Multi-Bit Flip-Flop Layout With Mixed Row Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-bit flip-flop circuits face constraints due to similar circuit topology and sizing, limiting flexibility and efficiency in terms of power, performance, and area usage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves arranging scan flip-flops in mixed row height structures, allowing for varied circuit topology and device sizing, which enhances flexibility and reduces area overhead by integrating cells with different computing speeds and sharing clock drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If similar circuit topology and sizing are used for multi-bit flip-flop circuits, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and efficiency in power, performance, and area usage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different bit cells (first bit cell vs. second bit cell) with different numbers of fins in their transistors. Specifically, the first bit cell has transistors with a first number of fins while the second bit cell has transistors with a second number of fins, allowing each bit cell to have optimized performance characteristics tailored to its specific function within the multi-bit flip-flop circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the multi-bit flip-flop circuit into distinct bit cells with different configurations. Each bit cell is independently designed with specific fin counts to optimize for different performance requirements, allowing the overall circuit to achieve better power, performance, and area efficiency through differentiated design rather than uniform topology.
2Area of stationary object
If cells with different computing speeds are integrated, then area overhead is reduced, but circuit design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the fin configuration in different bit cells to create cells with different computing speeds. The first bit cell and second bit cell have different numbers of fins, resulting in different performance characteristics that allow faster cells to handle critical paths while slower cells handle less time-sensitive operations, thereby reducing overall area overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters (number of fins in transistors) of different bit cells to achieve different computing speeds. By adjusting the fin count, the patent optimizes the performance-to-area ratio across the multi-bit flip-flop circuit, allowing area reduction while maintaining necessary performance levels through parameter differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes first bit cells, second bit cells, and clock cells. Each of first bit cells is arranged in one of multiple first cell rows having a first row height. Each of the second bit cells is arranged in one of multiple second cell rows having a second row height different from the first row height. The second bit cells extend to pass the first bit cells in a first direction. The clock cells are arranged in peripheral regions of a multi-bit flip flop cell in the first cell rows. The first and second bit cells and the clock cells are included in the multi-bit flip flop cell.