Nonvolatile Memory Flip-Flop Backup Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flip-flops based on nonvolatile memory in mobile devices consume high energy during backup operations due to the need to write data using emerging memory devices like STT-MRAM and ReRAM, which results in significant power consumption when data remains unchanged.
Innovation Solution
A flip-flop design that includes a backup controller to selectively skip the backup operation when output data matches the backup data, utilizing a sensing circuit and signal generator to determine voltage differences between node voltages, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption by avoiding data write operations when data is unchanged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flip-flop performs backup operation using emerging memory devices (STT-MRAM, ReRAM) to preserve data during power-gating, then data reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backup controller that compares output data with backup data using a sensing circuit. When the data are identical, the backup operation is skipped entirely, avoiding the high energy cost of writing to emerging memory devices. This selective skipping mechanism maintains data reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption during redundant backup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the backup system from always-performing backup to conditionally-performing backup based on data comparison results. The sensing circuit detects voltage differences corresponding to data equality, and the backup controller adjusts the backup operation parameter accordingly, enabling the system to transition between active backup and skip modes based on actual data states.
2Reliability
If the flip-flop continuously backs up data to nonvolatile memory, then data loss during power-down is prevented, but power consumption due to frequent write operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup controller uses the sensing circuit to detect whether output data matches backup data by comparing voltage levels. When no difference is detected, the backup write operation is skipped, preventing unnecessary energy loss while ensuring data is backed up when changes occur, thus maintaining reliability without continuous energy expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing circuit provides feedback about the equality between output data and backup data to the backup controller. This feedback mechanism enables the system to make intelligent decisions about whether to perform backup operations, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining data safety during power-gating events.
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
This approach decreases power consumption by skipping backup operations when output data is the same as backup data, thereby reducing energy expenditure in mobile devices during power-gating scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing circuit unit connected in series between the first and second MTJ elements and to sense first and second sensing voltages divided from the first and second node voltages
Implementation Method 2
two elements store the data as a high resistance (RH) and a low resistance (RL), respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a flip-flop based on a nonvolatile memory. The flip-flop based on the nonvolatile memory includes a flip-flop unit to output output data, a nonvolatile memory unit electrically connected to the flip-flop unit and to store backup data, and a backup controller to selectively control a backup operation for backing up the output data to the backup data, based on whether the backup data are the same as the output data.