Optimizing TSPC frequency dividers for always-on low-frequency applications in 28nm FDSOI CMOS

Abstract

True Single Phase Clocked (TSPC) flip-flops (FF) are widely used in high-frequency dividers for their higher operation speed and lower power compared to Master-Slaver FFs. In this paper, we study the optimization of TSPC frequency dividers for always-on low-frequency clock division in ultra-low-power (ULP) SoCs. We analyze the architecture, operation principle and data loss problem in TSPC-based frequency divider. An optimization strategy based on selective gate length upsize is proposed to minimize power consumption by balancing switching and leakage power consumption. A 10-stage frequency divider was designed in 28 nm FDSOI CMOS and integrated in a ULP SoC. Post-layout simulations with 32-MHz input frequency show a power consumption of 28.3 nW with 0.8-V supply voltage.