Ultra low area overhead retention flip-flop for power-down applications
First Claim
1. A data retention apparatus comprising:
- a first latch for latching a data input;
a second latch coupled to the first latch for retaining the data input while the first latch is inoperative in a standby power mode; and
a controller having a clock input and a retention input, the controller providing a clock output to the first latch and to the second latch, wherein a change in a retention signal received at the retention input is indicative of a transition to the standby power mode, wherein the controller holds the clock output at a predefined voltage level in the standby power mode, and wherein the controller includes;
a first switch controlled by an inverse of the retention signal, wherein the first switch is inoperative in the standby power mode; and
a second switch controlled by the inverse of the retention signal, wherein the second switch holds the clock output at the predefined voltage level responsive to the inverse of the retention signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a method and system for data retention, a data input is latched by a first latch. A second latch coupled to the first latch receives the data input for retention while the first latch is inoperative in a standby power mode. The first latch receives power from a first power line that is switched off during the standby power mode. The second latch receives power from a second power line. A controller receives a clock input and a retention signal and provides a clock output to the first latch and the second latch. A change in the retention signal is indicative of a transition to the standby power mode. The controller continues to hold the clock output at a predefined voltage level and the second latch continues to receive power from the second power line in the standby power mode, thereby retaining the data input.
57 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A data retention apparatus comprising:
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a first latch for latching a data input; a second latch coupled to the first latch for retaining the data input while the first latch is inoperative in a standby power mode; and a controller having a clock input and a retention input, the controller providing a clock output to the first latch and to the second latch, wherein a change in a retention signal received at the retention input is indicative of a transition to the standby power mode, wherein the controller holds the clock output at a predefined voltage level in the standby power mode, and wherein the controller includes; a first switch controlled by an inverse of the retention signal, wherein the first switch is inoperative in the standby power mode; and a second switch controlled by the inverse of the retention signal, wherein the second switch holds the clock output at the predefined voltage level responsive to the inverse of the retention signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification