Forcing circuitry -- Sequential building blocks for logical design

The performance of a computer system can be increased by integrating combinational logic and storage functions. Current-switching circuitry offers an effective base for sequential design because of its stability in feedback connections, level setting, and reliability. The sequential logic described in this paper is achieved by modification of the current-switching circuits. A third input signal level is introduced and two logical blocks are connected so that the status of one block is either completely determined by or completely independent of the other block, depending on the status of a control input to the second block. These forcing circuits have significant cost and performance advantages for both sequencing controls and data storage. A universal register is presented and analyzed. Other applications include binary counting, data latching, and signal synchronization.