On-Chip Power Analyzer for Wireless Communication Device Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for analyzing power consumption in wireless communication devices are impractical and time-consuming, requiring physical decapping and use of liquid crystals, making it difficult to identify and address excessive power consumption in operational devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generates and communicates a signal indicative of power status from within the chip using a power analyzer, allowing real-time monitoring via a serial bus, pin connections, or general purpose input/output connections, enabling identification of power-consuming modules without physically decapping the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liquid crystal method is used to analyze power consumption, then power consumption can be visualized, but the process becomes physically complex and time-consuming requiring chip decapping and microscope analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical liquid crystal visualization system with an electronic signal-based monitoring system. Instead of using liquid crystals that require physical decapping and microscope observation, the system uses electronic circuits to detect power consumption and transmit data via serial bus or pin connections, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of the chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal transmission mechanism (serial bus, pin connections, or general purpose input/output connections) that bridges the power consumption monitoring function with the external analysis system. This intermediary allows power status information to be transmitted electronically without requiring physical access to the chip interior.
2Measurement precision
If liquid crystal method is used, then power consumption can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and impractical for operational devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous power consumption monitoring during device operation through electronic signal transmission. The power analyzer continuously monitors power status and transmits data via serial bus or pin connections without interrupting device operation, eliminating the need to stop, decap, and physically analyze the chip at any stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the time-consuming physical analysis process with rapid electronic data transmission and processing. Power consumption information is captured electronically and transmitted through serial bus or pin connections, allowing immediate analysis without the time required for physical decapping, liquid crystal application, and microscope observation.
3Measurement precision
If chip is decapped and liquid crystal is deposited, then power consumption can be visualized, but the device structure is damaged and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the destructive liquid crystal deposition method with a non-invasive electronic monitoring system. The power analyzer and signal transmission mechanisms operate through existing chip interfaces and pin connections, allowing power consumption analysis without physically altering or damaging the chip structure, thus preserving device integrity for future use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary electronic interfaces (serial bus, pin connections, general purpose input/output connections) that allow power status monitoring without direct physical access to or modification of the chip interior. These intermediaries provide a non-invasive pathway for data transmission that preserves the device structure.
4Measurement precision
If conventional power analysis methods are used, then power consumption can be measured, but the system requires specialized equipment and physical manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical manipulation operations with electronic signal-based operations. Power consumption is measured and transmitted through electronic circuits and serial communications, eliminating the need for physical decapping, liquid crystal application, and microscope handling, thereby simplifying the operational process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the device to self-monitor and self-report its power consumption status through integrated power analyzers and serial bus connections. The system automatically collects, processes, and transmits power status information without requiring external physical manipulation or specialized equipment intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for monitoring operating status of a device are provided. Aspects of the method may include receiving within a chip, a signal indicative of a power status of an on-chip device. An output signal indicative of the power status may be generated from within the chip, while the chip is operating. The generated output signal may be communicated outside the chip via a serial bus, a plurality of pin connections on said chip, and/or a general purpose input/output connection. The generated output signal may be multiplexed on at least one pin on the chip and it may comprise a clock signal and/or a data signal. The data signal may comprise sequential power status information for a plurality of on-chip devices.