Level-converting flip-flop and pulse generator for clustered voltage scaling

Abstract

Provided is a level converting flip-flop for clustered voltage scaling and a level-converting pulse generator for use in the flip-flop. The flip-flop may include a pulse generator that receives an input clock signal with a high level equal to a first level and generates a pulse signal with a high level that may be converted into a second level higher than the first level. The flip-flop may further include a latch that latches input data with a high level equal to a third level lower than the second level and outputs output data with a high level that may be converted into the second level in response to the pulse signal. The third level may be equal to the first level. A supply voltage of the second level may be used as a supply voltage to the latch. Both the pulse generator and the flip-flop may have a level converting function without additional circuits, and therefore, the operating speeds of the pulse generator and the flip-flop may be increased without increasing the area and power consumption of the system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.