Abstract: A method of reducing power consumption while maintaining performance characteristics and avoiding costly over-design of a high-speed communication link embedded in an SOC is provided. The method includes synthesizing the communication link at a reduced voltage to determine and isolate circuitry that is supply-voltage-critical from circuitry that is non-supply-voltage-critical. The supply-voltage-critical circuitry contains components that may not operate at the reduced voltage without degrading the performance characteristics of the communication link. A non-reduced voltage is used to drive the supply-voltage-critical circuitry while the reduced voltage is used to drive the non-supply-voltage-critical circuitry. The reduced voltage is generated using a voltage regulator embedded in the communication link.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, circuitry having exclusive-OR and latch functionality includes timing circuitry and logic circuitry. The circuitry includes a memory, with first and second memory nodes, for storing a state and its complement, and first and second timing circuitry portions, each operable to receive at least one timing signal, coupled to the respective memory nodes. The logic circuitry includes first and second logic circuitry portions, each of which is operable to receive at least first and second data signals. Each of the logic circuitry portions is coupled in series with a conditionally conductive path of one of the respective first and second timing circuitry portions.

Abstract: In a first form, a voltage controlled oscillator includes delay cells connected in a ring, and control elements connected to selectively bypass respective sets of the delay cells. The delay cells are operable to receive respective differential inputs and to generate inverted outputs. The control elements are operable to receive respective differential inputs and to generate non-inverted outputs with variable delays. The control element delays are variable responsive to respective differential control voltages.

Abstract: Method and system are provided for providing constraint-based guidance to a designer to support the application of useful constraint-based heuristics in complex collaborative design, thus reducing late conflicts and facilitating their resolution when they happen. The invention can be applied to any collaborative problem-solving task such as a collaborative engineering activity or the design of corporate strategies. In the method and system, designers receive constraint-based feedback that enables them to apply constraint-based heuristics that consider the simultaneous effect of all design constraints.

Abstract: In a first form, a voltage controlled oscillator includes delay cells connected in a ring, and control elements connected to selectively bypass respective sets of the delay cells. The delay cells are operable to receive respective differential inputs and to generate inverted outputs. The control elements are operable to receive respective differential inputs and to generate non-inverted outputs with variable delays. The control element delays are variable responsive to respective differential control voltages.

Abstract: In one aspect, circuitry for a digital logic function includes a first pair of input nodes for receiving respective first and second input signals, a second pair of input nodes for receiving respective complements of the first and second input signals, and an output node. The circuitry has a plurality of PFET-NFET pass gates. Such a pass gate has a first conducting electrode of the pass gate PFET connected to a first conducting electrode of the pass gate NFET, providing a first conducting node of the pass gate, and a second conducting electrode of the pass gate PFET connected to a second conducting electrode of the pass gate NFET, providing a second conducting node of the pass gate. The input nodes are connected to first conducting nodes of respective ones of the plurality of pass gates, and the second conducting nodes of the plurality of pass gates are connected to the circuitry output node.

Abstract: Latch circuitry has a data input stage for sampling a first input signal responsive to a first timing signal and generating a signal on an intermediate node in the latch circuitry. The latch circuitry also has a scan input stage for sampling a second input signal responsive to a second timing signal, and generating a signal on the intermediate node. The latch circuitry also has an output stage for generating an output signal on an output node of the latch circuitry responsive to the signal on the intermediate node and a third timing signal. The data input signal has a maximum voltage level and at least one stage of the latch circuitry is operable to effectively shift the voltage level so that the output signal has a higher maximum voltage level than that of the data input signal.

Abstract: In one aspect, circuitry for a digital logic function includes a first pair of input nodes for receiving respective first and second input signals, a second pair of input nodes for receiving respective complements of the first and second input signals, and an output node. The circuitry has a plurality of PFET-NFET pass gates. Such a pass gate has a first conducting electrode of the pass gate PFET connected to a first conducting electrode of the pass gate NFET, providing a first conducting node of the pass gate, and a second conducting electrode of the pass gate PFET connected to a second conducting electrode of the pass gate NFET, providing a second conducting node of the pass gate. The input nodes are connected to first conducting nodes of respective ones of the plurality of pass gates, and the second conducting nodes of the plurality of pass gates are connected to the circuitry output node.

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and phase-locked loop (PLL) topologies that allow for low-voltage, high frequency, low-jitter operation are disclosed. The conventional PLL design is modified so as to bifurcate the error signal into AC and DC components. A VCO accepting AC- and DC-component control inputs adjusts its output frequency in accordance with both inputs.

Abstract: A method and system for designing electronic devices by encouraging reuse as a design principle and rewarding both the design of reusable components as well as the subsequent reuse of such components. Typically, a design team evaluates each component in a proposed device for its potential to be implemented with a previously designed component. If a decision is made to forego previously designed components, the design team is encouraged to incorporate re-usability principles into the component design by a reward or compensation structure that rewards both the individual members of a team as well as the corporate entity to which the design team is assigned. The reward structure also encourages teams to use existing designs wherever possible by rewarding a team that reuses an existing component. An innovation administrator may adjust the relative rewards for incorporating reusability into a design vs. reusing a design to effect a preference for innovation in selected areas.