Multi-Bit Flip-Flop Layout With Asymmetrical Rows for Routing Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern high-performance integrated circuit designs face challenges in power consumption, connection complexity, and robustness due to the increasing density and clock frequencies, particularly in synchronous IC chip designs where conventional flip-flops are inefficient in terms of power, performance, and area (PPA) and have a high number of connections.
Innovation Solution
A multi-bit flip-flop architecture is introduced with an asymmetrical row structure, where single-bit flip-flop circuits are arranged in different cell rows with distinct physical properties, sharing a clock driver to reduce power consumption and improve robustness, and the connections are optimized to minimize routing congestion using a sinuous or serpentine bit sequence arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional one-bit flip-flops are used as independent components, then each flip-flop can be individually controlled, but the total power consumption and area are high
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple one-bit flip-flops are merged into a single multi-bit flip-flop circuit that shares a common clock driver. This combining approach reduces the total number of clock drivers required, thereby reducing dynamic power consumption while maintaining the functionality of multiple flip-flops. The patent specifically states that sharing the clock driver among multiple one-bit flip-flops can reduce the total clock dynamic power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-bit flip-flop circuit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can operate as multiple independent one-bit flip-flops for individual control while also functioning as a unified multi-bit register. The circuit supports both individual bit access and bulk operations, providing universal functionality that addresses both individual control requirements and power efficiency needs.
2Ease of operation
If multiple one-bit flip-flops with separate clock drivers are used, then each flip-flop has dedicated control, but the area and connection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate flip-flop circuits with individual clock drivers are merged into a single integrated multi-bit flip-flop circuit. This consolidation significantly reduces the total area occupied by the flip-flops and eliminates redundant clock driver circuits, while the internal structure maintains the ability to individually control each bit through separate data input and control signals.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical row structure is used for cell rows, then layout is simple and regular, but routing congestion increases due to high number of connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetrical row structure where cell rows are configured with different numbers of tracks or routing resources based on their specific requirements. This asymmetrical design allows optimization of routing paths for each row, reducing overall routing congestion while maintaining layout simplicity. The different physical properties of cell rows enable tailored routing solutions that minimize connection complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If all cell rows have the same physical properties, then manufacturing is consistent and simple, but robustness and performance optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different cell rows are designed with different physical properties such as varying numbers of tracks, different routing resources, or adjusted transistor dimensions to optimize performance for specific functions. This local quality approach allows each row to be tailored for its specific role while maintaining overall manufacturing consistency through standardized design rules and processes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
A semiconductor device (200) includes a plurality of cell rows (M-Row(1), M-Row(2), N-Row(1), N-Row(2)), a first functional block (21-1) and a second functional block (21-4). The plurality of cell rows (M-Row(1), M-Row(2), N-Row(1), N-Row(2)) at least includes a first cell row (M-Row(1)) and a second cell row (N-Row(1)). The first functional block (21-1) is formed in the first cell row (M-Row(1)) and configured to provide a first predetermined function. The second functional block (21-4) is formed in the second cell row (N-Row(1)) and configured to provide a second predetermined function which is the same as the first predetermined function. The first cell row (M-Row(1)) and the second cell row (N-Row(1)) have at least one different physical property.