On-Die Regulator PSRR Measurement Circuit for Wide-Frequency Testing
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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 across a wide frequency range and high load currents, particularly for characterizing major 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 an input signal, and the regulators adjust these components to calculate the PSRR, allowing for on-die parameter measurement without external components, minimizing design efforts and enabling fast, programmable measurements across various frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used for on-die regulator PSRR, then measurement can be performed with simple setup, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate across wide-frequency range and high load current
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 of the input signal, the first regulator processes the AC component while the second regulator processes the DC component, enabling accurate PSRR measurement across wide frequency ranges without requiring complex external measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement circuit is segmented into distinct functional blocks: a filter unit for separating signal components, a first regulator for AC component processing, and a second regulator for DC component processing. This segmentation allows each block to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall measurement accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PSRR measurement is performed, then external components can be minimized, but measurement capability across wide frequency range and high load current is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both AC and DC signal components simultaneously across a wide frequency range. The first regulator and second regulator work in parallel to process different signal components, enabling the circuit to measure PSRR under various operating conditions including high load currents, thereby achieving universal adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
3Loss of time
If on-die PSRR measurement is implemented, then testing time is reduced, but additional on-die components increase design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The PSRR measurement circuit is pre-integrated into the on-die regulator design, allowing measurements to be performed during the manufacturing testing phase rather than requiring separate external characterization. This preliminary action enables fast, programmable measurements to be executed on-die, significantly reducing the overall testing time and cycle while the modular design keeps the additional components manageable
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
This solution enables accurate, high-frequency PSRR measurement and debugging of on-die regulators, reducing testing complexities and resource requirements while maintaining reliability and minimizing additional design efforts.
Implementation Method 1
a filter and a first regulator and a second regulator. The filter has an AC signal input terminal and a DC signal input terminal and a combined signal output terminal
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 the first AC component signal and the second AC component signal.