Nonvolatile Latch Circuit Detecting Data Transitions During Active Period
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nonvolatile latch circuits cannot store new data during an active period without an additional storage period, leading to data loss when power is accidentally turned off, as they are designed to store data only in a power-off mode and require a system booting process for data restoration.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile latch circuit with a nonvolatile latch unit, a latch transition detecting unit, and a latch control unit that amplifies and stores voltage levels in a ferroelectric capacitor during an active period, detects transitions in the latch output signal, and outputs storage control signals for data storage and restoration without requiring an additional storage period or system booting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If data is stored only in power-off mode using conventional nonvolatile latch circuits, then power consumption is reduced by cutting off power supply in standby mode, but latch data in the active state is destroyed when accidental power-off occurs and cannot be restored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting latch data transitions during the active period and storing them in the nonvolatile ferroelectric capacitor before power-off occurs. The latch transition detecting unit continuously monitors output signals and triggers storage operations in advance, ensuring data is preserved even during accidental power-offs, thereby resolving the contradiction between power savings and data restoration reliability.
2Reliability
If an additional storage period is implemented to store latch data before power-off, then data restoration capability is improved, but operating speed is reduced due to additional system booting process requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling continuous data storage during the entire active period through the latch transition detecting unit. Instead of requiring a separate additional storage period, the system continuously monitors and stores latch data changes in real-time, eliminating the need for additional system booting processes and maintaining high operating speed while ensuring data restoration capability.
3Device complexity
If conventional latch circuits are used that require system booting for data restoration, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time occurs due to additional booting processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an autonomous data storage mechanism where the latch transition detecting unit automatically detects output signal changes and triggers storage operations without requiring external control or additional booting processes. This self-service capability eliminates time loss while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated circuit design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous data storage in the nonvolatile latch unit even during accidental power-offs, eliminating the need for an additional data storage period and system booting for data restoration, thereby improving operating speed and preventing data loss.
Implementation Method 1
amplify and store a voltage level of an input signal in a nonvolatile ferroelectric capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A nonvolatile latch circuit and a system on a chip are provided with the same feature detection of change of latch data in an active period to store new data in a latch without an additional data storage time. The nonvolatile latch circuit does not require an additional data storage period but detects change of latch data in the active period to store new data in a nonvolatile latch unit. When power is accidentally off, new data are constantly stored in the nonvolatile latch unit, thereby preventing data loss and improving an operating speed without a booting time for restoring data.