Abstract: A fast/slow state machine latch is provided that generates fast and slow select signals for a single toggle, low power multiplexer circuit. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the fast/slow state machine latch includes a first latch with a delayed output, a second latch with an undelayed output, an inverter for coupling the delayed output of the first latch to an input of the second latch, and an exclusive-OR (XOR) gate coupled to the delayed output of the first latch and a data input, an output of the XOR gate coupled to an input of the first latch. A method for incorporating low power multiplexer circuits into a circuit design with minimal input from a circuit designer is also provided.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable logic gate includes an input summer for receiving a first input signal and a second input signal to generate a summed input signal. Further the dynamically configurable logic gate includes a nonlinear element that applies a nonlinear function to the summed input signal to produce a nonlinear output signal. The dynamically configurable logic gate output signal corresponds to one of a plurality of different logic gates responsive to adjusting the summed input signal and/or the nonlinear function. In another embodiment, the dynamically configurable logic gate includes feedback to one of the inputs. The dynamically configurable logic gate receives the two inputs and operates as one of a plurality of different logic gate types so as to produce an output signal that corresponds to a memory latch according to a selection of the control signal. An array structure of dynamically configurable logic elements is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shift register includes a plurality of stages each generating an output signal in sequence and including a buffering section, a driving section, a first charging section, and a charging control section. The buffering section receives one of a scan start signal and an output signal of a previous stage so that the driving section generates the output signal of a present stage. The first charging section includes a first terminal electrically connected to the driving section and a second terminal electrically connected to a first source voltage. The charging control section applies the output signal of a next stage to the first charging section. Therefore, a gradual failure of TFT is reduced.

Abstract: A non-volatile-memory-transistor based lookup table for an FPGA includes a n:1 multiplexer. A one input non-volatile-memory-transistor based lookup table is coupled to each of the n data inputs of the multiplexer. The multiplexer has X inputs wherein n=2X as is known in the art. A sense amplifier is coupled to the output of the multiplexer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes first circuitry and sleep transistor circuitry. The first circuitry receives input signals and processes the input signals. The first circuitry also retains data in a sleep state that has low leakage. The sleep transistor circuitry is coupled to the first circuitry and receives a sleep signal. The sleep circuitry reduces power consumption of the first circuitry in the sleep state to have low leakage based on the sleep signal while retaining the data in the first circuitry.

Abstract: This invention relates to mixed signal integrated circuits, that is, integrated circuits comprising both analogue and digital circuitry. More particularly, it concerns reduction of noise in such a device. When a digital circuit is included in the same integrated circuit device as an analogue circuit, the digital circuit may be an additional source of a considerable amount of noise. This results in cross-talk, electrical interference and signal distortion imposed on the analogue signals. The invention provides an integrated circuit comprising analogue circuitry (26) and digital circuitry (29, 30) wherein the digital circuitry includes an ASM (30). An ASM does nut require a clock signal. Its operation is triggered by appropriate input conditions, but in contrast to an SSM it is idle when there in no change in its inputs, lowering the level of noise generated by the digital circuitry.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are employ dynamical, nanoscale devices, including memristive connections between nanowires, for constructing parallel, distributed, dynamical computational networks and systems, including perceptron networks and neural networks. In many embodiments of the present invention, neuron-like computational devices are constructed from silicon-based microscale and/or submicroscale components, and interconnected with one another by dynamical interconnections comprising nanowires and memristive connections between nanowires. In many massively parallel, distributed, dynamical computing systems, including the human brain, there may be a far greater number of interconnections than neuron-like computational nodes. Use of dynamical nanoscale devices for these connections results in enormous design, space, energy, and computational efficiencies.

Abstract: A dedicated logic cell in a programmable logic structure is described that comprises the following primary components: a configurable logic function or look-up table (LL), a dedicated logic function (DL), a sequential logic function (LS), and a control logic function (LC). In this illustration, the dedicated logic cell comprises two configurable logic functions, two sequential logic functions, a dedicate logic function, and a control logic function. In some embodiments, the configurable logic function comprises a plurality of look-up tables coupled to a multiplexer with configurable bits that is capable to perform a four 4-input look-up table, one 6-input look-up tables or a 4-to-1 multiplexer. In the first function that operates as the four 4-input look-up table, the dedicated logic cell has four look-up tables for receiving four inputs respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing a clock input signal with a clock regeneration circuit to provide a clock output signal for coupling to a cascaded device. The clock output signal has a period substantially equal to the period of the clock input signal and a duty cycle independent of the duty cycle of the clock input signal. In one embodiment, the clock regeneration circuit includes a one-shot and a buffer. Also described are apparatus and methods for aligning a data output signal of a cascaded device to non-clock-triggering edges of a selected one of the clock input signal and the clock output signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent latch circuit capable of performing a scan test in general scan design (GSD). In the transparent latch circuit a test signal is at a Low level during normal operation. Since a latch stop circuit outputs a High-level latch stop signal, a slave latch circuit has a received signal pass through it directly and a master latch circuit operates as a latch circuit in response to a signal output from an inverter. On the other hand, a test signal is at a High level during scan test. At this point, the latch stop circuit outputs a signal complementary to the signal output from the inverter. Therefore, the master latch circuit and the slave latch circuit operate as latch circuits responding to signals complementary to each other. Thereby, the entire transparent latch circuit operates as a flip-flop circuit.

Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device which operates stably with few malfunctions due to noise, with low power consumption, and little variation in characteristics; a display device including the semiconductor device; and an electronic device including the display device. An output terminal is connected to a power supply line, thereby reducing variation in electric potential of the output terminal. In addition, a gate electrode potential which turns ON a transistor is maintained due to the capacitance of the transistor. Further, change in characteristics of the transistor is reduced by a signal line for reverse bias.

Abstract: A reversible sequential apparatus comprises a first logic gate and a second logic gate. The first logic gate includes first, second and third input terminals and first, second and third output terminals. The second logic gate includes first and second input lines and first and second output lines. The first input terminal for carrying a clock signal is coupled to the first output terminal and the second input terminal for carrying an input signal is coupled to the second output terminal. When the first input terminal and the second input terminal are simultaneously set to a first state, the level of the third output terminal is inverse to the level of the third input terminal; otherwise, the level of the third output terminal is identical to the level of the third input terminal. The third output terminal, second input line and second output line are coupled to each other.

Abstract: A reversible sequential apparatus comprises a first logic gate and a second logic gate. The first logic gate includes first, second and third input terminals and first, second and third output terminals. The second logic gate includes first and second input lines and first and second output lines. The first input terminal for carrying a clock signal is coupled to the first output terminal and the second input terminal for carrying an input signal is coupled to the second output terminal. When the first input terminal and the second input terminal are simultaneously set to a first state, the level of the third output terminal is inverse to the level of the third input terminal; otherwise, the level of the third output terminal is identical to the level of the third input terminal. The third output terminal, second input line and second output line are coupled to each other.

Abstract: Configurable time-borrowing flip-flops are provided for circuits such as programmable logic devices. The flip-flops may be based on a configurable delay circuit and two latches or may be based on a configurable pulse generation circuit and a single latch. In designs based on two latches, a first and a second latch are arranged in series. A clock signal is delayed using a configurable delay circuit. Programmable memory elements that have been loaded with configuration data may be used to adjust how much delay is produced by the configurable delay circuit. The delayed version of the clock signal is provided to a clock input associated with the first latch. The second latch has a clock input that receives the clock signal without delay. In designs based on a single latch, a configurable pulse generation circuit receives a clock signal for the flip-flop and generates a corresponding clock pulse for the latch.

Abstract: A reversible sequential element comprises a first logic gate and a second logic gate. The first logic gate includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a third input terminal, a first output terminal coupled to the first input terminal, a second output terminal and a third output terminal. The second logic gate includes a first input line, a second input line, a first output line and a second output line. When the first input terminal is set to a first state, the second input terminal is coupled to the third output terminal and the third input terminal is coupled to the second output terminal; otherwise, the second input terminal is coupled to the second output terminal and the third input terminal is coupled to the third output terminal. The third output terminal, second input line and second output line are coupled to each other. The input signal carried on the first input line is set as 0 so that the second output line and the first output line have the same output.

Abstract: A reversible sequential element comprises a first logic gate and a second logic gate. The first logic gate includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a third input terminal, a first output terminal coupled to the first input terminal, a second output terminal and a third output terminal. The second logic gate includes a first input line, a second input line, a first output line and a second output line. When the first input terminal is set to a first state, the second input terminal is coupled to the third output terminal and the third input terminal is coupled to the second output terminal; otherwise, the second input terminal is coupled to the second output terminal and the third input terminal is coupled to the third output terminal. The third output terminal, second input line and second output line are coupled to each other. The input signal carried on the first input line is set as 0 so that the second output line and the first output line have the same output.

Abstract: Signal delivery delay margin of a bypass flip-flop circuit is stabilized during high-frequency operation. An input controller for logically operating a bypass signal and a clock produces first and second output signals having different states depending on whether or not the bypass signal is activated. A latch circuit latches input data based on the first and second output signals. A latch controller logically operates the bypass signal and input data to generate a third output signal having a different state depending on whether or not the bypass signal is activated. An output controller is switched in response to the states of the first and second output signals for logically combining an output signal selected from the latch circuit and the third output signal to provide the output signal.

Abstract: An electronic circuit is provided that comprises first and second combinational logic blocks and a latch positioned between the combinational logic blocks; wherein the electronic circuit is adapted to operate in a normal mode in which the latch is opened and closed in response to an enable signal, and a test mode in which the latch is held open.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement including a data input for applying a data signal, a set input for applying a set signal and an output for providing an output state. The output is coupled to the data input and to the set input in such a manner that the output state provided is set only when an input state of the data signal and the output state differ from one another and the set signal changes to a prescribed state.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for configuring a programmable logic device to operate at a plurality of clock frequencies comprising configurable programmable self-timed delay circuits and associated configuration software. The configurable IC clock frequencies increase device performance and manufacturing yield.

Abstract: In a gate driving circuit and a display apparatus having the same, a ripple preventing part is connected to a pull-up part and a control terminal (Q-node) to reset the Q-node. The ripple preventing part includes a first ripple preventing device that resets the Q-node during a high period of the first clock within a (n?1)H period, and a second ripple preventing device that resets the Q-node during a high period of a second clock within the (n?1)H period. A back-flow preventing device is connected between a previous carry node and the second ripple preventing device to prevent an electric charge of the Q-node from flowing back to the previous carry node.

Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a plurality of configurable cells configured by a control circuit such as a test access controller when it receives a mode command signal: either in a functional state in which the configurable cells are functionally linked to logic cells with which they co-operate to form at least one logic circuit if the mode command signal is in a first state or in a chained state in which the configurable cells are functionally connected in a chain to form a shift register, if the mode command signal is in a second state. The electronic circuit also includes a detection circuit laid out to produce an active state signal if it detects a chained state of the configurable cells while the controller receives the mode command signal in the first state.

Abstract: A finite state machine and a router adapted thereto for providing a service. The finite state machine is executed on a first and a second distinct hardware modules. The first module has access to a first memory and the second module has access to a second memory. The first and second memory are different and not shared therebetween. At least one transition between a first state and a second state of the finite state machine from the first module to the second module is performed by sending local information of the first module toward the second module. The local information at least indicates the second state of the finite state machine. Local information can be inserted by the router, for example, in a meta-data header.

Abstract: The states associated with a programmable state machine are reordered to compress the storage of transitions which define the state machine. To reorder the states, a score is computed and assigned to each of the states. Next, the states are sorted according to their computed scores. In some embodiments, to compute the score for each current state based on the received input symbol, the number of times that the input symbol causes transition to similar states is added. The sum of the scores in each row of the table is representative of the score for the associated current state associated with that row. The states are sorted according to their score and a new state transition table is generated in accordance with the reordered states.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a configurable IC that includes several configurable logic circuits for configurably performing computations. The configurable IC also includes several configurable routing circuits for configurably routing signals to and from the logic circuits. In some embodiments, at least a set of the routing circuits are routing/storage circuits. Each routing/storage circuit has an output and a storage section at the output for controllably storing a signal that the routing/storage circuit produces at the output.

Abstract: Finite state machines are provided to run instances of user-defined routines within a computing system. The finite state machines and updates to the finite state machines are user-defined and are checked for compliance with one or more prescribed schemas by a finite state machine engine. Compliant finite state machine specifications are interpreted for the plurality of states and transitions that constitute the finite state machine. Requested instances of a finite state machine specification are initiated by the finite state machine engine, which creates proxies to monitor the current state of any given requested instance.

Abstract: A digital logic circuit and method for de-glitching an input signal. The circuit removes distortion that occurs during a “de-glitching” time period that follows each transition of the input signal from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 0. The circuit can remove such distortion from the input signal without substantially delaying the input signal. Specifically, the delay interposed can be much less than the duration of the de-glitching time period. One embodiment includes first and second Set-Reset flip-flops each having an input connected to receive the input signal and having an output connected to a majority circuit. A delay circuit also receives the input signal and provides an output to the majority circuit. Other embodiments replace the majority circuit with a circuit including logic gates.

Abstract: A flip-flop circuit includes a precharging circuit which precharges a first circuit node in response to a first pulse signal and an estimation circuit that receives an input signal and a second pulse signal. The estimation circuit discharges the voltage from the first node in response to the input signal on activation of the second pulse signal. The first pulse signal is synchronized to a clock signal and the second pulse signal is delayed from the first pulse signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a programmable logic device such as an FPGA includes a programmable fabric; a JTAG interface operable to receive configuration data for programming the fabric; a SPI interface operable to receive and transmit configuration data for programming the fabric; and circuitry coupled to the JTAG and SPI interfaces. The circuitry is operable, without being configured, to transfer configuration data received at the JTAG interface to the SPI interface for transmission to an external device having a SPI interface, such as a serial flash memory.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a latch circuit including a switching circuit for switching output/non-output of an externally inputted external signal based on a predetermined control signal, a state retaining circuit for inputting a signal outputted from the switching circuit as an input signal, and retaining the state of the logical level of an output signal that is outputted based on the input signal, and a clear circuit for changing the logical level of the input signal to a clear level based on a clear signal.

Abstract: A cell element field for data processing, having function cell means for execution of algebraic and/or logic functions and memory cell means for receiving, storing and/or outputting information is described. Function cell-memory cell combinations are formed in which a control connection leads from the function cell means to the memory cell means.

Abstract: A system for FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) upgrade includes: an FPGA, a FLASH memory and a CPLD. The FLASH memory includes a first section configured to store a workable version of bit files for the FPGA and a second section configured to store a backup version of bit files for the FPGA. The CPLD is coupled to the FPGA and the FLASH memory. The CPLD is configured to download the bit files from the FLASH memory to the FPGA to provide the FPGA with functionality. As a result, the CPLD communicates with CPU to upgrade the bit files in the FLASH memory, and indicates to the CPU which version of bit files has been downloaded to the FPGA.

Abstract: For retaining an output data signal of a data retention cell in a power-saving mode, a slave latch unit of the data retention cell is powered with a real power for preserving the output data signal. The output data signal is furnished backward to an input control circuit of the data retention cell. The data signal furnished to a master latch unit of the data retention cell is controlled to switch between an input data signal and the output data signal by the input control circuit in response to a retention signal. The switching of the data signal for refreshing the master latch unit is delayed by a delay unit of the input control circuit, which functions to make sure that the data-preserving process is properly operated on any transition from the power-saving mode to a power-active mode.

Abstract: A deglitch circuit utilizes a first flip-flop coupled to the input signal and a second flip-flop coupled to the output of a circuit with feedback from the output to gates to control first and second inputs to the first flip-flop. In an alternative arrangement, a counter is provided between the output of the first flip-flop and the input to the second flip-flop in order to provide flexibility and the possibility of a longer delay for the circuit.

Abstract: Circuitry for facilitating the use of the memory elements in the look-up tables (“LUTs”) of a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) as user-accessible, distributed RAM. For example, a register associated with a LUT and that is not needed in the read data path in user RAM mode can be used to register data for writing in user RAM mode. As another example, an otherwise unneeded register associated with a LUT can be used to provide a synchronous read address signal for user RAM mode. Several other features are shown for similarly facilitating user RAM mode with minimal (if any) additional circuitry being required in the FPGA.

Abstract: A circuit including a first stage register that operates in response to a first clock having a period TCYCLE, a programmable delay circuit that introduces a programmable delay to the first clock, thereby creating a second clock, a second stage register that operates in response to the second clock, combinational logic coupled between the first register output and the second register input, and a third register having an input coupled to the second register output. The programmable delay is selected: (1) to have a positive value if the signal delay between the first and second registers exceeds TCYCLE, and (2) such that the signal delay between the second and third registers is less than TCYCLE minus the programmable delay. Additional delayed clocks generated in response to the second clock signal can be used to operate additional second stage registers, thereby staggering the outputs of these second stage registers within TCYCLE.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a state machine including a plurality of states, the state machine configured to transition from a present state to a next state in response to input. One embodiment of the system includes a plurality of state elements, each of the plurality of state elements representing one of the plurality of states of the state machine, each of the plurality of state elements receiving an on signal, an off signal, and a synchronizing signal, each of the state elements outputting a state value, each of the plurality of state elements further including a logic element to store a temporary state value, wherein the state value is updated by the temporary state value in response to the synchronizing signal, and wherein the state value of each of the plurality of state elements is synchronously updated in response to the synchronizing signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method of operation is provided for performing device communication in accordance with a standard protocol, while enabling deviation from the device communication without termination or corruption of the device communication. The apparatus incorporates a pair of state machines configured to provide standard protocol communication with interrupt capability. A first state machine functions to perform the communication process in accordance with the standard protocol. The first state machine is also configured to deviate from the communication process in order to perform another requested task. A second state machine functions to monitor the communication process being performed by the first state machine. Upon completion of the other requested task by the first state machine, a state of the communication process is provided by the second state machine to enable the communication process to be continued by the first state machine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage circuit comprises a first passgate having an input coupled to receive a signal representing a data input to the storage circuit and further having an output connected to a storage node in the storage circuit. The storage circuit also comprises a scan latch having an input connected to a scan data input to the storage circuit and further coupled to receive a scan enable input. The scan latch is configured to store the scan data input responsive to an assertion of the scan enable input, and also comprises a second passgate connected to the storage node and having an input coupled to receive the stored scan data. Each of the first passgate and the second passgate are coupled to receive respective pairs of control signals to control opening and closing of the passgates, wherein the scan enable signal controls which of the respective pairs of control signals are pulsed.

Abstract: A secure device includes a memory capable of storing information. The secure device also includes a secure microcontroller capable of securing the information in the memory. The secure microcontroller includes a plurality of registers. The secure microcontroller also includes combinatorial logic capable of receiving at least one output value provided by at least one of the registers. The combinatorial logic is also capable of performing one or more combinatorial operations using the at least one received output value. In addition, the secure microcontroller includes dummy cycle circuitry capable of causing one or more of the registers and the combinatorial logic to change state and consume current during one or more dummy cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of macrocells formed from logic capable of performing one or more functions. The apparatus also includes a clock tree capable of receiving a clock signal and providing at least one copy of the clock signal to each macrocell. The clock tree includes a local branch within each macrocell, where each local branch is capable of providing at least one copy of the clock signal. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one glitch detection circuit capable of detecting a glitch in one or more copies of the clock signal provided by the local branches in the macrocells.

Abstract: A shift register includes a first transistor connected between an output terminal and a first clock terminal, a second transistor connected between the output terminal and a first power terminal, and an inverter in which a first node to which the gate of the first transistor is connected serves as an input node and a second node to which the gate of the second transistor is connected serves as an output node. The inverter has third and fourth transistors connected in series between the second node and a first power terminal, both having their gates connected to the first node, a fifth transistor connected between the second node and a third power terminal having its gate connected to the third power terminal, and a sixth transistor connected between a fourth power terminal and a third node serving as a connection node between the third and fourth transistors. The sixth transistor has its gate connected to the second node.

Abstract: When a buffer is formed by using transistors having large element characteristic variations, the deviation of the timing between the input clock pulse and the reset pulse is likely to occur. When the deviation of the timing becomes larger, a malfunction is caused to occur, and an operation margin becomes smaller with respect to the variations of the element characteristics. In a timing generation circuit, which is formed on an insulating substrate and which has two TFFs (12, 13), for generating a dot clock DCK and a horizontal clock HCK whose frequencies are different in synchronization with a master clock MCK which is input external to the substrate, separate reset pulses drst and hrst are generated at a pulse generation circuit 15 with respect to the two TFFs (12, 13), and a resetting operation is performed at separate timings. Thus, a large operation margin can be ensured even when each circuit is formed by using TFTs having large element characteristic variations and a rough process rule.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates level-shifting functions within a multiplexer circuit that may be implemented in IC devices having low and high voltage domains. The multiplexer circuit utilizes pseudo-differential multiplexing architectures and employs level-shifting techniques to convert low-voltage signals received from the low-voltage domain into high-voltage signals more suitable for controlling the propagation of a selected input signal through the pass gates of the multiplexer circuit. For some embodiments, some of the select signals may be decoded to generate a number of decoded select signals that can be used to control the selective routing of signals through the multiplexer.

Abstract: A device includes a first combinatorial logic stage having a first input to receive a first data value, a second input to receive a bypass value and an output to provide one of a representation of the first data value or a first predetermined value based on the bypass value. The device further includes a latch stage having a first input to receive a second data value, a second input to receive the bypass value and an output to provide one of a latched representation of the second data value or a second predetermined value based on the bypass value. The device additionally includes a second combinatorial logic stage having a first input coupled to the output of the first combinatorial logic stage, a second input coupled to the output of the latch stage, and an output.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing efficient multiplexers on a programmable chip using a lookup table. A load logic input line associated with a lookup table having limited input lines is used to augment the number of input lines that can be handled by a particular lookup table. Load logic and a lookup table having four input lines can be used to implement a 3:1 multiplexer having five input lines.

Abstract: Logic design apparatus and method provides serial multiplexer chains in a programmable logic fabric, each element in the chain either selects output of block, or passes output from earlier element of the chain. Select line is a decoder structure or output from configurable function generator that is configured at power-on to create correct selection. Using such structure, larger multiplexer, including priority multiplexers, tristate buses or larger look-up tables (LUTs) can be created. These novel structures can implement priority, non-priority or tristate multiplexers.

Abstract: In a bi-directional, self-synchronous bus for communication between semiconductor devices, a logic delay is provided as a flag to a state machine control for indicating that the bus is making a transition from a low to a high state. The logic delay causes the bus to adaptively idle until the bus settles, making it amenable for a wide variety of bus sizes and topologies. In this way, oscillation of the bus is avoided without slowing the speed of the state machine clock.

Abstract: A reconfigurable state machine is provided. The state machine includes a current state register, for storing a current state, and at least one programmable state entry per state of the state machine. Each programmable entry includes a plurality of external signal inputs, a current state tag, at least one next state condition, and a respective next state output. A next state match circuit compares the current state with the current state tag and compares each of the next state conditions with at least one of the external signal inputs to produce a next state match output.

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment may comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC includes memory that stores condition data defining conditions for enabling transitions among a plurality of states and next state data defining a next state associated with each of the respective conditions. A state machine circuit employs the condition data and the next state data to transition from a current state of the state machine circuit to a next state as a function of applying at least one condition relative to input data. The at least one condition is defined by condition data that is associated with the current state. The state machine circuit associates next state data with the at least one condition based on the current state of the state machine circuit. A control circuit provides a trigger signal in response to the current state of the state machine circuit transitioning to at least one predefined state of the plurality of states.