Glitch Detection Circuitry with Autocalibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection circuitries for embedded devices are delayed in becoming functional, allowing unauthorized access due to manual calibration, and struggle with process-voltage-temperature (PVT) variations, leading to potential errors and increased testing time.
Innovation Solution
The detection circuitry includes calibration circuitry that automatically adjusts the supply voltage signal based on a reference voltage signal, using a resistive network to generate both signals from a common power supply, effectively canceling out PVT variations and reducing startup delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual calibration is used during the design process, then the detection circuitry can be configured, but a delay period occurs before the circuitry becomes functional, allowing unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration actions preliminarily by storing calibration data in non-volatile memory during manufacturing, so that the detection circuitry can automatically retrieve and apply the correct calibration settings immediately upon startup without requiring manual calibration delay
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuitry is designed to self-calibrate automatically by retrieving pre-stored calibration data from non-volatile memory and applying it without external intervention, eliminating the need for manual calibration and reducing startup delay
2Ease of manufacture
If manually calibrated detection circuitry is used, then the circuit can be set up, but it cannot properly account for process-voltage-temperature (PVT) variation, increasing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic calibration circuitry that dynamically adjusts calibration parameters based on detected PVT conditions, allowing the detection circuitry to adapt to varying process, voltage, and temperature conditions and maintain measurement precision across different operating environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detection circuitry monitors its own operating conditions and automatically retrieves appropriate calibration data from non-volatile memory to compensate for PVT variations, ensuring continuous accuracy without manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If trimming bits are selected based on binning process, then the detection circuitry can be adjusted, but the imprecise binning process increases errors in the detection circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuitry automatically determines the appropriate trimming bits by self-testing and retrieving the correct calibration data from non-volatile memory based on its actual operating characteristics, eliminating reliance on imprecise factory binning processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and applies appropriate trimming parameters based on real-time detection of circuit characteristics rather than relying on static factory-assigned binning categories, improving detection accuracy through adaptive parameter adjustment
4Reliability
If manual calibration is performed, then the detection circuitry can be configured, but the testing time increases, increasing chances of user induced errors
Solution Approach 1:
Calibration data is prepared and stored in non-volatile memory during manufacturing as a preliminary action, allowing the detection circuitry to automatically apply the correct settings immediately upon startup without requiring time-consuming manual calibration during testing
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuitry performs self-calibration by automatically retrieving and applying pre-stored calibration data from non-volatile memory, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations and significantly reducing testing time while maintaining configuration reliability
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 detection circuitry to operate quickly and accurately, reducing the time window for unauthorized access and minimizing errors related to PVT variations, while also reducing testing time.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage divider circuitry is configured to receive a power supply signal and output a first reference voltage signal and a supply voltage signal based on the power supply signal
Implementation Method 2
both the supply voltage signal and the reference voltage signal are generated from a common power supply signal via a resistive network, increasing the robustness of the detection circuitry when dealing with process-voltage-temperature variations (PVT). The use of the resistive network cancels out the PVT as the any difference in the ratio between the supply voltage signal and the reference voltage signal is canceled
Data Source
AI summary
Detection circuitry for an integrated circuit (IC) includes voltage divider circuitry, comparison circuitry, and calibration circuitry. The voltage divider circuitry receives a power supply signal and output a first reference voltage signal and a supply voltage signal based on the power supply signal. The comparison circuitry compares the first reference voltage signal and the supply voltage signal to generate an output signal. The calibration circuitry alters one or more parameters of the voltage divider circuitry to increase a voltage value of the supply voltage signal based on the comparison of the first reference voltage signal with the supply voltage signal.