Combinational Logic Feedback Circuits for Stable Single-Cycle Math
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combinatorial logic circuits are limited in their ability to utilize feedback, which is generally considered to result in instability and are unable to perform complex functions previously thought to require sequential logic circuits.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of combinatorial logic circuits with feedback, comprising multiple combinatorial logic elements where one element's output is used as an input to another, allowing for stable performance of functions like division and square root calculations without the need for staticizers or explicit expressions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If feedback is introduced into combinatorial logic circuits, then the circuit can perform complex functions (division, square root) previously requiring sequential logic, but the circuit becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback paths into combinatorial logic circuits, connecting output signals back to input logic elements. This enables the circuit to perform complex mathematical functions (division, square root) that previously required sequential logic circuits with memory elements. The feedback mechanism allows the circuit to iteratively converge on correct results through multiple passes while maintaining combinatorial logic architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic clock signals to control the timing and propagation of signals through the feedback paths. By synchronizing signal transitions with clock cycles, the circuit achieves stable operation despite the feedback loops. The periodic action ensures that signals propagate through the feedback paths in a controlled manner, preventing race conditions and instability while enabling complex computational functions.
2Productivity
If feedback is introduced into combinatorial logic circuits, then functions like division and square root can be performed in a single cycle, but traditional combinatorial circuits cannot maintain stability with feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback paths to enable iterative computation within a single clock cycle. Output signals are fed back through additional logic elements, allowing the circuit to perform multiple computational steps sequentially. This feedback mechanism enables complex functions like division and square root to converge on correct results within one cycle, achieving high productivity while maintaining circuit stability through controlled signal propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent synchronizes feedback signal propagation with periodic clock cycles, ensuring that iterative computations proceed in a controlled, stable manner. The clock signal coordinates the timing of feedback paths, allowing multiple computational iterations to occur within a single cycle without causing instability or race conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If sequential logic circuits are used to perform complex functions, then stability is maintained, but the circuit complexity and required components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the memory elements (flip-flops, latches) from sequential logic circuits, retaining only the combinatorial logic components. By eliminating the need for staticizing elements while introducing controlled feedback paths, the circuit achieves complex computational functionality with reduced component complexity. The feedback mechanism replaces the need for memory elements, simplifying the overall circuit architecture while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical memory elements (flip-flops, latches) with a feedback-based computational mechanism. Instead of using physical memory storage elements, the circuit uses feedback paths with combinatorial logic to iteratively compute results. This substitution reduces circuit complexity by removing unnecessary memory components while maintaining the ability to perform complex functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Combinatorial logic circuits with feedback, which include at least two combinatorial logic elements, are disclosed. At least one of the combinatorial logic elements receives an external input (i.e., from outside the circuit), at least one of the combinatorial logic elements receives an input that is feedback of the circuit output, and at least one of the combinatorial logic elements receives an input that is neither an external input nor an output of the circuit but rather is from another of the combinatorial logic elements and thus only “implicit” to the circuit. No staticizers are needed; the logic circuits effectively create implicit equations to perform functions that were previously thought to require sequential logic. The combinatorial logic circuits result in a stable output (in some instances after a brief period of time) due to the implicit equations, rather than achieving stability from an explicit expression of some input to the circuit.