On-Die PSRR Measurement Circuit for Wide-Frequency Regulator Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face difficulties in measuring and debugging the power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) of on-die regulators over a wide frequency range and high load current, especially for analog circuits in electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A circuit configuration involving a filter and two regulators, where the filter separates AC and DC components of input signals, allowing for PSRR measurement without external components, and utilizing two regulators with the same design to support high output current and minimize design efforts, enabling on-die parameter monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and capability across wide frequency range and high load current deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement circuit comprising a filter, first regulator, and second regulator. The filter separates AC and DC components, the first regulator processes the combined signal, and the second regulator processes the AC component separately. This intermediary measurement system enables accurate PSRR measurement across wide frequency ranges and high load currents without requiring complex external test equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If on-die parameter monitoring is implemented, then debugging capability is improved, but design complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement circuit is designed with universal functionality that can measure PSRR across wide frequency ranges and high load currents using the same circuit architecture. The filter, first regulator, and second regulator work together in a multi-functional measurement system that eliminates the need for different measurement circuits for different operating conditions, thus improving debugging capability without proportionally increasing design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses two regulators with the same design (first regulator and second regulator) to perform different measurement functions. By copying the regulator design, the circuit achieves versatility in measurement capability while minimizing additional design efforts, as the same regulator architecture can be replicated and configured for different measurement purposes.
3Measurement precision
If external components are used for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement functionality from external test equipment and implements it directly within the on-die circuit. By taking out the measurement function and integrating it into the semiconductor device itself, the system achieves accurate PSRR measurement without requiring external components, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement circuit is designed to be self-contained and self-servicing, with the filter, first regulator, and second regulator all integrated within the on-die circuit. The circuit performs its own measurement function without requiring external test equipment or components, enabling accurate PSRR measurement while simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for parameter PSRR measurement includes a filter, a first regulator and a second regulator. The filter may be configured for receiving an AC input signal and a DC input signal, and for outputting a combined output signal according to the AC input signal and the DC input signal. The first regulator may be configured for receiving the combined output signal, and for outputting a first output signal having a first AC component signal and a first DC component signal. The second regulator may be configured for receiving the first output signal, and for outputting a second output signal having a second AC component signal and a second DC component signal. A parameter PSRR of the second regulator may be obtained according to a ratio between the second AC component signal and the first AC component signal.