integrated circuit

Abstract

The present application provides an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a power terminal that inputs a power supply voltage, a power supply voltage detection section that outputs a power supply voltage detection signal corresponding to an input state of the power supply voltage to the power terminal, a mode signal input terminal that inputs a mode signal, and a mode decision section that decides a mode based on the mode signal and the power supply voltage detection signal.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on March 29, 2021, with application number 2021800246993 and invention title "Integrated Circuit". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to integrated circuits. Background Technology

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology: In the output buffer of a semiconductor integrated circuit, based on the value of the mode signal input to the multiplexer, one of the signals output from the boundary scan register and the signal output from the scan trigger circuit is output from the multiplexer.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-260093 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, there is only one input terminal for the mode signal, thus allowing only two operating modes to be switched. Therefore, in the prior art, in order to switch more operating modes from the outside, it is necessary to increase the number of input terminals used for switching operating modes. For example, in existing integrated circuits, in order to switch 16 operating modes from the outside, at least four input terminals for switching operating modes are required.

[0009] For example, Figure 5 This indicates the structure of the existing integrated circuit 50. Figure 5 The existing integrated circuit 50 shown is, for example, an integrated circuit that performs predetermined processing (e.g., amplification, AD conversion, etc.) on the sensor signal output from the sensor. The integrated circuit 50 has multiple operating modes. Among these multiple operating modes is an operating mode for checking by the integrated circuit 50. The integrated circuit 50 can be switched externally to determine which of the multiple operating modes is being used.

[0010] like Figure 5 As shown, the integrated circuit 50 includes a first power supply terminal VDD50, a second power supply terminal VRG, four operation mode signal input terminals TMOD0 to TMODE3, a reset signal input terminal RSTB, a reset unit 52, an operation mode determination unit 53, and a digital processing unit 54.

[0011] The first power supply terminal VDD50 inputs the first power supply voltage (e.g., 5.0V) for the operation of integrated circuit 50. The second power supply terminal VRG inputs the second power supply voltage (e.g., 1.8V) for the operation of integrated circuit 50. The four operation mode signal input terminals TMOD0 to TMOD3 input operation mode signals respectively. Each operation mode signal is set to "0" or "1". The reset signal input terminal RSTB inputs the external reset signal RSTB. When the external reset signal RSTB is input via the reset signal input terminal RSTB, the reset unit 52 restarts the digital processing unit 54.

[0012] The operation mode determination unit 53 determines the operation mode for the operation of the integrated circuit 50 based on four operation mode signals input from four operation mode signal input terminals TMOD0 to TMODE3. Then, the operation mode determination unit 53 notifies the digital processing unit 54 of the determined operation mode. Thus, the operation mode determination unit 53 can switch between the 16 operation modes of the digital processing unit 54 according to the four operation mode signals. For this purpose, the integrated circuit 50 is provided with four operation mode signal input terminals TMOD0 to TMODE3 for switching operation modes.

[0013] Methods for solving problems

[0014] One embodiment of the integrated circuit includes: a power supply terminal for receiving a power supply voltage; a power supply voltage detection unit for outputting a power supply voltage detection signal corresponding to the input state of the power supply voltage to the power supply terminal; an operation mode signal input terminal for receiving an operation mode signal; and an operation mode determination unit for determining an operation mode based on the operation mode signal and the power supply voltage detection signal.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to one embodiment of the integrated circuit, more operating modes can be switched externally without increasing the number of input terminals used for switching operating modes. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This illustrates the structure of an integrated circuit according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This illustrates an example of a decision table provided by an integrated circuit in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This illustrates an example of the timing of operation of an integrated circuit in one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is another example of the timing of the operation of an integrated circuit according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This indicates the structure of existing integrated circuits. Detailed Implementation

[0022] An embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] (Structure of integrated circuit 10)

[0024] Figure 1 This illustrates the structure of an integrated circuit 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 1 The integrated circuit 10 shown is, for example, an integrated circuit that performs predetermined processing (e.g., amplification, AD conversion, etc.) on the sensor signal output from the sensor. The integrated circuit 10 has multiple operating modes. Among these multiple operating modes is an operating mode for checking by the integrated circuit 10. The integrated circuit 10 can be externally switched to operate in which of the multiple operating modes.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the integrated circuit 10 includes a first power supply terminal VDD 50, a second power supply terminal VRG, a first operating mode signal input terminal TMODE1, a second operating mode signal input terminal TMOD0, a reset signal input terminal RSTB, a power supply voltage detection unit 11, a reset unit 12, an operating mode determination unit 13, and a digital processing unit 14.

[0026] The first power supply terminal VDD50 inputs the first power supply voltage (e.g., 5.0V) for the operation of integrated circuit 10. The second power supply terminal VRG inputs the second power supply voltage (e.g., 1.8V) for the operation of integrated circuit 10. The first operating mode signal input terminal TMODE1 inputs the first operating mode signal. The second operating mode signal input terminal TMOD0 inputs the second operating mode signal. The first and second operating mode signals are set to "0" or "1". The reset signal input terminal RSTB inputs the external reset signal RSTB.

[0027] The power supply voltage detection unit 11 detects the input of a first power supply voltage (5.0V) to the first power supply terminal VDD50 and outputs a first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB corresponding to the input state of the first power supply voltage (5.0V). Specifically, the power supply voltage detection unit 11 outputs a first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB that is "0 (off)" when no first power supply voltage (5.0V) is input, and outputs a first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB that is "1 (on)" when the first power supply voltage (5.0V) is input.

[0028] In addition, the power supply voltage detection unit 11 detects the input of the second power supply voltage (1.8V) to the second power supply terminal VRG and outputs a second power supply voltage detection signal PORB corresponding to the input state of the second power supply voltage (1.8V). Specifically, the power supply voltage detection unit 11 outputs a second power supply voltage detection signal PORB that is "0 (off)" when no second power supply voltage (1.8V) is input, and outputs a second power supply voltage detection signal PORB that is "1 (on)" when the second power supply voltage (1.8V) is input.

[0029] Specifically, the "Power Supply Voltage Detection Unit" outputs a first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB that is "1" (on) when the input voltage at the first power supply terminal VDD50 is compared with a reference voltage by a comparator and the input voltage reaches a predetermined voltage. Similarly, the "Power Supply Voltage Detection Unit" outputs a second power supply voltage detection signal PORB that is "1" (on) when the input voltage at the second power supply terminal VRG is compared with a reference voltage by a comparator and the input voltage reaches a predetermined voltage. However, the "Power Supply Voltage Detection Unit" can have any structure, such as a comparator, inverter, or amplifier, as long as it can output "1" as the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB and the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB when both the first power supply voltage (5.0V) and the second power supply voltage (1.8V) are input.

[0030] When an external reset signal RSTB is input via the reset signal input terminal RSTB, the reset unit 12 restarts the digital processing unit 14.

[0031] The operation mode determination unit 13 determines the operation mode for the operation of the integrated circuit 10 based on the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB, the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB, the first operation mode signal, and the second operation mode signal. Then, the operation mode determination unit 13 notifies the digital processing unit 14 of the determined operation mode.

[0032] Specifically, the operation mode determination unit 13 determines the operation mode corresponding to the combination of the value of the first operation mode signal when the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB switches from "off" to "on" and the value of the second operation mode signal and the value of the first operation mode signal when the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB switches from "off" to "on" as the operation mode for the operation of the integrated circuit 10.

[0033] (An example of a decision table)

[0034] Figure 2 This illustrates an example of a decision table provided by an integrated circuit 10 in one embodiment. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the integrated circuit 10 in one embodiment has 16 operating modes (operating modes 1 to 16). These 16 operating modes are, for example, composed of four operating modes: a normal operating mode, a test mode 1, a test mode 2, and a test mode 4, and four combinations of operation settings 1 and 2 for each operating mode. Examples of test modes include an aging test mode, a test mode without NVMs related to reliability testing, a test mode without all NVMs, and a scan test mode. Furthermore, examples of operation settings include the presence or absence of an input filter for I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) and the presence or absence of threshold changes.

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the decision table shown, the combination of four signal values ​​input to integrated circuit 10 is matched with each of the 16 operating modes of integrated circuit 10 as the decision condition for determining the operating mode.

[0036] The four signal values ​​input to integrated circuit 10 refer to the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal when the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB switches from "0" to "1", and the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal when the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB switches from "0" to "1".

[0037] exist Figure 2 In the decision table shown, "LVDB=1" means when the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB switches from "0" to "1".

[0038] In addition, Figure 2 In the decision table shown, "PORB=1" means when the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB switches from "0" to "1".

[0039] In addition, Figure 2 In the decision table shown, "TMODE1" refers to the value of the first operation mode signal input from the first operation mode signal input terminal TMODE1.

[0040] In addition, Figure 2 In the decision table shown, "TMOD0" refers to the value of the second action mode signal input from the second action mode signal input terminal TMOD0.

[0041] Action mode determination unit 13 based on Figure 2 The determination table shown selects the operating mode corresponding to the combination of four signal values ​​input to the integrated circuit 10 from the 16 operating modes of the integrated circuit 10 as the operating mode applicable to the operation of the integrated circuit 10.

[0042] For example, when the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal when the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB switches from "0" to "1", and when the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal when the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB switches from "0" to "1", are both "0", the operation mode determination unit 13 determines the operation mode based on... Figure 2 The decision table shown determines "Action Mode 1" as the action mode applicable to the operation of integrated circuit 10.

[0043] (An example of the timing of the operation of integrated circuit 10)

[0044] Figure 3 This illustrates an example of the timing of operation of an integrated circuit 10 according to one embodiment.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, after the voltage is applied to the first power terminal VDD50 (timing t1), when the voltage value of the first power terminal VDD50 reaches the predetermined voltage, the power supply voltage detection unit 11 switches the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB from "0" to "1" (timing t2).

[0046] During this timing, the operation mode determination unit 13 latches the value of the first operation mode signal input from the first operation mode signal input terminal TMODE1 and the value of the second operation mode signal input from the second operation mode signal input terminal TMOD0.

[0047] Next, after applying voltage to the second power terminal VRG (time t3), when the voltage value of the second power terminal VRG reaches the predetermined voltage (time t4), the power supply voltage detection unit 11 switches the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB from "0" to "1" (time t5).

[0048] During this timing, the operation mode determination unit 13 latches the value of the first operation mode signal input from the first operation mode signal input terminal TMODE1 and the value of the second operation mode signal input from the second operation mode signal input terminal TMOD0.

[0049] Then, the action mode determination unit 13 is based on Figure 2 The determination table shown will determine the operating mode applicable to the operation of integrated circuit 10 based on the combination of the values ​​of the first operating mode signal and the second operating mode signal latched at time t2 and the values ​​of the first operating mode signal and the second operating mode signal latched at time t5.

[0050] For example, in Figure 3In the example shown, the values ​​of the first and second operation mode signals latched at time t2 and at time t5 are both "0". In this case, the operation mode determination unit 13 determines the operation mode based on... Figure 2 The decision table shown determines "Action Mode 1" as the action mode applicable to the operation of integrated circuit 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the operation mode determination unit 13 notifies the digital processing unit 14 of the determined operation mode. As a result, the integrated circuit 10 operates in the operation mode determined by the operation mode determination unit 13.

[0052] (Another example of the timing of the operation of integrated circuit 10)

[0053] Figure 4 This is another example of the timing of the operation of an integrated circuit 10 according to one embodiment.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, after the voltage is applied to the first power terminal VDD50 (timing t21), when the voltage value of the first power terminal VDD50 reaches the predetermined voltage, the power supply voltage detection unit 11 switches the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB from "0" to "1" (timing t22).

[0055] During this timing, the operation mode determination unit 13 latches the value of the first operation mode signal input from the first operation mode signal input terminal TMODE1 and the value of the second operation mode signal input from the second operation mode signal input terminal TMOD0.

[0056] Next, after applying voltage to the second power terminal VRG (time t23), when the voltage value of the second power terminal VRG reaches the predetermined voltage (time t24), the power supply voltage detection unit 11 switches the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB from "0" to "1" (time t25).

[0057] Subsequently, when the external reset signal RSTB input from the reset signal input terminal RSTB switches from "1" to "0" (timing t26), and the external reset signal RSTB switches from "0" to "1" (timing t27), at this timing, the operation mode determination unit 13 latches the value of the first operation mode signal input from the first operation mode signal input terminal TMODE1 and the value of the second operation mode signal input from the second operation mode signal input terminal TMODE0.

[0058] Then, the action mode determination unit 13 is based on Figure 2The determination table shown will determine the operating mode applicable to the operation of integrated circuit 10 based on the combination of the values ​​of the first operating mode signal latched at time t22 and the second operating mode signal latched at time t27.

[0059] For example, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the values ​​of the first and second operation mode signals latched at time t22, and the values ​​of the first and second operation mode signals latched at time t27, are both "0". In this case, the operation mode determination unit 13 determines the operation mode based on... Figure 2 The decision table shown determines "Action Mode 1" as the action mode applicable to the operation of integrated circuit 10.

[0060] Furthermore, the operation mode determination unit 13 notifies the digital processing unit 14 of the determined operation mode. As a result, the integrated circuit 10 operates in the operation mode determined by the operation mode determination unit 13.

[0061] As described above, one embodiment of the integrated circuit 10 includes: a power supply terminal that receives a power supply voltage; a power supply voltage detection unit 11 that outputs a power supply voltage detection signal corresponding to the input state of the power supply voltage for the power supply terminal; an operation mode signal input terminal that receives an operation mode signal; and an operation mode determination unit 13 that determines the operation mode based on the operation mode signal and the power supply voltage detection signal.

[0062] Therefore, the integrated circuit 10 of one embodiment can switch the number of operating modes by combining the value of the operating mode signal with the value of the power supply voltage detection signal from the outside. Since the power supply terminal is necessarily provided in the integrated circuit, it can be used without increasing the number of input terminals. Therefore, according to the integrated circuit 10 of one embodiment, more operating modes can be switched from the outside without increasing the number of input terminals used for switching operating modes.

[0063] In another embodiment, the integrated circuit 10 includes: a first power supply terminal VDD50, which receives a first power supply voltage (5.0V); a second power supply terminal VRG, which receives a second power supply voltage (1.8V); a first operating mode signal input terminal TMODE1, which receives a first operating mode signal; and a second operating mode signal input terminal TMODE0, which receives a second operating mode signal. The power supply voltage detection unit 11 outputs a first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB corresponding to the input state of the first power supply voltage (5.0V) and a second power supply voltage detection signal PORB corresponding to the input state of the second power supply voltage (1.8V). The operating mode determination unit 13 determines the operating mode based on the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB, the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB, the first operating mode signal, and the second operating mode signal.

[0064] Therefore, the integrated circuit 10 of one embodiment can switch the number (i.e., 16) of combinations of the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB, the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB, the first operating mode signal, and the second operating mode signal from the outside. Thus, according to the integrated circuit 10 of one embodiment, more operating modes can be switched from the outside without increasing the number of input terminals used for switching operating modes.

[0065] In another embodiment of the integrated circuit 10, the operation mode determination unit 13 determines the operation mode as the combination of the value of the first operation mode signal and the value of the second operation mode signal when the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB switches from "off" to "on", and the value of the first operation mode signal and the value of the second operation mode signal when the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB switches from "off" to "on".

[0066] Therefore, one embodiment of the integrated circuit 10 can utilize the timing of inputting the first power supply voltage (5.0V) and the timing of inputting the second power supply voltage (1.8V) to make the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal have different meanings. That is, one embodiment of the integrated circuit 10 can double the number of combinations of the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal (i.e., the number of operation modes that can be switched) by acquiring the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal at each of the two timings, without increasing the number of input terminals used for switching operation modes.

[0067] Additionally, one embodiment of the integrated circuit 10 can be applied, for example, to an AFE (Analog Front End) that connects multiple sensors (e.g., multiple strain sensors for detecting loads applied to an object) to an MCU (Micro Control Unit). In this case, the integrated circuit 10, which functions as an AFE, is configured to include: a multiplexer that selects any one of multiple sensor signals output from multiple sensor signals; an amplifier that amplifies the sensor signal selected by the multiplexer; an AD converter that converts the amplified sensor signal from an analog signal to a digital signal; and a digital processing circuit (equivalent to a digital processing unit 14) that performs predetermined digital processing (e.g., digital filter processing, data transmission to the MCU based on I2C communication, etc.) on the sensor signal (digital signal) output from the AD converter.

[0068] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications or alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the protection scope.

[0069] For example, in one embodiment of the integrated circuit 10, the operation mode determination unit 13 can determine the operation mode as the combination of the value of the first operation mode signal when the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB switches from "off" to "on" and the value of the second operation mode signal, the value of the first operation mode signal when the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB switches from "off" to "on" and the value of the second operation mode signal, and the operation mode corresponding to the combination of the order in which the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB and the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB switch from "off" to "on".

[0070] Thus, the integrated circuit 10 in one embodiment can switch the number (i.e., 32) of the following operating modes from the outside: the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB, the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB, the first operating mode signal, the second operating mode signal, and the first power supply voltage detection signal LVDB and the second power supply voltage detection signal PORB switching from "off" to "on".

[0071] In addition, for example, in one embodiment, two input terminals for inputting the operation mode signal are provided in the integrated circuit, but it is not limited to this. If three or more input terminals for inputting the operation mode signal are provided in the integrated circuit, more operation modes can be switched from the outside by using these three or more input terminals for switching the operation mode.

[0072] For example, in one embodiment, two power terminals are provided in the integrated circuit, but it is not limited to this. When there are three or more power terminals in the integrated circuit, more operating modes can be switched from the outside by using these three or more power terminals for switching operating modes.

[0073] Additionally, for example, in one embodiment, an example is described where an external reset terminal is used in addition to the power supply terminal to switch operating modes. However, this is not the only possibility; for example, an external reset terminal can be used instead of the power supply terminal to switch operating modes. In this case, it is possible to switch more operating modes from the outside without increasing the number of input terminals used for switching operating modes.

[0074] This international application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-070469, filed on April 9, 2020, and the entire contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0075] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0076] 10 Integrated Circuits

[0077] 12 Reset Section

[0078] 11 Power Supply Voltage Detection Department

[0079] 13 Action Pattern Determination Department

[0080] 14 Digital Processing Department

[0081] RSTB reset signal input terminal

[0082] TMODE1 First Operation Mode Signal Input Terminal

[0083] TMODE0 Second Operating Mode Signal Input Terminal

[0084] VDD50 first power terminal

[0085] VRG second power terminal.

Claims

1. An integrated circuit, characterized in that, have: The reset signal input terminal for inputting external reset signals; The operation mode signal input terminal for inputting operation mode signals; and The action mode determination unit determines the action mode based on the action mode signal and the external reset signal.

2. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operation mode determination unit latches the value of the operation mode signal input to the operation mode signal input terminal when the external reset signal is switched.

3. The integrated circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The integrated circuit also includes: The power supply terminals for input power voltage; and The power supply voltage detection unit outputs a power supply voltage detection signal corresponding to the input state of the power supply voltage at the power supply terminal. The operation mode determination unit determines the operation mode based on the operation mode signal and the power supply voltage detection signal.

4. The integrated circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The integrated circuit has a first power supply terminal for inputting a first power supply voltage. The action mode signal input terminal has a first action mode signal input terminal for inputting a first action mode signal, and a second action mode signal input terminal for inputting a second action mode signal. The power supply voltage detection unit outputs a first power supply voltage detection signal corresponding to the input state of the first power supply voltage. The operation mode determination unit determines the operation mode based on the first power supply voltage detection signal, the first operation mode signal, and the second operation mode signal.

5. The integrated circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The operation mode determination unit determines the operation mode as the combination of the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal when the first power supply voltage detection signal switches from "disconnected" to "connected", and the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal when the external reset signal switches from "disconnected" to "connected".

6. The integrated circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the first power supply voltage detection signal switches from "off" to "on", the operation mode determination unit latches the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal. When the external reset signal switches from "off" to "on", it latches the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal, and determines the operation mode corresponding to the combination of the four latched values ​​as the operation mode.

7. The integrated circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operation mode determination unit determines the operation mode corresponding to the combination of the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal when the first power supply voltage detection signal switches from "off" to "on", the values ​​of the first operation mode signal and the second operation mode signal when the external reset signal switches from "off" to "on", and the order in which the first power supply voltage detection signal and the external reset signal switch from "off" to "on".

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