System for Retaining State Data

A system for retaining M bits of state data of an integrated circuit during a power saving mode, said system comprising:

• M flip flops divided into MIN groups, each of said groups containing a merged flip flop and a final flip flop, said M flip flops containing said M bits of state data;
• said merged flip flop in each of said groups being coupled to a respective read port of a memory unit, said system thereby enabling said memory unit to save said M bits of state data.

A merged scan flip flop for use in a system for retaining M bits of state data of an integrated circuit during a power saving mode, said merged scan flip flop comprising:

• a flip flop configured to save one of said M bits of state data;
• a scan input, a read input, and a read select;
• wherein upon enabling said read select, said read input is coupled to said flip flop, thus allowing said flip flop to receive and save said one of said M bits of state data from a memory unit.