Chip Noise Analysis with Distributed Signal Receiving Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulation methods for pre-silicon and post-silicon verification of semiconductor chips fail to accurately determine interference sources and paths due to limitations in simulation software and physical barriers in chip components, leading to incomplete measurement of interference signals.
Innovation Solution
A chip system with signal receiving circuits, a transceiver circuit, and a memory circuit that allows for real-time analysis of signal frequency spectrum and magnitude, enabling accurate determination of interference paths and sources by storing and processing data through an external computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simulation software is used for pre-silicon verification, then interference sources and paths can be evaluated, but the simulation data cannot fully and accurately reflect the actual situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the verification stage from pre-silicon simulation to post-silicon actual measurement, transforming the parameter of verification timing. By performing noise analysis after chip fabrication using real measurement data from multiple signal receiving circuits, the system achieves accurate identification of interference sources and paths that simulation cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary noise analysis system comprising a dynamic switch circuit, baseband processor, and memory circuit. This intermediary system collects and processes signals from multiple receiving circuits, enabling comprehensive interference analysis that bridges the gap between simulation and actual chip performance
2Measurement precision
If post-silicon measurement is performed, then actual circuit interference can be evaluated, but chip components and packaging materials block possible propagation paths of interference signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chip into multiple signal receiving circuits distributed at different locations. Each receiving circuit independently captures signals from different propagation paths, allowing comprehensive measurement of interference that would otherwise be blocked by chip components and packaging materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the measurement system by placing multiple signal receiving circuits at different locations on the chip. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables capture of interference signals from various propagation paths, overcoming the blocking effect of chip components and packaging materials
3Measurement precision
If multiple signal receiving circuits are used to capture interference paths, then comprehensive interference analysis is achieved, but circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the signal receiving circuits multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as functional circuit components and as noise measurement sensors. This dual functionality allows comprehensive interference detection without adding dedicated measurement circuits, thereby avoiding additional area consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functional circuits with measurement circuits by using the same signal receiving circuits for both signal processing and noise analysis. The dynamic switch circuit and baseband processor handle both operational signals and measurement signals, consolidating functionality and eliminating redundant components
Data Source
AI summary
A chip comprises a plurality of signal receiving circuits, a transceiver circuit and a memory circuit. The plurality of signal receiving circuits are set at different locations on the chip. The transceiver circuit includes a dynamic switch circuit and a baseband processor. The dynamic switch circuit is configured to output a to-be-analyzed signal from the one of the plurality of signal receiving circuits. The baseband processor is configured to obtain a frequency spectrum and magnitude of the to-be-analyzed signal, and obtain a data packet of an input radio-frequency signal received by an external antenna. The memory circuit is configured to store the frequency spectrum and magnitude of the to-be-analyzed signal, and transmit the frequency spectrum and magnitude to an external computing device, so as to determine an interference path, an interference source or a combination thereof of an interference signal of the transceiver circuit through the external computing device.