Method and circuit for eliminating hold time violations in synchronous circuits

Circuits and methods for eliminating hold time violations are disclosed. A DE-type flip-flop latches a data input signal on a data input terminal a fraction of a clock period before a triggering edge of the clock signal. The DE-type flip-flop provides a data output signal for a full clock period beginning after the triggering edge of the clock signal. The DE-type flip-flop includes a latch having its data output terminal coupled to the data input terminal of a flip-flop. The flip-flop clock input pin and the latch enable terminal of the latch are connected to a clock line. The DE-type flip-flop used in place of a standard flip-flop, in which a hold time violation occurs, eliminates the hold time violation.