Leakage Current Detection Using Pre-Charge and Discharge Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rising leakage current in electronic circuits, especially when in a standby state, affects the efficiency and yield of chip manufacturing and electronic apparatus performance, due to factors like temperature changes and miniaturization of integrated circuit elements.
Innovation Solution
A leakage current detection apparatus comprising a capacitor, pre-charge circuit, discharge current generator, and detection result generator, which pre-charges a capacitor during a first time interval and discharges it during a second interval to generate a leakage current detection result by comparing the voltage with a preset reference voltage, allowing the operation voltage to be adjusted to reduce leakage current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If integrated circuit elements are minimized to nano-scale size and threshold voltage is reduced, then operation voltage and transistor performance are improved, but leakage current increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitor before the detection phase. The pre-charge circuit charges the capacitor to a reference voltage level in advance, establishing a known initial state that enables accurate leakage current measurement. This preliminary preparation ensures that subsequent voltage decay measurements directly reflect leakage current characteristics without being affected by unknown initial conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through time-divided operation modes: a pre-charge phase followed by a detection phase. The system alternates between charging the capacitor through the pre-charge circuit and measuring voltage decay through the detection circuit. This periodic switching enables continuous monitoring and detection of leakage current while maintaining the capacitor in a controlled state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If temperature changes occur during operation, then electronic apparatus performance is affected, but leakage current increases due to thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the detected leakage current information to adjust and optimize circuit operation. The detection circuit measures voltage decay caused by leakage current, and this information can be fed back to control circuits that adjust operating parameters or activate compensation mechanisms. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to temperature changes and minimize their harmful effects on leakage current.
3Productivity
If leakage current is not detected and reduced, then chip manufacturing yield rate and electronic apparatus performance decrease, but detection and reduction mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a detection apparatus that can serve multiple functions: the capacitor serves both as a timing element and a measurement element, the pre-charge circuit establishes both initial voltage conditions and provides a reference level, and the detection circuit measures both voltage decay and infers leakage current characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining effective leakage current detection capability.
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
Effectively detects and reduces leakage current in electronic circuits, even under varying temperature conditions, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of electronic apparatus and chip manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor, a pre-charge circuit, a discharge current generator and a detection result generator. The capacitor is coupled between a detection end and a reference ground end
Data Source
AI summary
A leakage current detection apparatus and detection method thereof for detecting a leakage current generated when a tested circuit is in a standby state are provided. The leakage current detection apparatus includes a capacitor, a pre-charge circuit, a discharge current generator and a detection result generator. The pre-charge current is provided to pre-charge the capacitor during a first time interval. The discharge current generator generates a discharge current according to the leakage current when the tested circuit is in a standby state and during a second time interval, and the capacitor is discharged accordingly. The leakage detection result is generated in the second time interval by comparing a voltage value on a detection end and a voltage value of a preset reference voltage.