Microsoft Corporation
DATA PIPELINE CIRCUIT SUPPORTING INCREASED DATA TRANSFER INTERFACE FREQUENCY WITH REDUCED POWER CONSUMPTION, AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract:

A data pipeline circuit includes an upstream interface circuit that receives sequential data and a downstream interface circuit that transfers the sequential data to a downstream circuit. A ready signal indicates the downstream circuit is ready to receive the sequential data. The data pipeline circuit includes a first data latch, a second data latch and a first status latch. The first data latch receives the sequential data. The first status latch generates an available signal that is asserted to indicate the second data latch is available to receive the sequential data. The second data latch receives the sequential data in response on the available signal being asserted and the ready signal indicating the downstream circuit is not ready to receive the sequential data on the data output. Limiting conditions in which the sequential data is stored in the second data latch significantly reduces power consumption of the data pipeline circuit.