U.S. patent application number 17/184640 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-09 for d flip-flop.
The applicant listed for this patent is FARADAY TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Sheng-Hua CHEN, Cheng-Hsing CHIEN, Yu-Hao LIU.
Application Number | 20220182044 17/184640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220182044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIU; Yu-Hao ; et
al. |
June 9, 2022 |
D FLIP-FLOP
Abstract
A true single-phase clock (TSPC) D flip-flop includes four
stages. The four stages are serially connected between the input
terminal and the output terminal of the TSPC D-type flip-flop. Each
stage is selectively equipped with two connecting devices. One of
the two connecting devices is a resistive element. The other of the
two connecting devices is a short circuit element. When the node
between two stages is in the floating state, the voltage change is
slowed down by the resistive element. Consequently, the possibility
of causing the function failure of the D-type flip-flop is
minimized.
Inventors: |
LIU; Yu-Hao; (Hsinchu,
TW) ; CHEN; Sheng-Hua; (Hsinchu, TW) ; CHIEN;
Cheng-Hsing; (Hsinchu, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FARADAY TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION |
Hsinchu |
|
TW |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/184640 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2021 |
International
Class: |
H03K 3/037 20060101
H03K003/037 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 3, 2020 |
TW |
109142660 |
Claims
1-28. (canceled)
29. A D-type flip-flop, comprising: a first first-type transistor
having a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal, and a second
drain/source terminal, wherein the gate terminal of the first
first-type transistor receives an input signal, the first
drain/source terminal of the first first-type transistor receives a
first supply voltage, and the second drain/source terminal of the
first first-type transistor is connected to a first node; a first
second-type transistor having a gate terminal, a first drain/source
terminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the gate
terminal of the first second-type transistor receives a clock
signal, and the first drain/source terminal of the first
second-type transistor is connected to the first node; a second
second-type transistor having a gate terminal, a first drain/source
terminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the gate
terminal of the second second-type transistor receives the input
signal, the first drain/source terminal of the second second-type
transistor is connected with the second drain/source terminal of
the first second-type transistor, and the second drain/source
terminal of the second second-type transistor receives a second
supply voltage; a second first-type transistor having a gate
terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/source
terminal, wherein the gate terminal of the second first-type
transistor receives the clock signal, and the first drain/source
terminal of the second first-type transistor receives the first
supply voltage; a third first-type transistor having a gate
terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/source
terminal, wherein the gate terminal of the third first-type
transistor is connected to the first node, the first drain/source
terminal of the third first-type transistor is connected with the
second drain/source terminal of the second first-type transistor,
and the second drain/source terminal of the third first-type
transistor is connected to a second node; a third second-type
transistor having a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal
and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the gate terminal of
the third second-type transistor receives the clock signal, the
first drain/source terminal of the third second-type transistor is
connected to the second node, and the second drain/source terminal
of the third second-type transistor receives the second supply
voltage; a first connecting device having a first terminal and a
second terminal, wherein the first terminal of the first connecting
device receives the first supply voltage; a fourth first-type
transistor having a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal
and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the gate terminal of
the fourth first-type transistor is connected to the second node,
and the first drain/source terminal of the fourth first-type
transistor is connected to the second terminal of the first
connecting device; a fifth first-type transistor having a gate
terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/source
terminal, wherein the gate terminal of the fifth first-type
transistor receives the clock signal, the first drain/source
terminal of the fifth first-type transistor is connected with the
second drain/source terminal of the fourth first-type transistor,
and the second drain/source terminal of the fifth first-type
transistor is connected to a third node; a fourth second-type
transistor having a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal
and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the gate terminal of
the fourth second-type transistor is connected to the second node,
and the first drain/source terminal of the fourth second-type
transistor is connected to the third node; and a second connecting
device having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the
first terminal of the second connecting device is connected with
the second drain/source terminal of the fourth second-type
transistor, and the second terminal of the second connecting device
receives the second supply voltage, wherein one of the first
connecting device and the second connecting device is a resistive
element, and the other of the first connecting device and the
second connecting device is a short circuit element.
30. The D-type flip-flop as claimed in claim 29, further comprising
an inverter, wherein an input terminal of the inverter is connected
to the third node, and an output terminal of the inverter generates
an output signal.
31. The D-type flip-flop as claimed in claim 29, wherein the first
first-type transistor, the second first-type transistor, the third
first-type transistor, the fourth first-type transistor and the
fifth first-type transistor are p-type transistors, and the first
second-type transistor, the second second-type transistor, the
third second-type transistor and the fourth second-type transistor
are n-type transistors, wherein the first supply voltage is higher
than the second supply voltage.
32. The D-type flip-flop as claimed in claim 29, wherein the first
first-type transistor, the second first-type transistor, the third
first-type transistor, the fourth first-type transistor and the
fifth first-type transistor are n-type transistors, and the first
second-type transistor, the second second-type transistor, the
third second-type transistor and the fourth second-type transistor
are p-type transistors, wherein the second supply voltage is higher
than the first supply voltage.
33. The D-type flip-flop as claimed in claim 29, further comprising
a capacitor, wherein the capacitor is connected to the first
node.
34-42. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Taiwan Patent
Application No. 109142660, filed Dec. 3, 2020, the subject matter
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a D flip-flop, and more
particularly to a true single-phase clock D flip-flop.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Generally, the D-type flip-flops in logic circuits are all
master-slave type D flip-flops. The master-slave D-type flip-flop
has better anti-noise capability. However, the master-slave D-type
flip-flop has some drawbacks, including larger size, slower
operation speed and higher power consumption.
[0004] In an integrated circuit, a dynamic circuit is operated
according to a clock signal. A true single-phase clock D flip-flop
(hereinafter referred to as a TSPC D flip-flop) is a kind of
dynamic circuit. Since dynamic circuits have the advantages of
higher speed, low layout area, and low power consumption, dynamic
circuits have been designed in logic circuits or special
application integrated circuits (ASICs).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a D-type
flip-flop. The D-type flip-flop includes a first connecting device,
a first first-type transistor, a first second-type transistor, a
second second-type transistor, a second connecting device, a second
first-type transistor, a third first-type transistor, a third
second-type transistor, a fourth first-type transistor, a fifth
first-type transistor and a fourth second-type transistor. The
first connecting device has a first terminal and a second terminal.
The first terminal of the first connecting device receives a first
supply voltage. The first first-type transistor has a gate
terminal, a first drain/source terminal, and a second drain/source
terminal. The gate terminal of the first first-type transistor
receives an input signal. The first drain/source terminal of the
first first-type transistor is connected with the second terminal
of the first connecting device. The second drain/source terminal of
the first first-type transistor is connected to a first node. The
first second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the first second-type transistor receives a clock
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the first second-type
transistor is connected to the first node. The second second-type
transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a
second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the second
second-type transistor receives the input signal. The first
drain/source terminal of the second second-type transistor is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the first
second-type transistor. The second connecting device has a first
terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the second
connecting device is connected with the second drain/source
terminal of the second second-type transistor. The second terminal
of the second connecting device receives a second supply voltage.
The second first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the second first-type transistor receives the clock
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the second first-type
transistor receives the first supply voltage. The third first-type
transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a
second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the third
first-type transistor is connected to the first node. The first
drain/source terminal of the third first-type transistor is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the second
first-type transistor. The second drain/source terminal of the
third first-type transistor is coupled to a second node. The third
second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source
terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of
the third second-type transistor receives the clock signal. The
first drain/source terminal of the third second-type transistor is
coupled to the second node. The second drain/source terminal of the
third second-type transistor receives the second supply voltage.
The fourth first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fourth first-type transistor is connected to the
second node. The first drain/source terminal of the fourth
first-type transistor is coupled to the first supply voltage. The
fifth first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fifth first-type transistor receives the clock
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the fifth first-type
transistor is connected with the second drain/source terminal of
the fourth first-type transistor. The second drain/source terminal
of the fifth first-type transistor is connected to a third node.
The fourth second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is connected to the
second node. The first drain/source terminal of the fourth
second-type transistor is connected to the third node. The second
drain/source terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is
coupled to the second supply voltage. Moreover, one of the first
connecting device and the second connecting device is a resistive
element, and the other of the first connecting device and the
second connecting device is a short circuit element.
[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
D-type flip-flop. The D-type flip-flop includes a first first-type
transistor, a first second-type transistor, a second second-type
transistor, a second first-type transistor, a first connecting
device, a third first-type transistor, a second connecting device,
a third second-type transistor, a fourth first-type transistor, a
fifth first-type transistor and a fourth second-type transistor.
The first first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal, and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the first first-type transistor receives an input
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the first first-type
transistor receives a first supply voltage. The second drain/source
terminal of the first first-type transistor is connected to a first
node. The first second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the first second-type transistor receives a clock
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the first second-type
transistor is connected to the first node. The second second-type
transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a
second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the second
second-type transistor receives the input signal. The first
drain/source terminal of the second second-type transistor is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the first
second-type transistor. The second drain/source terminal of the
second second-type transistor receives a second supply voltage. The
second first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the second first-type transistor receives the clock
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the second first-type
transistor receives the first supply voltage. The first connecting
device has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first
terminal of the first connecting device is connected with the
second drain/source terminal of the second first-type transistor.
The third first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the third first-type transistor is connected to the
first node. The first drain/source terminal of the third first-type
transistor is connected with the second terminal of the first
connecting device. The second drain/source terminal of the third
first-type transistor is coupled to a second node. The second
connecting device has a first terminal and a second terminal. The
first terminal of the second connecting device is connected to the
second node. The third second-type transistor has a gate terminal,
a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal.
The gate terminal of the third second-type transistor receives the
clock signal. The first drain/source terminal of the third
second-type transistor is connected with the second terminal of the
second connecting device. The second drain/source terminal of the
third second-type transistor receives the second supply voltage.
The fourth first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fourth first-type transistor is connected to the
second node. The first drain/source terminal of the fourth
first-type transistor is coupled to the first supply voltage. The
fifth first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fifth first-type transistor receives the clock
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the fifth first-type
transistor is connected with the second drain/source terminal of
the fourth first-type transistor. The second drain/source terminal
of the fifth first-type transistor is connected to a third node.
The fourth second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is connected to the
second node. The first drain/source terminal of the fourth
second-type transistor is connected to the third node. The second
drain/source terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is
coupled to the second supply voltage. Moreover, one of the first
connecting device and the second connecting device is a resistive
element, and the other of the first connecting device and the
second connecting device is a short circuit element.
[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
D-type flip-flop. The D-type flip-flop includes a first first-type
transistor, a first second-type transistor, a second second-type
transistor, a second first-type transistor, a third first-type
transistor, a third second-type transistor, a first connecting
device, a fourth first-type transistor, a fifth first-type
transistor, a fourth second-type transistor and a second connecting
device. The first first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a
first drain/source terminal, and a second drain/source terminal.
The gate terminal of the first first-type transistor receives an
input signal. The first drain/source terminal of the first
first-type transistor receives a first supply voltage. The second
drain/source terminal of the first first-type transistor is
connected to a first node. The first second-type transistor has a
gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second
drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the first second-type
transistor receives a clock signal. The first drain/source terminal
of the first second-type transistor is connected to the first node.
The second second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the second second-type transistor receives the input
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the second second-type
transistor is connected with the second drain/source terminal of
the first second-type transistor. The second drain/source terminal
of the second second-type transistor receives a second supply
voltage. The second first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a
first drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The
gate terminal of the second first-type transistor receives the
clock signal. The first drain/source terminal of the second
first-type transistor receives the first supply voltage. The third
first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source
terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of
the third first-type transistor is connected to the first node. The
first drain/source terminal of the third first-type transistor is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the second
first-type transistor. The second drain/source terminal of the
third first-type transistor is connected to a second node. The
third second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the third second-type transistor receives the clock
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the third second-type
transistor is connected to the second node. The second drain/source
terminal of the third second-type transistor receives the second
supply voltage. The first connecting device has a first terminal
and a second terminal. The first terminal of the first connecting
device receives the first supply voltage. The fourth first-type
transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a
second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the fourth
first-type transistor is connected to the second node. The first
drain/source terminal of the fourth first-type transistor is
connected to the second terminal of the first connecting device.
The fifth first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fifth first-type transistor receives the clock
signal. The first drain/source terminal of the fifth first-type
transistor is connected with the second drain/source terminal of
the fourth first-type transistor. The second drain/source terminal
of the fifth first-type transistor is connected to a third node.
The fourth second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is connected to the
second node. The first drain/source terminal of the fourth
second-type transistor is connected to the third node. The second
connecting device has a first terminal and a second terminal. The
first terminal of the second connecting device is connected with
the second drain/source terminal of the fourth second-type
transistor. The second terminal of the second connecting device
receives the second supply voltage. Moreover, one of the first
connecting device and the second connecting device is a resistive
element, and the other of the first connecting device and the
second connecting device is a short circuit element.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
D-type flip-flop. The D-type flip-flop includes a first first-type
transistor, a first second-type transistor, a second second-type
transistor, a second first-type transistor, a third first-type
transistor, a third second-type transistor, a fourth first-type
transistor, a fifth first-type transistor, a fourth second-type
transistor and a first capacitor. The first first-type transistor
has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal, and a second
drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the first first-type
transistor receives an input signal. The first drain/source
terminal of the first first-type transistor receives a first supply
voltage. The second drain/source terminal of the first first-type
transistor is connected to a first node. The first second-type
transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a
second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the first
second-type transistor receives a clock signal. The first
drain/source terminal of the first second-type transistor is
connected to the first node. The second second-type transistor has
a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second
drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the second second-type
transistor receives the input signal. The first drain/source
terminal of the second second-type transistor is connected with the
second drain/source terminal of the first second-type transistor.
The second drain/source terminal of the second second-type
transistor receives a second supply voltage. The second first-type
transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a
second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the second
first-type transistor receives the clock signal. The first
drain/source terminal of the second first-type transistor receives
the first supply voltage. The third first-type transistor has a
gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second
drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the third first-type
transistor is connected to the first node. The first drain/source
terminal of the third first-type transistor is connected with the
second drain/source terminal of the second first-type transistor.
The second drain/source terminal of the third first-type transistor
is connected to a second node. The third second-type transistor has
a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second
drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the third second-type
transistor receives the clock signal. The first drain/source
terminal of the third second-type transistor is connected to the
second node. The second drain/source terminal of the third
second-type transistor receives the second supply voltage. The
fourth first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fourth first-type transistor is connected to the
second node. The first drain/source terminal of the fourth
first-type transistor receives the first supply voltage. The fifth
first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source
terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of
the fifth first-type transistor receives the clock signal. The
first drain/source terminal of the fifth first-type transistor is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the fourth
first-type transistor. The second drain/source terminal of the
fifth first-type transistor is connected to a third node. The
fourth second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first
drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate
terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is connected to the
second node. The first drain/source terminal of the fourth
second-type transistor is connected to the third node. The second
drain/source terminal of the fourth second-type transistor receives
the second supply voltage. The first capacitor has a first terminal
and a second terminal. The first terminal of the first capacitor is
connected to the first node. The second terminal of the first
capacitor receives the first supply voltage or the second supply
voltage.
[0009] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent upon a reading of the following
detailed description of embodiments of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the
drawings employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and
should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The above objects and advantages of the present invention
will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in
the art after reviewing the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1A is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a
negative trigger TSPC D flip-flop;
[0012] FIG. 1B is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a
positive trigger TSPC D flip-flop;
[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic timing waveform diagrams
illustrating associated signals of the negative trigger TSPC D-type
flip-flop;
[0014] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic circuit diagrams
illustrating a TSPC D flip-flop according to a first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D schematically illustrate some
examples of the resistive element used in the D flip-flop according
to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic circuit diagrams
illustrating a TSPC D flip-flop according to a second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D schematically illustrate some
examples of the resistive element used in the D flip-flop according
to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are schematic circuit diagrams
illustrating a TSPC D flip-flop according to a third embodiment of
the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F schematically illustrate
some examples of the resistive element used in the D flip-flop
according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating
a TSPC D flip-flop according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0021] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E schematically illustrate
some examples of the capacitor used in the D flip-flop according to
the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Please refer to FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A is a schematic
circuit diagram illustrating a negative trigger TSPC D flip-flop.
FIG. 1B is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a positive
trigger TSPC D flip-flop.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1A, the negative trigger TSPC D-type
flip-flop 110 comprises p-type transistors Mp1.about.Mp6 and n-type
transistors Mn1.about.Mn5. The p-type transistor and the n-type
transistor are different types of transistors. For example, the
p-type transistors are first-type transistors, and the n-type
transistors are second-type transistors.
[0024] Moreover, four stages are serially connected between the
input terminal and the output terminal of the negative trigger TSPC
D-type flip-flop 110. The first stage comprises the p-type
transistor Mp1 and the two n-type transistors Mn1, Mn2. The second
stage comprises the P-type transistors Mp2, Mp3 and the n-type
transistor Mn3. The third stage comprises the p-type transistor
Mp4, Mp5 and the n-type transistor Mn4. The fourth stage comprises
the p-type transistor Mp6 and the n-type transistor Mn5.
[0025] The connecting relationship between associated components of
the first stage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of
the p-type transistor Mp1 receives an input signal D. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp1 receives a
supply voltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mp1 is connected to node a2. The gate terminal of the
n-type transistor Mn1 receives a clock signal CK. The first
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn1 is connected to
the node a2. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn2
receives the input signal D. The first drain/source terminal of the
n-type transistor Mn2 is connected with the second drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn1. The second drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn2 receives a supply voltage
GND. The supply voltage Vdd is higher than the supply voltage GND.
For example, the supply voltage Vdd is 3.3V, and the supply voltage
GND is 0V.
[0026] The connecting relationship between associated components of
the second stage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of
the p-type transistor Mp2 receives the clock signal CK. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2 receives the
supply voltage Vdd. The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3
is connected to the node a2. The first drain/source terminal of the
p-type transistor Mp3 is connected with the second drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2. The second drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3 is connected to a node b2.
The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 receives the clock
signal CK. The first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor
Mn3 is connected to the node b2. The second drain/source terminal
of the n-type transistor Mn3 receives the supply voltage GND.
[0027] The connecting relationship between associated components of
the third stage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of
the p-type transistor Mp4 is connected to the node b2. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp4 receives the
supply voltage Vdd. The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp5
receives the clock signal CK. The first drain/source terminal of
the p-type transistor Mp5 is connected with the second drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp4. The second drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp5 is connected to a node c2.
The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn4 is connected to the
node b2. The first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor
Mn4 is connected to the node c2. The second drain/source terminal
of the n-type transistor Mn4 receives the supply voltage GND.
[0028] The connecting relationship between associated components of
the fourth stage will be described as follows. The p-type
transistor Mp6 and the n-type transistor Mn5 are collaboratively
formed as an inverter 112. The input terminal of the inverter 112
is connected to the node c2. The output terminal of the inverter
112 generates an output signal Q. The gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mp6 is connected to the node c2. The first drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp6 receives the supply voltage
Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp6
generates the output signal Q. The gate terminal of the n-type
transistor Mn5 is connected to node c2. The first drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn5 is connected with the second
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp6. The second
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn5 receives the
supply voltage GND.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1B, the positive trigger TSPC D-type
flip-flop 120 comprises n-type transistors Mn1.about.Mn6 and p-type
transistors Mp1.about.Mp5. The p-type transistor and the n-type
transistor are different types of transistors. For example, the
n-type transistors are first-type transistors, and the p-type
transistors are second-type transistors.
[0030] Moreover, four stages are serially connected between the
input terminal and the output terminal of the positive trigger TSPC
D-type flip-flop 120. The first stage comprises the p-type
transistors Mp1, Mp2 and the n-type transistors Mn1. The second
stage comprises the p-type transistors Mp3 and the n-type
transistors Mn2, Mn3. The third stage comprises the p-type
transistors Mp4 and the n-type transistors Mn4, Mn5. The fourth
stage comprises the p-type transistor Mp5 and the n-type transistor
Mn6.
[0031] The connecting relationship between associated components of
the first stage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of
the n-type transistor Mn1 receives an input signal D. The first
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn1 receives a
supply voltage GND. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mn1 is connected to the node d2. The gate terminal of
the p-type transistor Mp1 receives the clock signal CK. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp1 is connected to
the node d2. The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2
receives the input signal D. The first drain/source terminal of the
p-type transistor Mp2 is connected with the second drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp1. The second drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2 receives the supply voltage
Vdd. The supply voltage Vdd is higher than the supply voltage GND.
For example, the supply voltage Vdd is 3.3V, and the supply voltage
GND is 0V.
[0032] The connecting relationship between associated components of
the second stage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of
the n-type transistor Mn2 receives the clock signal CK. The first
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn2 receives the
supply voltage GND. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3
is connected to the node d2. The first drain/source terminal of the
n-type transistor Mn3 is connected with the second drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn2. The second drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 is connected to the node e2.
The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3 receives the clock
signal CK. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor
Mp3 is connected to the node e2. The second drain/source terminal
of the p-type transistor Mp3 receives the supply voltage Vdd.
[0033] The connecting relationship between associated components of
the third stage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of
the n-type transistor Mn4 is connected to the node e2. The first
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn4 receives the
supply voltage GND. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn5
receives the clock signal CK. The first drain/source terminal of
the n-type transistor Mn5 is connected with the second drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn4. The second drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn5 is connected to a node f2.
The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp4 is connected to the
node e2. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor
Mp4 is connected with the node f2. The second drain/source terminal
of the p-type transistor Mp4 receives the supply voltage Vdd.
[0034] The connecting relationship between associated components of
the fourth stage will be described as follows. The p-type
transistor Mp5 and the n-type transistor Mn6 are collaboratively
formed as an inverter 122. The input terminal of the inverter 122
is connected to the node f2. The output terminal of the inverter
122 generates an output signal Q. The gate terminal of the n-type
transistor Mn6 is connected to the node f2. The first drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn6 receives the supply voltage
GND. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn6
generates the output signal Q. The gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mp5 is connected to node f2. The first drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp5 is connected with the second
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn6. The second
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp5 receives the
supply voltage Vdd.
[0035] The operations of the positive trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop
120 are similar to those of the negative trigger TSPC D-type
flip-flop 110. For brevity, only the operations of the negative
trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop 110 when the nodes a2, b2 and c2 are
in the floating state will be described as follows. FIGS. 2A and 2B
are schematic timing waveform diagrams illustrating associated
signals of the negative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop.
[0036] In the time interval between the time point ta and the time
point tb, the clock signal CK is in a low level state (e.g.,
corresponding to the supply voltage GND), and the input signal D is
in a high level state (e.g., corresponding to the supply voltage
Vdd). The p-type transistor Mp1 and the n-type transistor Mn1 are
turned off. Consequently, the node a2 is in the floating state.
When the node a2 is in the floating state, the node a2 needs to be
maintained in the low level state. However, since the p-type
transistor Mp1 has a relatively large leakage current and the
leakage current charges the node a2, the voltage at the node a2 is
gradually increased. If the voltage at the node a2 is increased to
be very high when the node a2 is in the floating state, the p-type
transistor Mp2 is turned off. Consequently, the function of the
D-type flip-flop 110 fails.
[0037] In the time interval between the time point td and the time
point te, the voltage at the node a2 is at the high level state,
and the clock signal CK is in the low level state. The p-type
transistor Mp3 and the n-type transistor Mn3 are turned off.
Consequently, the node b2 is in the floating state. Theoretically,
when the node b2 is in the floating state, the node b2 needs to be
maintained in the low level state. However, since the p-type
transistors Mp2 and Mp3 have a relatively large leakage currents
and the leakage currents charge the node b2, the voltage at the
node b2 is gradually increased. If the voltage at the node b2 is
increased to be very high when the node b2 is in the floating
state, the p-type transistor Mp4 is turned off and the n-type
transistor Mn4 is turned on. Consequently, the function of the
D-type flip-flop 110 fails.
[0038] In the time interval between the time point tb and the time
point tc, the voltage at the node b2 is at the low level state, and
the clock signal CK is in the high level state. The n-type
transistor Mn4 and the p-type transistor Mp5 are turned off.
Consequently, the node c2 is in the floating state. Theoretically,
when the node c2 is in the floating state, the node c2 needs to be
maintained in the low level state. However, since the p-type
transistors Mp4 and Mp5 have a relatively large leakage currents
and the leakage currents charge the node c2, the voltage at the
node c2 is gradually increased. If the voltage at the node c2 is
increased to be very high when the node c2 is in the floating
state, the p-type transistor Mp6 is turned off and the n-type
transistor Mn5 is turned on. Consequently, the function of the
D-type flip-flop 110 fails.
[0039] In FIG. 2B, the detailed waveform diagram of the associated
signals at the node a2 is shown. At the time point ta, the clock
signal CK is changed from the high level state to the low level
state. The p-type transistor Mp2 is turned on, and the n-type
transistor Mn3 is turned off. Consequently, the node b2 is changed
from the low level state to the high level state. In the time
interval between the time point ta to the time point tf, the
voltage at the node b2 is increased because of the Miller effect.
Consequently, the voltage at the node a2 is rapidly boosted from
the low level state. Then, in the time interval between the time
point tf to the time point tb, the leakage current of the p-type
transistor Mp1 charges node a2 because the node a2 is in the
floating state. Consequently, the voltage at the node a2 is
gradually increased.
[0040] Moreover, the b2 and the node c2 are not affected by the
Miller effect. The voltages at the node b2 and the node c2 are
affected by the leakage current only.
[0041] Generally, the transistor with a larger size has a stronger
driving strength and generates a larger leakage current.
[0042] As mentioned above, if the p-type transistors in the TSPC
D-type flip-flops 110 and 120 have the stronger driving strength,
the p-type transistors generate the larger leakage currents.
Consequently, when the nodes of the TSPC D-type flip-flops 110 and
120 are in the floating state, the voltages at the nodes are
gradually charged to the supply voltage Vdd. Similarly, if the
n-type transistors in the TSPC D-type flip-flops 110 and 120 have
the stronger driving strength, the n-type transistors generate the
larger leakage currents. Consequently, when the nodes of the TSPC
D-type flip-flops 110 and 120 are in the floating state, the
voltages at the nodes are gradually charged to the supply voltage
GND.
[0043] However, the TSPC D-type flip-flops 110 and 120 are
inevitably affected by the leakage currents of the transistors. For
preventing from the function failure of the TSPC D-type flip-flops
110 and 120, the TSPC D-type flip-flops are designed according to
the purpose of reducing the leakage currents of the transistors.
Hereinafter, the negative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop will be
taken as an example. Of course, the associated technologies can be
applied to the positive trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop.
[0044] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic circuit diagrams
illustrating a TSPC D flip-flop according to a first embodiment of
the present invention. In comparison with the negative trigger TSPC
D-type flip-flop of FIG. 1A, the first stage of the TSPC D
flip-flop 310 of this embodiment further comprises two connecting
devices 312 and 314. For succinctness, only the relationships
between the connecting devices 312, 314 and associated components
will be described as follows.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3A, the connecting device 312 of the D-type
flip-flop 310 has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first
terminal of the connecting device 312 receives the supply voltage
Vdd. The second terminal of the connecting device 312 is connected
with the first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp1.
The connecting device 314 has a first terminal and a second
terminal. The first terminal of the connecting device 314 is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mn2. The second terminal of the connecting device 314
receives the supply voltage GND. In an embodiment, one of the two
connecting devices 312, 314 is a resistive element, and the other
of the two connecting devices 312, 314 is a short circuit
element.
[0046] In the D flip-flop 310 of this embodiment, the two
connecting devices 312 and 314 are designed according to the
driving strengths of the p-type transistors and the n-type
transistors.
[0047] Please refer to FIG. 3B. In the D-type flip-flop 310, the
driving strength of the p-type transistor Mp1 is designed to be
stronger than the driving strength of the n-type transistors Mn1
and Mn2. Under this circumstance, the connecting device 312 is a
resistive element, and the connecting device 314 is a short circuit
element. That is, a charging path between the supply voltage Vdd
and the node a2 includes the resistive element. Consequently, when
the node a2 is in the floating state, the leakage current of the
p-type transistor Mp1 can be reduced. Since the voltage rise of the
node a2 is slowed down, the D-type flip-flop 310 can be operated
correctly.
[0048] Please refer to FIG. 3C. In the D-type flip-flop 310, the
driving strength of the p-type transistor Mp1 is designed to be
weaker than the driving strength of the n-type transistors Mn1 and
Mn2. Under this circumstance, the connecting device 312 is a short
circuit element, and the connecting device 314 is a resistive
element.
[0049] In an embodiment, the short circuit element is implemented
with a metal wire, and the resistive element is a polysilicon
resistor or any other appropriate electronic component. Some
examples will be described as follows.
[0050] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D schematically illustrate some
examples of the resistive element used in the D flip-flop according
to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] Please refer to FIG. 4A. In the first stage, the connecting
device 312 in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and
the node a2 comprises a p-type transistor Mpx. The gate terminal of
the p-type transistor Mpx receives the input signal D. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx receives the
supply voltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx is connected with the first drain/source terminal of
the p-type transistor Mp1.
[0052] Please refer to FIG. 4B. In the first stage, the connecting
device 312 in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and
the node a2 comprises P-type transistors Mpx1, Mpx2 and an n-type
transistor Mnx1. The p-type transistor Mpx1 and the n-type
transistor Mnx1 are collaboratively formed as a bias circuit to
provide a bias voltage Vb to the gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx2. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx1 receives the supply voltage Vdd. The gate terminal
of the p-type transistor Mpx1 and the second drain/source terminal
of the p-type transistor Mpx1 are connected with each other. The
gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 is connected with the
gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1. The first drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 generates the bias voltage
Vb. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1
receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 receives the
supply voltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx2 is connected with the first drain/source terminal
of the p-type transistor Mp1.
[0053] Please refer to FIG. 4C. In the first stage, the connecting
device 314 in the discharging path between the node a2 and the
supply voltage GND comprises an n-type transistor Mny. The gate
terminal of the n-type transistor Mny receives the input signal D.
The first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mn2. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mny receives the supply voltage GND.
[0054] Please refer to FIG. 4D. In the first stage, the connecting
device 314 in the discharging path between the node a2 and the
supply voltage GND comprises n-type transistor Mny1, Mny2 and a
p-type transistor Mpy1. The p-type transistor Mpy1 and the n-type
transistor Mny1 are collaboratively formed as a bias circuit for
providing a bias voltage Vb to the gate terminal of the n-type
transistor Mny2. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpy1 receives the supply voltage Vdd. The second
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpy1 generates the
bias voltage Vb. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 is
connected with the gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpy1. The
gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 and the first
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 are connected
with each other. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mny1 receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal
of the n-type transistor Mny2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The
first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny2 is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mn2. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mny2 receives the supply voltage GND.
[0055] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic circuit diagrams
illustrating a TSPC D flip-flop according to a second embodiment of
the present invention. In comparison with the negative trigger TSPC
D-type flip-flop 110 of FIG. 1A, the second stage of the TSPC D
flip-flop 510 of this embodiment further comprises two connecting
devices 512 and 514. For succinctness, only the relationships
between the connecting devices 512, 514 and associated components
will be described as follows.
[0056] The connecting device 512 of the D-type flip-flop 510 has a
first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the
connecting device 512 is connected with the second drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2. The second terminal of the
connecting device 512 is connected with the first drain/source
terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3. The connecting device 514
has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of
the connecting device 514 is connected to the node b2. The second
terminal of the connecting device 514 is connected with the first
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3. In an
embodiment, one of the two connecting devices 512, 514 is a
resistive element, and the other of the two connecting devices 512,
514 is a short circuit element.
[0057] In the D flip-flop 510 of this embodiment, the two
connecting devices 512 and 514 are designed according to the
driving strengths of the p-type transistors and the n-type
transistors.
[0058] Please refer to FIG. 5B. In the D-type flip-flop 510, the
driving strength of the p-type transistors Mp2 and Mp3 is designed
to be stronger than the driving strength of the n-type transistor
Mn3. Under this circumstance, the connecting device 512 is a
resistive element, and the connecting device 514 is a short circuit
element. That is, a charging path between the supply voltage Vdd
and the node b2 includes the resistive element. Consequently, when
the node b2 is in the floating state, the leakage currents of the
p-type transistors Mp2 and Mp3 can be reduced. Since the voltage
rise of the node b2 is slowed down, the D-type flip-flop 510 can be
operated correctly.
[0059] Please refer to FIG. 5C. In the D-type flip-flop 510, the
driving strength of the p-type transistors Mp2 and Mp3 is designed
to be weaker than the driving strength of the n-type transistor
Mn3. Under this circumstance, the connecting device 512 is a short
circuit element, and the connecting device 514 is a resistive
element.
[0060] In an embodiment, the short circuit element is implemented
with a metal wire, and the resistive element is a polysilicon
resistor or any other appropriate electronic component. Some
examples will be described as follows.
[0061] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D schematically illustrate some
examples of the resistive element used in the D flip-flop according
to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] Please refer to FIG. 6A. In the second stage, the connecting
device 512 in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and
the node b2 comprises a p-type transistor Mpx. The gate terminal of
the p-type transistor Mpx is connected to node a2. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx is connected
with the second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2.
The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx is
connected with the first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mp3.
[0063] Please refer to FIG. 6B. In the second stage, the connecting
device 512 in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and
the node b2 comprises p-type transistors Mpx1, Mpx2 and an n-type
transistor Mnx1. The p-type transistor Mpx1 and the n-type
transistor Mnx1 are collaboratively formed as a bias circuit to
provide a bias voltage Vb to the gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx2. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx1 receives the supply voltage Vdd. The gate terminal
of the p-type transistor Mpx1 and the second drain/source terminal
of the p-type transistor Mpx1 are connected with each other. The
gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 is connected with the
gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1. The first drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 generates the bias voltage
Vb. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1
receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 is connected
with the second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2.
The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mp3.
[0064] Please refer to FIG. 6C. In the second stage, the connecting
device 514 in the discharging path between the node b2 and the
supply voltage GND comprises an n-type transistor Mny. The gate
terminal of the n-type transistor Mny is connected with the node
a2. The first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny is
connected to the node b2. The second drain/source terminal of the
n-type transistor Mny is connected with the first drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3.
[0065] Please refer to FIG. 6D. In the second stage, the connecting
device 514 in the discharging path between the node b2 and the
supply voltage GND comprises n-type transistor Mny1, Mny2 and a
p-type transistor Mpy1. The p-type transistor Mpy1 and the n-type
transistor Mny1 are collaboratively formed as a bias circuit for
providing a bias voltage Vb to the gate terminal of the n-type
transistor Mny2. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpy1 receives the supply voltage Vdd. The second
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpy1 generates the
bias voltage Vb. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 is
connected with the gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpy1. The
gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 and the first
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 are connected
with each other. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mny1 receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal
of the n-type transistor Mny2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The
first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny2 is
connected to the node b2. The second drain/source terminal of the
n-type transistor Mny2 is connected with the first drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3.
[0066] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are schematic circuit diagrams
illustrating a TSPC D flip-flop according to a third embodiment of
the present invention. In comparison with the negative trigger TSPC
D-type flip-flop 110 of FIG. 1A, the third stage of the TSPC D
flip-flop 710 of this embodiment further comprises two connecting
devices 712 and 714. For succinctness, only the relationships
between the connecting devices 712, 714 and associated components
will be described as follows.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 7A, the connecting device 712 of the D-type
flip-flop 710 has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first
terminal of the connecting device 712 receives the supply voltage
Vdd. The second terminal of the connecting device 712 is connected
with the first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp4.
The connecting device 714 has a first terminal and a second
terminal. The first terminal of the connecting device 714 is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mn4. The second terminal of the connecting device 714
receives the supply voltage GND. In an embodiment, one of the two
connecting devices 712, 714 is a resistive element, and the other
of the two connecting devices 712, 714 is a short circuit
element.
[0068] In the D flip-flop 710 of this embodiment, the two
connecting devices 712 and 714 are designed according to the
driving strengths of the p-type transistors and the n-type
transistors.
[0069] Please refer to FIG. 7B. In the D-type flip-flop 710, the
driving strength of the p-type transistors Mp4 and Mp5 is designed
to be stronger than the driving strength of the n-type transistor
Mn4. Under this circumstance, the connecting device 712 is a
resistive element, and the connecting device 714 is a short circuit
element. That is, a charging path between the supply voltage Vdd
and the node c2 includes the resistive element. Consequently, when
the node c2 is in the floating state, the leakage current of the
p-type transistors Mp4 and Mp5 can be reduced. Since the voltage
rise of the node c2 is slowed down, the D-type flip-flop 710 can be
operated correctly.
[0070] Please refer to FIG. 7C. In the D-type flip-flop 710, the
driving strength of the p-type transistors Mp4 and Mp5 is designed
to be weaker than the driving strength of the n-type transistor
Mn4. Under this circumstance, the connecting device 712 is a short
circuit element, and the connecting device 714 is a resistive
element.
[0071] In an embodiment, the short circuit element is implemented
with a metal wire, and the resistive element is a polysilicon
resistor or any other appropriate electronic component. Some
examples will be described as follows.
[0072] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F schematically illustrate
some examples of the resistive element used in the D flip-flop
according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] Please refer to FIG. 8A. In the third stage, the connecting
device 712 in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and
the node c2 comprises a p-type transistor Mpx. The gate terminal of
the p-type transistor Mpx is connected to the node b2. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx receives the
supply voltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx is connected with the first drain/source terminal of
the p-type transistor Mp4.
[0074] In another embodiment, the resistive element as shown in
FIG. 8A (i.e., the p-type transistor Mpx) may be replaced by the
p-type transistor Mp2 of the second stage. Please refer to FIG. 8B.
In the third stage, the connecting device 712 in the charging path
between the supply voltage Vdd and the node c2 comprises the p-type
transistor Mp2. The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2
receives the clock signal CK. The first drain/source terminal of
the p-type transistor Mp2 receives the supply voltage Vdd. The
second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2 is
connected with the first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mp4.
[0075] Please refer to FIG. 8C. In the third stage, the connecting
device 712 in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and
the node c2 comprises P-type transistors Mpx1, Mpx2 and an n-type
transistor Mnx1. The p-type transistor Mpx1 and the n-type
transistor Mnx1 are collaboratively formed as a bias circuit to
provide a bias voltage Vb to the gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx2. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx1 receives the supply voltage Vdd. The gate terminal
of the p-type transistor Mpx1 and the second drain/source terminal
of the p-type transistor Mpx1 are connected with each other. The
gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 is connected with the
gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1. The first drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 generates the bias voltage
Vb. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1
receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The first
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 receives the
supply voltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx2 is connected with the first drain/source terminal
of the p-type transistor Mp4.
[0076] Please refer to FIG. 8D. In the third stage, the connecting
device 714 in the discharging path between the node c2 and the
supply voltage GND comprises an n-type transistor Mny. The gate
terminal of the n-type transistor Mny is connected to the node b2.
The first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny is
connected with the second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mn4. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mny receives the supply voltage GND.
[0077] In another embodiment, the resistive element as shown in
FIG. 8D (i.e., the n-type transistor Mny) may be replaced by the
n-type transistor Mn3 of the second stage. Please refer to FIG. 8E.
In the third stage, the connecting device 714 in the discharging
path between the node c2 and the supply voltage GND comprises the
n-type transistor Mn3. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor
Mn3 receives the clock signal CK. The first drain/source terminal
of the n-type transistor Mn3 is connected with the second
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn4. The second
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 receives the
supply voltage GND.
[0078] Please refer to FIG. 8F. In the third stage, the connecting
device 714 in the discharging path between the node c2 and the
supply voltage GND comprises n-type transistor Mny1, Mny2 and a
p-type transistor Mpy1. The p-type transistor Mpy1 and the n-type
transistor Mny1 are collaboratively formed as a bias circuit for
providing a bias voltage Vb to the gate terminal of the n-type
transistor Mny2. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpy1 receives the supply voltage Vdd. The second
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpy1 generates the
bias voltage Vb. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 is
connected with the gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpy1. The
gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 and the first
drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 are connected
with each other. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mny1 receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal
of the n-type transistor Mny2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The
first drain/source terminal of n-type transistor Mny2 is connected
with the second drain/source terminal of n-type transistor Mn4. The
second drain/source terminal of n-type transistor Mny2 receives the
supply voltage GND.
[0079] Moreover, the circuitry structure of the D flip-flop may be
modified according to the concepts of the above three embodiments.
For example, in a variant example of the D flip-flop, the first
stage comprises two connecting devices and the second stage
comprises other two connecting devices. In another variant example
of the D flip-flop, the first stage comprises two connecting
devices and the third stage comprises other two connecting devices.
In another variant example of the D flip-flop, the second stage
comprises two connecting devices and the third stage comprises
other two connecting devices. In another variant example of the D
flip-flop, each of the first stage, the second stage and the third
stage comprises two connecting devices.
[0080] In some embodiments, at least one capacitor is connected to
the node a2 to reduce the influence of the Miller effect. FIGS. 9A
and 9B are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating a TSPC D
flip-flop according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention. In comparison with the negative trigger TSPC D-type
flip-flop 110 of FIG. 1A, the TSPC D flip-flop 510 of this
embodiment further comprises a capacitor. The capacitor is
connected to the node a2. The arrangement of capacitor can reduce
the holding time of the input signal D and increase the operation
speed of the D flip-flop 510. For succinctness, only the
relationship between the capacitor and associated components will
be described as follows.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 9A, the capacitor 912 of the D flip-flop
910 has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal
of the capacitor 912 is connected to the node a2. The second
terminal of the capacitor 912 receives the supply voltage GND.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 9B, the capacitor 914 of the D flip-flop
920 has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal
of the capacitor 914 is connected to the node a2. The second
terminal of the capacitor 914 receives the supply voltage Vdd.
[0083] Moreover, the circuitry structure of the D flip-flop may be
modified according to the concepts of the D flip-flops 910 and 920.
For example, in a variant example of the D flip-flop, two
capacitors are connected to the node a2. One of the two capacitors
is connected between the node a2 and the supply voltage Vdd. The
other capacitor is connected between the node a2 and the supply
voltage GND.
[0084] Preferably but not exclusively, the capacitor used in the D
flip-flop of the fourth embodiment is a metal-insulator-metal
capacitor (also referred as a MIM capacitor) or any other
appropriate electronic component.
[0085] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E schematically illustrate
some examples of the capacitor used in the D flip-flop according to
the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] Please refer to FIG. 10A. The capacitor 912 is implemented
through an n-type transistor Mnx. The gate terminal of the n-type
transistor Mnx is connected to the node a2. The first drain/source
terminal and the second drain/source terminal of the n-type
transistor Mnx receive the supply voltage GND.
[0087] Please refer to FIG. 10B. The capacitor 914 is implemented
with a p-type transistor Mpx. The gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx is connected to the node a2. The first drain/source
terminal and the second drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx receive the supply voltage Vdd.
[0088] Please refer to FIG. 10C. The two capacitors 912 and 914 are
implemented with an n-type transistor Mnx and a p-type transistor
Mpx, respectively. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx
is connected to the node a2. The first drain/source terminal and
the second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx
receive the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx is connected to the node a2. The first drain/source
terminal and the second drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx receive the supply voltage Vdd.
[0089] Please refer to FIG. 10D. The two capacitors 912 and 914 are
implemented with an n-type transistor Mnx and a p-type transistor
Mpx, respectively. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx receives the supply voltage Vdd. The second
drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx is connected to
the node a2. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx is
connected to the node a2. The first drain/source terminal of the
n-type transistor Mnx is connected with the gate terminal of the
p-type transistor Mpx. The second drain/source terminal of the
n-type transistor Mnx receives the supply voltage GND.
[0090] Please refer to FIG. 10E. The two capacitors 912 and 914 are
implemented with an n-type transistor Mnx and a p-type transistor
Mpx, respectively. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type
transistor Mpx receives the supply voltage Vdd. The gate terminal
of the p-type transistor Mpx is connected to node a2. The gate
terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx is connected with the second
drain/source of the p-type transistor Mpx. The first drain/source
terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx is connected to node a2. The
second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx receives
the supply voltage GND.
[0091] Moreover, the circuitry structure of the D flip-flop in the
fourth embodiment may be modified according to the concepts of the
above embodiments. For example, in a variant example of the D
flip-flop, the first stage comprises two connecting devices, and
the capacitor is connected to the second node a2. In another
variant example of the D flip-flop, the second stage comprises two
connecting devices, and the capacitor is connected to the second
node a2. In another variant example of the D flip-flop, the third
stage comprises two connecting devices, and the capacitor is
connected to the second node a2. In another variant example of the
D flip-flop, each of the first connecting device and the second
stage comprises two connecting devices, and the capacitor is
connected to the second node a2. In another variant example of the
D flip-flop, each of the first connecting device and the third
stage comprises two connecting devices, and the capacitor is
connected to the second node a2. In another variant example of the
D flip-flop, each of the second connecting device and the third
stage comprises two connecting devices, and the capacitor is
connected to the second node a2. In another variant example of the
D flip-flop, each of the first connecting device, the second stage
and the third stage comprises two connecting devices, and the
capacitor is connected to the second node a2.
[0092] In the above embodiments, each D flip-flop comprise four
stages connected between the input terminal and the output terminal
in series. The fourth stage is an inverter. According to the
practical requirements, the fourth stage (i.e., the inverter) may
be omitted. Under this circumstance, the D flip-flop receives the
input signal and generates an inverted output signal according to
the clock signal.
[0093] While the invention has been described in terms of what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be
limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which
are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
* * * * *