Patent · US Expired

Ultra low area overhead retention flip-flop for power-down applications

US7639056B2 · kind B2 · utility

47Cited by
4References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 26, 2005
Grant dateDec 29, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 26, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02D30/70
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.