip-flop bank is segmented into manageable single-bit units that can be independently configured, making the complexity controllable and modular rather than monolithic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250323631A1Methods and apparatuses relating to hybrid multi-bit flip-flops

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC

AI summary

A method for constructing hybrid multi-bit flip-flops can include (i) configuring a first single-bit flip-flop in a first architectural configuration, (ii) configuring a second single-bit flip-flop in a second architectural configuration that is distinct from the first architectural configuration of the first single-bit flip-flop, and (iii) connecting the first single-bit flip-flop and the second single-bit flip-flop to form a hybrid multi-bit flip-flop.