Reconfigurable Flip-Flop for Dual-Edge Data Latching and Debug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuits (ICs) face challenges in achieving efficient power management and debugging due to the limitations of single-edge triggered flip-flops, which do not utilize both positive and negative clock edges, leading to suboptimal data rate and power consumption in complex digital systems.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable dual-edge triggered flip-flop (DETFF) is designed to operate as both a master-slave flip-flop (MSFF) in series and parallel configurations, allowing data to be latched on both clock edges through a circuit with control signals that switch between normal and test modes, enabling efficient data transfer and observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single-edge triggered flip-flops are used, then the circuit design is simple, but data transfer efficiency is low and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The flip-flop circuit dynamically reconfigures its triggering mode based on operational requirements. The circuit can switch between single-edge triggered mode (simpler operation) and dual-edge triggered mode (higher efficiency) through control signals that modify the clock signal path, allowing the same hardware to adapt its behavior for optimal performance in different contexts
Solution Approach 2:
The flip-flop is designed with multi-functionality to serve both single-edge and dual-edge triggering operations using the same basic circuit structure. By incorporating additional control logic and clock signal routing, the circuit can perform multiple functions (single-edge mode for simplicity, dual-edge mode for efficiency) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode
2Loss of energy
If single-edge triggered flip-flops are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-edge triggered flip-flop achieves continuous useful action by utilizing both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal for data latching. This doubles the effective data transfer opportunities per clock cycle compared to single-edge triggering, reducing the overall clock frequency required for a given data rate and thereby lowering dynamic power consumption in the clock distribution network
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes its operational parameters by switching between single-edge and dual-edge triggering modes based on power efficiency requirements. When power savings are critical, the dual-edge mode is activated to reduce clock frequency and power consumption, while maintaining the same functional capability through modified circuit behavior
3Productivity
If dual-edge triggered flip-flops are used, then data transfer efficiency improves, but debugging and validation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flip-flop dynamically switches between dual-edge triggered mode (for high-speed data transfer) and single-edge triggered mode (for simplified debugging and validation). During normal operation, dual-edge mode provides maximum efficiency, while during testing or validation phases, the circuit can be reconfigured to single-edge mode to simplify observation and debugging of data flow patterns
4Loss of energy
If dual-edge triggered flip-flops are used, then power savings are achieved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit merges the functionality of single-edge and dual-edge triggered flip-flops into a single unified structure. By combining the clock signal paths and control logic, the design achieves dual-edge triggering capability without requiring completely separate circuits, thereby limiting the increase in complexity while maximizing power savings through efficient clock utilization
Data Source
AI summary
A device (300, 1000) provides a dual-edge triggered flip-flop (DETFF) that is reconfigurable to a master-slave flip-flop (MSFF). The device includes a reconfigurable MUX-D flip-flop including two distinct circuit configurations. In a first configuration, two latches or storage elements (340, 360, 1040, 1060) are operating in series to provide a MUX-D flip-flop. In a second configuration, the storage elements (340, 360, 1040, 1060) are operating in parallel to provide a dual-edge triggered flip-flop (DETFF).