Static-State Flip-Flop Circuit for Low-Power Clock Toggling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flip-flops are inefficient and consume excessive power due to internal signal state changes when the clock signal toggles, especially when the input data is identical to the stored data.
Innovation Solution
A flip-flop architecture that includes a tri-state inverter, master and slave latches, and enablement logic with specific transistor switches and logic gates, which keeps the master and slave latch states static when the input and output signals are identical, eliminating unnecessary signal switching and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional clock-based flip-flops are used to store binary data, then the flip-flop can perform basic storage function, but excessive power is consumed due to internal signal state changes when clock signal toggles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode selection that adapts the flip-flop's internal behavior based on whether edge-triggered or level-triggered mode is selected. The circuit dynamically adjusts its signal paths and switching behavior to minimize power consumption in the static case while maintaining proper functionality in both operational modes. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the device intelligence-aware of its operational state and adjusting accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the flip-flop by introducing a mode selection mechanism that alters how the clock signal is interpreted and processed. By changing the parameter of clock signal interpretation (edge-triggered vs. level-triggered), the circuit can optimize power consumption based on the specific operational requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and functional capability.
2Reliability
If the flip-flop processes every clock toggle to ensure data accuracy, then data storage reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary signal switching when input data is identical to stored data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively activating signal switching only when necessary. The circuit includes logic that detects whether the input data differs from the stored data, and only performs full signal switching when a change is detected. This partial activation approach maintains data accuracy while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from processing every clock toggle unconditionally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the relationship between input data and stored data states. This feedback allows the circuit to determine whether actual data updates are needed, and accordingly adjusts the signal switching behavior. The feedback loop ensures data accuracy is maintained while preventing unnecessary power consumption from redundant switching operations.
3Reliability
If the flip-flop uses conventional latch structures with multiple transistors, then reliable data storage is achieved, but device area and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transistor functions into fewer transistor structures. By combining the functionality of traditional latch transistors with additional control logic in an integrated manner, the design achieves the same data storage reliability with reduced transistor count and smaller circuit area. This merging approach eliminates redundant components while maintaining the essential storage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multi-functional transistor structures that perform multiple roles within the flip-flop circuit. The transistors are designed to serve both as storage elements and as control elements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components. This universal design approach reduces the overall device area while maintaining reliable data storage functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
At least some embodiments are directed to a flip-flop that comprises a tri-state inverter and a master latch coupled to the tri-state inverter and comprising a first transistor, a first inverter, and a first logic gate. The master latch receives a clock signal. The flop also comprises a slave latch coupled to the master latch and comprising a second transistor and a second inverter. The slave latch receives the clock signal. The flop further comprises an enablement logic coupled to the master latch and comprising multiple, additional logic gates. The tri-state inverter, the master and slave latches, and the enablement logic are configured so that when a flip-flop input signal D and a flip-flop output signal Q are identical and the clock signal is toggled, a state of the master latch and a state of the slave latch remain static.