Register Latch Circuit for Hold Time and Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit devices face challenges in ensuring adequate hold times for data transmission due to non-ideal clock tree arrangements, leading to significant signal skew, which conventional solutions like adding buffers or delay elements fail to address efficiently, especially in highly congested designs, as they increase power and routing costs.
Innovation Solution
A circuit with a selection circuit, a first register, and a second register implemented as a latch, where the selection circuit enables the coupling of the output signal of the first register to the input of the second register, and programmable interconnect elements allow for configurable connections between logic elements, enabling a low-power lock-up latch implementation without additional routing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buffers are added in lookup tables to address signal delay, then hold time requirements are met, but power consumption and routing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the delay compensation function from traditional buffer implementations in lookup tables and relocates it to dedicated delay elements within the register structure. This separation allows hold time requirements to be met without adding power-consuming buffers to every LUT, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces delay elements as intermediary components between the register output and the next stage input. These delay elements act as mediators that provide the necessary hold time compensation without requiring additional buffering in the logic paths, thus meeting timing requirements while minimizing power consumption and routing overhead.
2Reliability
If buffers are added in lookup tables to address signal delay, then hold time requirements are met, but routing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the delay compensation function from the routing fabric and LUT structures, placing it instead within the register elements themselves. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional routing resources to accommodate hold time requirements, thereby reducing routing cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the delay compensation functionality with the register structure, combining what were previously separate functions (register storage and delay compensation) into a single integrated element. This merging eliminates the need for separate buffering and routing resources, reducing overall device complexity and routing cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optional delay elements are implemented, then signal delay can be adjusted, but silicon area and static power cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements delay elements locally within specific register structures where they are most needed, rather than providing universal delay adjustment throughout the entire device. This localized approach provides necessary adaptability for critical paths while minimizing the overall silicon area consumed by delay elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides delay adjustment capability selectively in certain register instances rather than in all registers throughout the device. This partial implementation achieves the necessary adaptability for meeting hold time requirements in critical paths without the excessive silicon area cost of universal delay elements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optional delay elements are implemented, then signal delay can be adjusted, but static power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the delay adjustment functionality from universal implementations and places it only where required by timing analysis. This selective placement reduces the number of active delay elements, thereby lowering static power consumption while maintaining the adaptability needed for critical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements delay adjustment capability partially, only in register instances where timing requirements demand it. This selective implementation provides necessary adaptability while minimizing static power consumption by avoiding the instantiation of delay elements in all possible locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for processing data in an integrated circuit device comprises a selection circuit; a first register coupled to a first output of the selection circuit; a second register implemented as a latch and coupled to a second output of the selection circuit; and a signal line coupled between the output of the first register and an input of the selection circuit. The selection circuit enables the coupling of an output signal of the first register to an input of the second register. A method of processing data in an integrated circuit device is also disclosed.