Calibrated Ring Oscillator Thermal Sensing for Dynamic SoC IP Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional System-On-Chip (SOC) temperature measurement systems are inadequate for dynamic temperature tracking, as they rely on costly and slow transistor-based or diode-based sensors that are not suitable for next-generation process nodes and can only monitor static temperature ranges, failing to detect temperature rises that cause system failures in automotive and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A calibrated ring oscillator (CRO) is used as a thermal sensor to provide high-resolution, low-cost, and fast-tracking temperature measurement, allowing the SOC to operate within a broader temperature range by configuring analog and RF IP components, such as PLLs and receiver equalizers, to prevent overheating through autonomous corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors (transistor-based or diode-based) are used, then temperature monitoring is available, but the system is costly, slow, and not suitable for next-generation process nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional transistor-based or diode-based temperature sensors with a ring oscillator-based temperature sensing mechanism. The ring oscillator's oscillation frequency varies with temperature, allowing temperature measurement through frequency detection rather than electrical signal measurement from specialized sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for BJT, diodes, and transistors specifically dedicated to temperature sensing, making the solution compatible with next-generation process nodes and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring oscillator serves multiple functions: it acts as both a clock source for the SOC and a temperature sensor. By utilizing the inherent temperature dependence of the ring oscillator's frequency, the same circuit component performs dual roles, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensing hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors are used, then static temperature monitoring is achieved, but fast tracking of dynamic temperature changes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow conventional temperature sensors with a ring oscillator whose oscillation frequency responds rapidly to temperature changes. The frequency-based measurement approach enables fast tracking of dynamic temperature variations, as the oscillator can quickly adapt its frequency to reflect current temperature conditions, unlike conventional sensors that have slower response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring oscillator generates periodic oscillations whose frequency is temperature-dependent. By measuring the oscillation frequency or period, the system can rapidly detect temperature changes. The periodic nature of the oscillation allows for continuous, real-time temperature monitoring with high temporal resolution, enabling fast tracking of dynamic temperature changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SOC operates beyond 105°C, then extended temperature range is achieved, but IP core functions fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary temperature monitoring using the ring oscillator to detect temperature changes before they reach critical levels. The system continuously tracks temperature and can take preventive actions (such as throttling clock frequency or activating cooling mechanisms) before the IP core temperature exceeds its maximum operating limit, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling extended operating temperature ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring oscillator provides continuous feedback on temperature conditions to the SOC control logic. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust its operation based on real-time temperature measurements, ensuring that IP core functions remain within safe operating parameters while maximizing the usable temperature range of the SOC.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the SOC to operate safely and reliably across extended temperature ranges without performance impact, providing accurate temperature monitoring and autonomous corrective actions to prevent system failures, while being cost-effective and suitable for next-generation process nodes.
Implementation Method 1
A calibrated ring oscillator (CRO) is used as a thermal sensor to provide high-resolution, low-cost, and fast-tracking temperature measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments relate to methods, systems and apparatus for dynamic temperature aware functional safety. The disclosed embodiments provide adaptive techniques to track extended dynamic temperature range of a System-on-Chip (SOC) and automatically tune critical IP components of the SOC so that system can operate reliably even at high temperatures. The disclosed embodiments relax the overdesign of the SOC components by reusing existing components such as a ring oscillator to determine temperature at different regions of the SOC. In one embodiment, the disclosed principles use a Calibrated Ring Oscillator (CRO) temperature sensors. The CRO-based temperature sensors provide fast temperature measurement suitable for detecting dynamic temperature ranges and temperature rate of change. The CROs are existing on the SOC and do not require addition of additional sensors.