Firmware Trim Calibration for MPEG Chip Signal Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process variations during integrated circuit fabrication lead to deviations in the electrical characteristics of MPEG chips, resulting in output signal amplitude deviations, which degrade the display quality of TV images, necessitating a calibration scheme to compensate for these deviations.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system that includes a data processing apparatus and a calibration apparatus, where the data processing apparatus converts test patterns into test outputs based on a test firmware trim value under calibration mode and stores a specific test firmware trim value as the target firmware trim value when analysis results meet predetermined criteria, allowing for the adjustment of the digital-to-analog converter's output level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If process parameters are tightly controlled during IC fabrication, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase due to the large number of steps involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring and characterizing process deviations during fabrication, then pre-calculating compensation values that are stored in the device. This allows the device to automatically compensate for process variations without requiring complex real-time control during fabrication, thereby reducing fabrication complexity while maintaining precision.
2Device complexity
If process deviations are allowed to vary, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but output signal amplitude deviation increases degrading TV display quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual output signal amplitude, comparing it to the target value, and using the difference to adjust the firmware trim value. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows simple fabrication processes to produce devices with high output accuracy, as the compensation is applied after fabrication rather than during it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the firmware trim value parameter to compensate for process deviations. By adjusting this software parameter based on measured deviations, the system maintains output signal accuracy without requiring precise control of fabrication parameters, thus simplifying the manufacturing process while preserving precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If firmware trim values are adjusted to compensate for deviations, then output signal accuracy is improved, but calibration time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement and characterization of process deviations during fabrication, storing the results as compensation values in the device. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming post-fabrication calibration, as the device is pre-configured with the appropriate trim values based on its specific process variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-calibration by automatically measuring its own output characteristics and adjusting its firmware trim value accordingly. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external calibration equipment and operators, significantly reducing calibration time and complexity while maintaining high accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a data processing apparatus to set a target firmware trim value is disclosed. The data processing apparatus is for converting a non-test pattern to a non-test output according to the target firmware trim value under a normal mode. The method includes: driving the data processing apparatus to convert a test pattern into a test output according to a test firmware trim value received under a calibration mode; and analyzing the test output to tune the test firmware trim value outputted to the data processing apparatus, and controlling the data processing apparatus to store a specific test firmware trim value as the target firmware trim value when an analysis result of the test output generated in reference to the specific test firmware trim value indicates that a predetermined criterion is met.