Static-State Flip-Flop Architecture for Low Clock-Toggle Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flip-flops consume excessive power due to internal signal state changes when the clock signal toggles, even when the input and output data are identical, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A novel flip-flop architecture featuring a tri-state inverter, master and slave latches, and enablement logic that maintains static states of the latches when the input and output signals are identical, using NMOS and PMOS switches, inverters, and logic gates to minimize power consumption by avoiding unnecessary signal switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional clock-based flip-flops are used to store binary data, then the flip-flop can perform its basic storage function, but excessive power is consumed due to internal signal state changes when the clock signal toggles even when input and output data are identical
Solution Approach 1:
The flip-flop design dynamically adjusts its operation based on whether data changes are detected. When D equals Q, the circuit enters a static mode where internal nodes maintain their states without switching, eliminating dynamic power consumption for unnecessary transitions while preserving the ability to update when data changes occur
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the flip-flop based on the relationship between input and output data. By monitoring whether D equals Q, the circuit modifies its internal signal flow and switching behavior to minimize power consumption during identical data conditions while maintaining reliable storage functionality
2Productivity
If the clock signal continuously toggles to regulate data storage and retrieval, then the flip-flop maintains its clocked operation, but unnecessary signal switching occurs when incoming data is identical to stored data, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flip-flop incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the relationship between input data D and output data Q. This feedback controls the switching behavior of internal transistors, enabling the circuit to detect when no data change is needed and suppress unnecessary signal transitions, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining efficient operation when updates are required
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit performs preliminary comparison of input data with stored data before executing full data transfer operations. By pre-detecting whether D equals Q, the flip-flop avoids initiating unnecessary switching sequences, eliminating energy waste before it occurs while preserving efficient data storage when changes are detected
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.