Oscillation Ring Circuit for Sequential Read-Time Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the reading time of sequential circuits have high errors, affecting the maximum performance of these circuits, particularly in complex designs like on-chip memory, where writing and reading operations are triggered by different clocks and occur through different ports.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of oscillation ring circuits with an odd or even number of identical oscillatory circuits, each comprising a clock generator, flip-flop, and inverter, connected in series or series with a complex circuit to be measured, allowing for accurate measurement of reading time by analyzing changes in oscillation periods of feedback waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simulation method is used to measure reading time of sequential circuit, then measurement process is simple, but measurement precision is low with relatively high error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simulation-based measurement approach with a hardware circuit implementation. An oscillation ring circuit is constructed using actual sequential circuit devices (flip-flops, inverters, clock generators) to physically measure reading time through oscillation period detection, thereby substituting virtual simulation with real hardware measurement to improve accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system - the oscillation ring circuit - that indirectly measures the reading time of the sequential circuit. By measuring the oscillation period of the entire ring circuit and subtracting known delays of individual components, the reading time of the target sequential circuit can be derived accurately without directly timing it.
2Measurement precision
If hardware circuit measurement is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into distinct functional modules: oscillatory circuits (each containing a flip-flop, inverter, and clock generator), a sequential circuit to be measured, and connection wiring. This segmentation allows each module to be designed and analyzed independently, simplifying the overall complex hardware measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillatory circuit modules are designed to be identical and reusable. Each module serves multiple functions: generating clock signals, storing state, inverting signals, and contributing to the overall oscillation. This universality reduces design complexity by repeating a standardized module rather than designing unique components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Oscillation ring circuits and apparatuses and methods for measuring reading time of sequential circuit are provided. An oscillation ring circuit includes an odd number of oscillatory circuits connected in series, each including a first clock generator circuit, a flip-flop circuit and a first inverter circuit connected in series. Within an oscillatory circuit, output end of clock generator circuit is connected to clock signal input end of flip-flop circuit; data output end of flip-flop circuit is connected to input end of first inverter circuit; output end of first inverter circuit is connected to input end of first clock generator circuit and data input end of flip-flop circuit within another oscillatory circuit. Another oscillation ring circuit is formed by replacing one flip-flop circuit with a sequential circuit to be measured. Reading time of the sequential circuit is measured according to changes in waveforms of oscillation periods of oscillation ring circuits.