Integrated Current Sensor in Multi-Layer IC via Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods, such as those using external miniature probes, are not suitable for measuring currents inside multi-layered integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered integrated circuit with an integrated current sensor, featuring a coil arrangement magnetically coupled to the circuit via, allowing for accurate detection of high dynamic currents and electromagnetic interference, is developed. The coil arrangement comprises multiple windings distributed across several layers, providing galvanic isolation and enabling precise current measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external miniature probes are used to measure currents in IGBT modules, then current measurement is possible, but the probes are not suitable to measure currents inside multi-layered integrated circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current measurement function directly into the multi-layered integrated circuit structure by integrating coil arrangements within the circuit layers themselves. This allows the circuit to measure its own internal currents without requiring external probes, thereby achieving both measurement precision and adaptability to multi-layered structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from external three-dimensional probing to integrated planar coil arrangements within the circuit layers. By embedding measurement coils in the same plane as circuit traces and utilizing multiple layers, the system achieves current measurement capability that is specifically adapted to multi-layered integrated circuit geometries.
2Measurement precision
If external probes are positioned in IGBT modules, then currents into respective IGBTs can be measured, but the method cannot detect currents inside multi-layered integrated circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement coils are merged with the circuit traces within the same integrated circuit structure. This integration allows the coils to be positioned in close proximity to current-carrying traces, enabling accurate detection of internal currents that would be inaccessible to external probes.
3Measurement precision
If coil arrangements are integrated within the circuit, then accurate measurement of high dynamic currents is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil arrangements are merged with existing circuit layers and traces, utilizing the same fabrication processes and materials. This integration approach minimizes additional complexity by combining measurement functionality with the circuit structure rather than adding separate external measurement components.
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
Enables accurate measurement of currents within the integrated circuit, reducing disturbance and improving measurement accuracy for high-frequency currents and electrostatic discharge detection.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a coil arrangement magnetically coupled to the circuit via to detect magnetic flux generated by currents flowing through the circuit
Implementation Method 2
coil arrangement magnetically coupled to the circuit via to detect magnetic flux generated by currents
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit die includes a stack of a substrate and multiple layers extending in parallel to the substrate. A number of integrated electronic components is formed in the stack, and connected to form an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit comprises a first electric contact, a second electric contact, and a coupling which couples the electric strips electrically to each other. The coupling includes a circuit via which extends through at least two of the layers. The die further includes an integrated current sensor having a coil arrangement for sensing a current flowing through a part of the electronic circuit. The coil arrangement is magnetically coupled to the circuit via over at least a part of a length of the circuit via to sensing a magnetic flux through the circuit via. A measurement unit can measure a parameter of the coil arrangement representative of a current flowing through the circuit via.