Methods and apparatus for fast unbalanced pipeline architecture

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for a fast unbalanced pipeline architecture. A disclosed pipeline buffer comprises a plurality of memory registers connected in series, each of the plurality of memory registers, such as flip-flops, having an enable input and a clock input; and a controlling memory register having an output that drives the enable inputs of the plurality of memory registers, whereby a predefined binary value on an input of the controlling memory register shifts values of the plurality of memory registers on a next clock cycle. A plurality of the disclosed pipeline buffets can be configured in a multiple stage configuration. At least one of the plurality of memory registers can comprise a locking memory register that synchronizes the pipeline buffer. The pipeline buffer can optionally include a delay gate to delay a clock signal and an inverter to invert the delayed clock signal. The clock signal can be delayed by the delay gate such that an output of the pipeline buffer is applied to a next stage of a pipeline buffer at a correct time.