Selectively Combinable Shifters for Variable Word Size Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital electronic circuitry faces challenges in efficiently manipulating data bits due to the need for multiple shifter circuits of different sizes, leading to increased hardware size, power consumption, and cost, particularly in mobile computing where space and power are limited.
Innovation Solution
A selectively combinable shifter design that allows multiple shifters to be configured and cascaded to operate on various word sizes, reducing the total hardware required by enabling the handling of binary numbers of different widths through a combination of shifters with different widths, thereby reducing power consumption and physical size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shifter circuits of different sizes are used to handle various data word sizes, then the system can manipulate data of different precisions and resolutions, but the hardware size, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple data word sizes (8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, and larger) through a single unified architecture. The circuit uses configurable parameters and selective coupling mechanisms that allow the same hardware to adapt to different operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated shifter circuits for each data size.
Solution Approach 2:
The shifter circuit is divided into multiple selectable segments or stages that can be independently configured. By selectively enabling or disabling specific segments and coupling them in different configurations, the circuit can adapt to handle various data word sizes efficiently, reducing the overall hardware footprint compared to having complete separate circuits for each size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shifter circuits of different sizes are used to handle various data word sizes, then the system can manipulate data of different precisions and resolutions, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal shifter circuit handles all data word size requirements, eliminating the need to power multiple separate circuits. The configurable architecture allows the same hardware to be dynamically adapted to different operational modes, ensuring that only the necessary circuit segments are activated for each specific task, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The shifter circuit incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities that allow it to adapt its internal structure and activation state based on the required data word size. Control signals selectively enable or disable specific circuit segments, ensuring that power is consumed only by the active portions of the circuit needed for the current operation, rather than continuously powering all possible configurations.
3Measurement precision
If larger data words are used to increase precision and resolution, then more values can be represented, but larger digital circuits are required leading to greater cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter circuit provides a universal solution that maintains high precision and resolution for large data words while avoiding increased complexity through its configurable architecture. The same circuit structure can handle both 32-bit and larger data words by selectively activating appropriate segments and coupling configurations, rather than requiring completely different circuit designs for different precision levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit is segmented into modular stages that can be selectively coupled together. When handling larger data words for high precision operations, only the necessary number of segments are activated and coupled in sequence, keeping the active circuit complexity proportional to the actual data size being processed rather than always requiring the maximum possible circuit complexity.
4Productivity
If dedicated shifter circuits are designed for specific word sizes, then the shifting operation is optimized for that size, but the total hardware required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter circuit achieves dedicated-optimization performance for various word sizes through a single universal design. By using configurable parameters and selective segment coupling, the circuit maintains high shifting efficiency for 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, and larger data words without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each size, thus reducing total hardware quantity while preserving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically reconfigures its internal connections and activation state based on the input data size, allowing it to optimize its performance for the current operational requirement. This dynamic adaptation enables the same hardware to achieve dedicated-circuit-level efficiency for each word size without the overhead of maintaining multiple separate dedicated circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mathematical manipulation is described allowing the selective combination of shifters to shift binary numbers of various widths. Selective combination allows on-the-fly adjustment of shifters from independent to coordinated shifting operations. Selective combination allows adjustable hardware-based shifting while saving space and resources. Multiple eight-bit shifters can be configured for a variety of operand widths, such as a 32-bit width, a 24-bit width, a 16-bit width, or an eight-bit width. Multiplexers route the appropriate input data to the appropriate shifters. Opcodes configure the shifters for the desired type of shift and a shifted result is generated.