On-Chip Transient Settling Reconstruction by Dual-Time Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-chip monitoring techniques for high-speed integrated circuits are impractical for mass production due to the need for external probing, which is costly, bulky, and time-consuming, limiting their ability to optimize transient settling behavior in real-time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for on-chip reconstruction of transient settling behavior using a first and second sampling circuit to generate sample outputs at different times, with a signal subtraction and conversion circuit to produce a digitized representation of the settling behavior, allowing for internal monitoring without significant performance reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external probing is used to monitor transient settling behavior, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for transient settling behavior monitoring by sampling the output signal at specific time points during the settling period. Instead of externally probing the entire waveform, the circuit internally captures discrete sample values that represent the settling behavior, eliminating the need for complex external measurement equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an internal copy of the transient settling behavior data by sampling and storing sample values within the circuit itself. This internal copying mechanism allows the circuit to reconstruct and analyze its own transient behavior without requiring external observation, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Loss of information
If external probing is used for measurement, then transient settling behavior can be observed, but manufacturing cost and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service monitoring where the circuit autonomously samples and records its own transient settling behavior internally. The circuit performs self-measurement by capturing sample values during normal operation without requiring external intervention, equipment, or manual probing. This self-service approach eliminates the time-consuming external measurement process and makes the technique feasible for mass production while preserving complete transient waveform information.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution quantizer is used for foreground monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by sampling the output signal at specific discrete time points during the settling period rather than continuously quantizing the entire waveform. By capturing only the essential sample values that represent the settling behavior, the circuit achieves adequate measurement precision with significantly reduced power consumption compared to high-resolution continuous quantization, while still providing sufficient information for transient settling analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for on-chip reconstruction of transient settling behavior. The apparatus comprises a first sampling circuit configured to sample a tracked analog signal output from a circuit under test over an operating period at a first sampling time, thereby generating a first sample output. In addition, the apparatus comprises a second sampling circuit configured to sample the tracked analog signal output at a second sampling time, thereby generating a second sample output. The apparatus further comprises a signal subtraction circuit configured to perform subtraction of the first sample output and the second sample output, thereby generating a difference signal. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a signal conversion circuit configured to output the difference signal in the digital domain.