Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention includes an interconnect system having a single ended driver and a single ended hysteretic receiver. A single ended interconnect is coupled between the single ended driver and single ended receiver. In other embodiments, the invention involves an interconnect system including interconnects, single ended drivers, and single ended hysteretic receivers connected to respective ones of the interconnects. The single ended drivers receive respective data-in signals and an enable signal and wherein the drivers transmit interconnect signals on the interconnects when the enable signal is asserted. In yet other embodiments, the invention includes an interconnect system having interconnects, quasi-static drivers and receivers connected to respective ones of the interconnects.

Abstract: Modified full-rail differential logic circuits are activated by a delayed clock and include a sense amplifier circuit that is triggered by a second delayed clock. The addition of the sense amplifier circuit, and second delayed clock signal allows the sense amplifier circuit to act as the driver and therefore there is no need for increasing the size of the differential logic network to provide a driver function. Consequently, the modified full-rail differential logic circuits of the invention are capable of operating efficiently under heavy load conditions without the increased size and the significant reduction in speed associated with prior art full-rail differential logic circuits.

Abstract: Dynamic PLAs are used as the basis of constructing a new class of programmable devices called field-programmable dynamic logic arrays (FPDLAs). Unlike existing programmable devices that use static logic, the FPDLAs use reprogrammable, reconfigurable, and fixed-function dynamic PLAs in programmable modules that provide both programmable logic and interconnect structures. A system of micro clocks is used to ensure that each dynamic PLA operates correctly by allowing it to start the evaluate phase after all of its inputs have become valid. Since dynamic PLAs with large number of inputs can be built in a small area due to its regular circuit structure, and they produce the outputs in a time independent of the number of inputs affecting the outputs, FPDLAs can operate at a higher speed and require a smaller area than programmable devices built using static logic.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit having an active mode and a standby mode includes a node at which an internal circuit is connected to a latch circuit, the latch circuit storing a data signal output from the internal circuit. A level determination unit determines a logic level of the node in response to a control signal indicating the standby mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting dynamic logic circuits from the effects of noise at the inputs to the dynamic logic circuits is disclosed. Parallel current flow or evaluate paths which couple an output node through a common node to a low voltage or ground rail include extra transistors in the current flow or evaluate path to allow the inputs to be protected while maintaining the operation and integrity of the circuit.

Abstract: A predecoder circuit for use in association with a memory circuit is shown to have a dynamic NAND gate formed by series-coupled transistors controlled by a bank active select signal and a row address selection signal. The predecoder circuit also includes a precharge circuit coupled to the dynamic NAND gate and controlled by a precharge signal. The predecoder circuit further includes a first inverter having an input terminal electrically coupled to the dynamic NAND gate and an output terminal selectively electrically connectable to at least one row decoder circuit for the memory circuit. The predecoder circuit finally includes a second inverter arranged in feedback with the first inverter to form a latch.

Abstract: A dual rail flip flop with complementary outputs includes a master stage with embedded logic, a sensing stage, and one or more slave stages. The flip flop operates in a pre-charge state and an evaluate state. During the pre-charge state when a clock signal is low, the flip flop pre-charges internal keeper nodes to a high value. When the clock signal transitions high, the flip flop enters an evaluation state and one of the internal keeper nodes evaluates to a low value. The sense stage senses which of the internal keeper nodes is evaluating to zero, and drives it to zero faster. The slave stages reflect the state of the internal keeper nodes during the evaluate state, and maintain their states during the pre-charge state.

Abstract: Described is a receiver circuit reducing kick-back noises, due to coupling capacitance from a pair of differential input transistors when a system clock is rising up to a high level, by connecting drain nodes of the differential input transistors, which respond to a reference voltage and a data signal, respectively, while the system clock is at a low level, to a ground voltage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit apparatus which is highly tolerant to noises and operates at a higher speed than a conventional completely complementary static CMOS circuit. To achieve this, the circuit apparatus features a plurality of CMOS static logic circuits which are series-connected and potential setting circuitry which is connected to the output parts of these logic circuits and sets the outputs of the output parts to a low level in synchronization with a clock signal, thus propagating signals by operation of the NMOS circuit. In other words, a signal propagation delay occurs only when the N-type logic block conducts. Therefore, circuit operation is speeded up and &agr; particle noise and noises due to charge redistribution effect or leakage current can be prevented.

Abstract: A method of using low voltage-swing clocks (512) with CMOS latches (502-522, 504-524) and with bi-CMOS latches (904-914, 906-916) and associated circuit structures to reduce power requirements of these circuits compared to conventional CMOS and bi-CMOS circuits. Also, a method of using low voltage-swing clocks (1136) to control CMOS (FIG. 11) and bi-CMOS dynamic logic. The power consumption of CMOS and bi-CMOS microprocessors and other chips can be substantially reduced by using low voltage-swing clocks, with savings of up to 60% to 80% of the normal clock power at speeds comparable to using normal latches and dynamic logic gates, with noise margins sufficient for safe operation.

Abstract: The semiconductor integrated circuit of this invention includes a first transistor for setting a first node at a first logic level in accordance with a clock signal; an input circuit for setting the first node at a second logic level in accordance with an input signal; a second transistor for setting a second node at the first logic level when the first node is at the first logic level; a resistor device connected between the first node and the second node; a first driving transistor for receiving, as an input, potential of the second node and controlling whether or not an output node is set at the first logic level; and a second driving transistor for receiving, as an input, a signal at a logic level identical to the logic level of the first node and controlling whether or not the output node is set at the second logic level.

Abstract: A technique to individually adjust noise immunity of each input of a dynamic circuit including parallel or series-parallel pull-down network includes identifying precharge nodes of the dynamic circuit that require a reduction of noise. The technique further includes identifying NMOS transistor drains connected to respective precharge nodes, and creating a pull-up network of PMOS transistors for the identified precharge nodes. After creating a pull-up network of PMOS transistors, the technique includes arranging the order of the PMOS transistors corresponding to the respective precharge nodes to improve noise immunity and performance of the dynamic circuit. After arranging the order of the PMOS transistors, the technique can further include sizing the PMOS transistors to achieve the required reduction of noise for the precharge nodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide power control for a multiple giga-hertz frequency integrated circuit. The method and apparatus include multiple levels of clock gating control circuitry and a clock distribution network to generate a low-skew system clock signal, and generate a gated clock signal, from the system clock signal, and distribute the gated clock signal to a plurality of local logic circuits in the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A differential logic circuit (20, 120, 220, 320, 420 and 520) designed to ensure stability of the output of the circuit. The logic circuit includes a differential load structure (22, 122, 222, 322, 422) that is connected to evaluate transistors (50, 52, 54, 56). In several embodiments, the outputs of the load transistors (30, 32) in the differential load structure are connected to the bodies of the evaluate transistors. In the other embodiments, the outputs of the load transistors in the differential structure are connected to one of the gates of a double-gated evaluate transistors. Level-shifting output buffers (160, 178) are used in connection with the embodiments of the invention that do not include double-gated evaluate transistors.

Abstract: A differential logic stage includes a precharge circuit, a first evaluate circuit and a second evaluate circuit. The precharge circuit is connected to a first potential and a differential output defined by a first output node and a second output node. The second evaluate circuit is connected to a second potential and a first output node. The second evaluate circuit is connected to the second potential and the second output node. The second evaluate circuit is symmetric with the first evaluate circuit, and in one embodiment each evaluate circuit includes a transistor stack and an input transistor. The transistor stack is connected between the second potential and one of the output nodes. The input transistor is connected in parallel with the transistor stack.

Abstract: A differential logic circuit (20, 120, 220, 320, 420 and 520) designed to ensure stability of the output of the circuit. The logic circuit includes a differential load structure (22, 122, 222, 322, 422) that is connected to evaluate transistors (50, 52, 54, 56). In several embodiments, the outputs of the load transistors (30, 32) in the differential load structure are connected to the bodies of the evaluate transistors. In the other embodiments, the outputs of the load transistors in the differential structure are connected to one of the gates of a double-gated evaluate transistors. Level-shifting output buffers (160, 178) are used in connection with the embodiments of the invention that do not include double-gated evaluate transistors.

Abstract: A symmetric differential domino AND gate. In a further embodiment, the symmetric differential domino AND gate has a first evaluation block of transistors and a second evaluation block of transistors, and the first evaluation block and second evaluation block have the same number of transistors and the same size transistors.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for charge recovery in dynamic circuitry includes discharging a dynamic node during an evaluation interval by input circuitry coupled to the dynamic node responsive to one or more input signals. The discharging includes transferring the charge from the dynamic node to a capacitor during the evaluation time interval. The dynamic node is charged during a precharge interval by a voltage source and precharge timing circuitry coupled to the dynamic node responsive to a precharge signal. The charging includes transferring the charge from the capacitor back to the dynamic node.

Abstract: A scannable latch for use within a circuit path of a series of one or more dynamic circuits is provided. The scannable latch provides both latch functionality during normal operation and scan test functionality during scan mode operation. Particularly, the scannable latch has a dynamic input stage and a shadow latch, where the dynamic input stage's primary function occurs during normal operations and where the shadow latch's primary function occurs during scan operations. The scannable latch also has an output gate operatively connected to the dynamic input stage and shadow latch.

Abstract: A domino circuit may be provided with additional keeper transistors that are selectively activated when one of the input transistors in a logic structure has a low or inactive signal applied to it during the evaluation stage. Thus, the potential of the output node of the domino circuit may be maintained, improving the soft error rate.

Abstract: An impedance updating apparatus includes a terminator circuit for receiving and terminating an external input signal, the terminator circuit having an up-terminator and a down-terminator; and an update controller for separately controlling the up-terminator and the down-terminator based on the level of the external input signal. The update controller includes at least one latch for latching impedance codes of a programmable impedance controller, the impedance codes being used for controlling transistors in the up-terminator and down-terminator. The update controller performs updating impedance of the up-terminator, or down-terminator when an up-update enable signal or a down-update enable signal and a level of the external input signal correspond to a predetermined condition. And the update controller performs updating impedance of the up-terminator, or down-terminator in response to a level of the external input signal during set-up or hold time only.

Abstract: Clocked half-rail differential logic circuits are activated by a delayed clock. According to the invention, when clocked half-rail differential logic circuits of the invention are cascaded together, a delayed clock is provided for each clocked half-rail differential logic circuit and each delayed clock is timed to at least the delay of the previous clocked half-rail differential logic circuit. Consequently, according to the invention, a delay time is introduced to ensure each clocked half-rail differential logic circuit of the invention is switched or “fired” only after it has received an input from the previous clocked half-rail differential logic circuit stage. According to the invention, this is achieved without the use of complicated control circuitry.

Abstract: A dual-rail static logic gate with a self cut-off mechanism is disclosed. In an embodiment, the output of the first rail is coupled to the input of the pull-up device of the second rail and vice versa. The cross-coupling allows the self cut-off mechanism of the static gate to function properly and provides for components which have lower capacitance than conventional static gates. The lower capacitance results in a faster static gate.

Abstract: A circuit for reducing the noise associated with a clock signal for a latch based circuit has been developed. The circuit includes a charge control portion that stores charge at a pre-determined time of the clock cycle and a dump control portion that releases the stored current also at a predetermined time of the clock cycle. The charge is released onto the power grid of the system served by the clock signal in synchronization with the operation of the latch.

Abstract: A reduced-leakage current dynamic circuit (10) is disclosed that includes a logic circuit (30), a pre-charge transistor (32), and a standby transistor (40). The logic circuit (30) is coupled to an internal output node (50). The logic circuit (30) includes a plurality of logic transistors (60 and 62) having a low threshold voltage. The pre-charge transistor (32) is coupled to the internal output node (50). The pre-charge transistor (32) is operable to provide a pre-charge voltage at the internal output node (50) and has a standard threshold voltage. The standby transistor (40) is coupled to the internal output node (50). The standby transistor (40) is operable to provide a standby voltage at the internal output node (50).

Abstract: A high gain clock circuit that includes an input section that receives an input clock on an input section input. A self terminating pre-charge section is connected to the input section and includes domino logic. An output section is connected to the self terminating pre-charge section and produces an output clock at an output section output. The clock circuit encompasses a small area and achieves high gain at the output section output relative to the input section input. The high gain clock circuit has higher gain than known circuits and is characterized by fast rise time and slower fall time.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a constant pulse signal from an enabling ATD input signal may include a latch structure connected between first and second circuit nodes, with each node being coupled to a corresponding charge and discharge capacitance and being also connected to respective inputs of a logic gate. The circuit may also include a memory element coupled to the circuit nodes for filtering the enabling ATD signal and avoiding a partial discharge of one of the capacitances. An output of the logic gate is provided for generating the pulse signal independent of voltage and/or temperature variations affecting the enabling ATD signal.

Abstract: A reset first latching mechanism comprises a pulse chopper circuit responsive to a pulsed signal to control initiation and termination of a reset pulse wherein a domino node is to be precharged in response to the reset pulse. The reset first latching mechanism also includes domino logic circuit responsive to an evaluate pulse at an input to evaluate at the domino node based on a logic function performed by the domino logic circuit. The reset pulse is timed such that the reset pulse is completed before the evaluate at the domino node occurs.

Abstract: A multi-threshold flip-flop circuit having an outside feedback is disclosed. The multi-threshold flip-flop circuit comprises a master latch and a slave latch. Coupled between an output of the slave latch and an input of the master latch, a switchable feedback path is utilized to retain logical values of the slave latch during a sleep mode of the flip-flop circuit.

Abstract: A global clock self-timed circuit initiates a precharge pulse in response to which a domino node is precharged. A self-terminating precharge circuit coupled to the global clock self-timed circuit and the domino node terminates the precharge pulse after the domino node has been precharged.

Abstract: Logic is connected to the outputs of a dynamic logic gate to detect illegal or invalid states. The output of this detection logic sets a state catcher. The output of the state catcher is readable by scan logic so that the occurrence or non-occurrence of the invalid state may be read by test hardware.

Abstract: Clocked half-rail differential logic circuits are activated by a delayed clock. According to the invention, when clocked half-rail differential logic circuits of the invention are cascaded together, a delayed clock is provided for each clocked half-rail differential logic circuit and each delayed clock is timed to at least the delay of the previous clocked half-rail differential logic circuit. Consequently, according to the invention, a delay time is introduced to ensure each clocked half-rail differential logic circuit of the invention is switched or “fired” only after it has received an input from the previous clocked half-rail differential logic circuit stage. According to the invention, this is achieved without the use of complicated control circuitry.

Abstract: A domino logic circuit is provided. The circuit includes an n-channel clock transistor coupled between a dynamic output node and a high voltage connection, with the gate of the clock transistor coupled to receive an inverse clock signal. A first inverter and a second inverter are connected in series such that the input of the first inverter is connected to the output of the second inverter. The input of the second inverter is connected to the dynamic output node. An n-channel level keeper transistor is connected between the dynamic output node and the high voltage connection, and the gate of the level keeper transistor is connected to the output of the first inverter. A pull-down circuit is connected between the dynamic output node and a low-voltage connection.

Abstract: A conditional clock gate is implemented that equalizes load conditions on clocked transistor gates to provide a better quality clock signal in a clock distribution network. The conditional clock gate may be implemented as either a NAND gate or a NOR gate. According to one embodiment, a pre-charge transistor is that equals clock loading when the enable signal is de-asserted. The pre-charge transistor charges a terminal of a clocked transistor during certain clock states to mimic load conditions that exist when the enable signal is asserted. In another embodiment, a pre-discharge transistor is implemented that charges a terminal of a clocked transistor during certain clock states to mimic load conditions that exist when the enable signal is asserted. Conditional clock gates may also be implemented with multiple enable inputs using these same prnciples.

Abstract: A circuit having a data input pin for receiving a data signal, a clock input for receiving a clock signal and having a low setup time and a zero hold time is comprised of an input stage for periodically connecting a sampling device to the data input pin in response to the clock signal. An evaluation stage, responsive to the clock signal, evaluates the charge collected by the device at a time the device is disconnected from the data input pin. The evaluation stage produces a signal representative of the sampled charge. An output stage, responsive to the clock signal and the produced signal, outputs a data signal representative of the sampled data signal. The circuit may have a single data path and a single charge accumulating device such that an output signal representative of the sampled data signal is available on either the rising or the falling edge of the clock signal.

Abstract: A dynamic logic circuit having reduced sub-threshold leakage current during standby mode comprises a connection to at least one upper power rail, a connection to a lower power rail, a precharge node, and an output node adapted to be charged to the potential of the upper power rail after a precharge signal is received at the precharge node. A latch on the output node is provided to maintain the potential at the output node, along with at least one input node for receiving at least one evaluation signal to maintain the potential at the output node to the voltage of the upper power rail or reduce the potential at the output node to the potential of the lower power rail. A device is coupled to the output node to set the output node to a potential which minimizes the sub-threshold leakage upon receipt of a standby signal to maintain the potential at the output node at the potential of the upper power rail or at the potential of the lower power rail.

Abstract: A system of individually adjusting noise immunity of each input of a dynamic circuit including parallel or series-parallel pull-down network comprises identifying precharge nodes of the dynamic circuit requiring a reduction of noise. Then further identifying NMOS transistor drains connected to the respective precharge nodes, then creating a pull-up network of PMOS transistors for the precharge nodes, respectively. After creating a pull-up network of PMOS transistors, the system further includes arranging the order of the PMOS transistors corresponding to the respective precharge nodes to improve the noise immunity and performance of the dynamic circuit. After completing the arranging of the order of the PMOS transistors, the system can further include sizing the PMOS transistors to achieve the required reduction of noise for the precharge nodes, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing leakage current in an integrated circuit includes a supply voltage line, a virtual supply voltage line, a ground voltage line, a virtual ground voltage line, a first logic circuit coupled to the ground voltage line and selectively coupled to the virtual supply voltage line, a second logic circuit coupled to the supply voltage line and selectively coupled to the virtual ground voltage line, and a switch circuit configured to control the selective coupling of the first logic circuit to the virtual supply line voltage and the second logic circuit to the virtual ground voltage line.

Abstract: A method is provided for selecting a participant to issue. The method includes signaling a domino OR gate arbitration device upon a ready request of a participant having a priority, determining within the domino OR gate arbitration device the relative priority of the participant, signaling the domino OR gate arbitration device through an any-request device upon the ready request of a higher priority participant, and issuing the higher priority participant upon determining the higher priority participant to have a priority highest among participants ready for issue. The method includes gating one of a precharge signal and an evaluate signal of the precharged domino OR gate arbitration device by the ready request of the participant. The method further includes latching a result of the domino OR gate arbitration device and a clock signal, and gating the clock signal by the ready signal of the participant.

Abstract: A symmetric differential domino AND gate. In a further embodiment, the symmetric differential domino AND gate has a first evaluation block of transistors and a second evaluation block of transistors, and the first evaluation block and second evaluation block have the same number of transistors and the same size transistors.

Abstract: A domino logic circuit contained within an integrated circuit includes a dynamic logic circuit and an intermediate logic circuit. The intermediate logic circuit includes a pull-up transistor having a source terminal coupled to a source voltage line and an n-block transistor having a source terminal connected to a low ground voltage line.

Abstract: A logic cell capable of realizing a high speed logic operation without using a pipeline register and capable of realizing a simplification of the circuit structure and a lowering of the power consumption, and a logic circuit using the same, wherein an input register converts an input data to a two-wire code synchronous to a clock signal and supplies the same to a logic cell array, each logic cell of the logic cell array performs a predetermined logic operation, when an output code of a monitor cell changes to a valid logic code, an early completion detection signal output from a NOR gate becomes “L”, the input register is reset in accordance with this, and the output becomes a blank code, the blank code is propagated by the logic cell array, and when the output of the monitor cell changes to the blank code, the output of the NOR gate becomes “H”, the reset is released, and the input register supplies the input data to the logic cell array.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device is provided with a selector that selects a normal operation signal or a circuit diagnosis input signal depending upon a first-mode input signal. A first latch and a second latch selectively execute one of (i) a scan mode for either holding or transmitting one of the normal operation signal and the circuit diagnosis input signal, selected by the selector depending upon a clock signal, and (ii) a long delay path function mode for transmitting a transmission signal irrespective of the clock signal, depending upon a second-mode input signal.

Abstract: Clocked half-rail differential logic circuits are activated by a delayed clock. According to the invention, when clocked half-rail differential logic circuits of the invention are cascaded together, a delayed clock is provided for each clocked half-rail differential logic circuit and each delayed clock is timed to at least the delay of the previous clocked half-rail differential logic circuit. Consequently, according to the invention, a delay time is introduced to ensure each clocked half-rail differential logic circuit of the invention is switched or “fired” only after it has received an input from the previous clocked half-rail differential logic circuit stage. According to the invention, this is achieved without the use of complicated control circuitry.

Abstract: A pulsed circuit topology including a pulsed domino flip-flop. A circuit includes a domino logic gate having a domino output node responsive to input data during an evaluate pulse. Reset circuitry initiates and self-terminates a reset pulse during which the domino output node is precharged. A latch responsive to a first pulsed clock input signal is provided to latch data indicated at the domino output node.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a circuit is provided that includes a precharge device, a DNG FET transistor, and at least one pull-down FET transistor with a floating body. The precharge device is connected to a precharge node for charging it during a precharge state. The DNG FET transistor is connected between a DNG node and a charge sink for operably linking the DNG node to the charge sink during an evaluate state. In addition, the DNG transistor has an associated precharge leakage current. The at least one pull-down FET transistor has an input threshold voltage whose value is inversely affected by its floating body voltage. The at least one pull-down transistor is connected between the precharge node and the DNG node for discharging the precharge node during the evaluate state if so dictated by logical function input values applied to the pull-down transistors during the evaluate state.

Abstract: A domino logic circuit is provided. The circuit includes an n-channel clock transistor coupled between a dynamic output node and a high voltage connection, the gate of the clock transistor further coupled to receive an inverse clock signal. A first inverter has an input connected to the dynamic output node. A second inverter with an input connected to the dynamic output node comprises a static CMOS circuit stage which serves as an output receiver circuit, the output of which is the output of the domino logic circuit. An n-channel level keeper transistor is connected between the dynamic output node and the high voltage connection, and the gate of the level keeper transistor is connected to the output of the first inverter. A pull-down circuit is connected between the dynamic output node and a low-voltage connection. An output predischarge transistor is connected between the output of the static CMOS circuit and the low voltage connection, and is coupled to and controlled by a clock signal at its gate.

Abstract: A low power dynamic logic circuit. By shifting a discharge NMOS transistor of a conventional dynamic logic circuit between an output terminal and a logic block, plus an additional charge and discharge control, the operation speed and power consumption of a dynamic circuit can be effectively improved. Using the charge redistribution to speed up the circuit operation and to reduce the body effect that affects the operation speed, the speed of the novel dynamic logic circuit is enhanced. By transferring the lump capacitor of the charge/discharge, the dynamic power can be effectively reduced. The lower power dynamic logic circuit can be used independently or combined with a conventionally dynamic logic circuit.

Abstract: A reverse biasing logic circuit is disclosed for limiting standby leakage electric current losses during circuit operation. The circuit includes a logic function circuit having one or more logic transistors that receive an input and perform a logic function operation to generate an output. A power source transistor connects to the logic function circuit and receives a control signal that changes node voltages of the one or more logic transistors between an active mode and a standby mode. During the standby mode, the power source transistor causes reverse biasing of at least one of the one or more logic transistors which prevents a leakage electric current flow between the power source transistor and the one or more logic transistors.

Abstract: A circuit having a data pin, an input pin for receiving a clock signal and having a zero hold time, is comprised of a sampling transistor for collecting charge at the data pin during a setup time defined by the clock signal; a device for isolating the sampling transistor from the data pin in response to the clock signal; and an output stage for outputting a logic signal in response to the charge sampled by the sampling transistor and the clock signal. The circuit may have an inverter for producing the complement of the clock signal, and the device for isolating may include a multiplexer responsive to the clock signal and the complement of the clock signal. The circuit can be operated as either a latch or a register. A method of operating a data acquisition and retention circuit having a zero hold time is also disclosed.