IC NC Pad Switch Voltage Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit chips face difficulties in testing due to the diversity of internal voltages, making it challenging to determine if errors are caused by internal circuits or high-voltage pumping circuits, and altering high voltage levels to test internal circuit characteristics is also problematic.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating no-connection (NC) pads and switches that allow external voltages to be supplied to internal power lines during testing, enabling controlled voltage levels for the high-voltage and negative-voltage supply lines through control signals, thereby isolating the pumping circuits during normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a high-voltage pumping circuit is used to generate high voltage internally, then the internal circuit can operate with diverse voltage levels, but it becomes difficult to determine whether errors are caused by the internal circuit or the pumping circuit during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage supply system by introducing separate NC pads for high voltage and negative voltage, allowing independent testing of each voltage line. This segmentation enables external voltage sources to be applied independently to each line during testing, making it possible to identify whether errors originate from the internal circuit or the pumping circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The NC pads act as intermediaries between external testing equipment and internal power lines. By providing dedicated access points (NC pads) for high voltage and negative voltage, the patent enables external voltage sources to be introduced without interfering with normal operation, facilitating error source identification during testing.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the high voltage level is changed to test internal circuit characteristics, then circuit characteristics can be figured out, but it interferes with normal operation of the integrated circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage supply by introducing switches that can dynamically connect or disconnect external voltage sources from internal power lines based on testing requirements. During normal operation, the switches remain open and internal pumping circuits supply voltage. During testing, the switches can be closed to introduce external voltage sources, enabling flexible voltage level changes without affecting normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for testing by providing pre-configured NC pads and switch mechanisms that can be activated only when testing is required. This preliminary setup allows external voltage sources to be introduced only during testing operations, preventing interference with normal circuit operation while enabling comprehensive circuit characteristic testing.
3Productivity
If NC pads are used to supply external voltage during testing, then test efficiency is improved, but there is a risk of power source noise entering the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The NC pads serve as isolated intermediary connection points between external voltage sources and internal power lines. These dedicated pads provide controlled access points that can be connected only during testing through switch mechanisms, allowing external voltage sources to be introduced without creating noise pathways during normal operation. The physical separation and controlled connection minimize noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the testing function from the normal operation path by providing separate NC pads and switch-controlled connection paths. This extraction allows testing operations to be performed through dedicated interfaces without interfering with the main operational circuits, thereby preventing power source noise from affecting normal circuit operation while maintaining high test efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes an internal power line, a no-connection (NC) pad, and a switch configured to electrically connect the internal power line with the NC pad to supply a first external voltage to the internal power line through the NC pad in response to a control signal.