Variable-Length Shift Register Circuits for Faster Data Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shift registers have a fixed number of bits, which limits flexibility in data transmission speed and requires hardware redesign for different bit lengths, making it difficult to optimize transmission time for varying data lengths.
Innovation Solution
A configurable variable-length shift register circuit with a series of flip-flops and multiplexers, where the number of enabled flip-flops is determined by nonvolatile memory settings, allowing for adjustment of the shift register length to optimize data transmission speed without hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of flip-flops in the shift register is increased to transmit more data bits, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the transmission time increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable-length shift register where the number of enabled flip-flops can be dynamically adjusted based on the actual data transmission requirements. The circuit includes an enable signal mechanism that selectively activates only the necessary number of flip-flops in the daisy chain, transforming the fixed-length register into a dynamic, configurable structure. This allows the system to adapt the register length to match the data word size, preventing unnecessary transmission delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of register length from a fixed hardware value to a configurable parameter controlled by enable signals. By modifying the effective number of active flip-flops through control logic and enable signals, the system can optimize the balance between data capacity and transmission time. The register length parameter becomes adjustable rather than static, allowing optimization for different application scenarios.
2Reliability
If the shift register length is fixed in hardware, then the circuit structure is simple and reliable, but the system lacks flexibility for different data lengths and requires hardware redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal shift register design that can handle multiple data lengths using the same hardware infrastructure. The daisy-chain connected flip-flops remain in place, but their effective utilization is controlled through enable signals and control logic. This single circuit structure serves multiple functions by accommodating different data word sizes (e.g., 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit) without requiring physical redesign, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining circuit reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic control mechanisms (enable signals, control logic) that allow the fixed hardware structure to behave flexibly. The control logic dynamically determines which flip-flops are active based on the required data length, making the rigid hardware structure adaptable to varying communication requirements without compromising its inherent reliability.
3Productivity
If the clock frequency is increased to reduce transmission time, then the data transfer speed is improved, but transmission line effects and signal integrity issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the shift register automatically configures its effective length based on the data being transmitted. By enabling only the necessary number of flip-flops, the system minimizes the transmission path length, allowing for lower clock frequencies to be used effectively. This self-optimization reduces the impact of transmission line effects without sacrificing data transfer speed for the actual data volume.
Data Source
AI summary
Configurable variable-length shift register circuits include a group of flip-flops connected in a serial configuration. The plurality of flip-flops is connected to a serial data-in line and a clock line. Each flip-flop can include a data input, a clock input configured to receive a clock signal from the clock line, and a data output. The plurality of flip-flops can include a serial data-out line. The circuit includes a plurality of multiplexers connected to the plurality of flip-flops to enable a desired number of flip-flops for an application. A nonvolatile memory can be connected to the plurality of multiplexers and configured to receive a register-length indication, where the register-length indication corresponds to a selected number of flip-flops selected for enablement for a given application.