Data processing circuit with self-timed instruction execution and power regulation
US6014749A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/3203
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The data processing circuit has a self-timed instruction execution unit, which operates asynchronously, signalling the completion of processes and starting subsequent processes in response to such signalling. In order to satisfy real time constraints upon program execution ready signals generated after completion of selected instructions are gated with a timer signal before they are used to start a next instruction. In an embodiment, the amount of time left between the ready signal is used to start a next instruction is measured and used to regulate a power supply voltage of the instruction execution unit so that it is just high enough to make the instruction execution unit sufficiently fast to meet the real time constraints.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.