XOR Pulse-Triggered Flip-Flop for Low-Power Clock Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current graphics processing systems face limitations in maximizing parallel processing efficiency due to the complexity of graphics pipelines and the need for reduced power consumption in synchronous systems, particularly in clock distribution networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pulse-triggered flip-flop circuit with an exclusive OR (XOR) based clock generator reduces power consumption by minimizing clocked transistors and optimizing clock distribution, while a unified memory architecture enables efficient data access across multiple processing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional synchronous clock distribution network is used to coordinate processing units, then system reliability and synchronization are improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous clock signaling across the chip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous clock signaling with periodic pulse signals. The pulse-triggered flip-flop circuit responds only to specific clock edges (rising or falling), allowing the clock network to remain inactive during idle periods. This periodic action significantly reduces dynamic power consumption while maintaining synchronization reliability across processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic clock gating control where the clock signal is selectively enabled or disabled based on operational needs. The pulse-triggered flip-flop circuit dynamically responds to clock edges only when data changes occur, adapting the clock distribution behavior to actual processing requirements rather than maintaining continuous signaling.
2Reliability
If more clocked transistors are used in flip-flop circuits to improve data capture reliability, then reliability is improved, but clock load and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant clocked transistors from the flip-flop circuit design. By using a pulse-triggered architecture with XOR-based logic, the circuit achieves reliable data capture with fewer active clocked elements, removing unnecessary components that contribute to clock load without compromising functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the flip-flop circuit by transitioning from level-triggered to edge-triggered operation. This parameter change allows the circuit to capture data reliably at specific clock transitions rather than maintaining continuous sensitivity, reducing the number of clocked transistors needed while preserving data capture reliability.
3Productivity
If a unified memory architecture is implemented to improve data access efficiency across processing units, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified memory architecture where a single memory structure serves multiple processing units simultaneously. This multi-functional memory system eliminates the need for separate memory modules for each processor, reducing overall system complexity while improving data access efficiency through shared resources and coordinated pulse-triggered access.
4Reliability
If continuous clock signaling is used to maintain synchronization across the chip, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to higher operation frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous high-frequency clock signaling with periodic pulse triggers. The pulse-triggered flip-flop circuit maintains synchronization reliability by responding to specific clock edges while allowing the clock network to enter low-power states during idle periods, significantly reducing energy loss compared to continuous signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary clock gating control to prevent unnecessary clock signal propagation. By anticipating idle periods and disabling the clock network before unnecessary signaling occurs, the system prevents energy loss while maintaining synchronization readiness, countering the harmful effect of continuous high-frequency operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse triggered flip flop circuit includes an exclusive OR clock generating stage that receives an input clock, data and produces an output clock pulse. The stage produces a output clock pulse that only goes away when the data is fully captured. The stage disables the output clock pulse only when the data is fully captured. Moreover, the circuit only toggles when the input data changes, reducing power consumption in some embodiments.