Self-Timed Pulse Input Latch Circuitry for Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory circuits face challenges in achieving fast address access and minimizing cycle time, as they require setup and hold times for synchronous operation, which can lead to delays and inefficiencies in read and write operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a self-timed pulse input latch circuitry that generates a self-timed pulse independent of clock edges, allowing for transparent input latches before the next clock rising edge, enabling fast address access and reducing delays by eliminating the need for external signal control during the pulse period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronous operation with input register is used, then proper signal registration is ensured, but setup time and hold time delays increase random access time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock edge dependency from the input latching operation by introducing a self-timed pulse generator that creates latching pulses independent of clock edges. This removes the constraint that forced synchronous operation and setup/hold time requirements, allowing asynchronous addressing while maintaining reliable signal registration.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-timed pulse generator creates latching pulses in advance of clock edges, enabling the input registers to be transparent and latch signals before the next clock rising edge occurs. This preliminary action eliminates the need to wait for clock edges, reducing random access time while ensuring proper registration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clock-synchronized input registration is implemented, then synchronous operation is maintained, but cycle time increases due to setup and hold time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces periodic self-timed latching pulses that occur at optimized intervals independent of the main clock signal. These pulses periodically enable transparent latching of address inputs, maintaining operational stability while reducing the overall cycle time by eliminating clock-edge-waiting delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from rigid synchronous operation to a more dynamic architecture where self-timed pulses provide flexible latching opportunities. The input registers can now latch signals at optimal moments determined by signal arrival rather than fixed clock edges, dynamically adapting to reduce cycle time while maintaining stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If external signal control is used during input registration, then synchronous timing is maintained, but operation complexity and delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service timing control through the self-timed pulse generator that automatically generates latching pulses based on internal timing mechanisms rather than requiring external control signals. This self-generated timing control reduces the complexity of external signal management while maintaining stable timing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods relating to memory and/or memory latching are disclosed. In one exemplary implementation, an illustrative memory device may include self-timed pulse generator circuitry, first input latch circuitry, read/write control circuitry, and second input latch circuitry. According to further implementations herein, fast address access for read and write may be provided in the same cycle via a self-timed pulse in the input latch circuit and/or via associated control/scheme from control circuitry.