Pulse Width Measurement Circuit With Adjustable Delay Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face inaccuracies in measuring critical path time delays due to process deviations, aging, and temperature fluctuations, leading to performance variations and potential operational errors.
Innovation Solution
A pulse signal width measuring apparatus and method utilizing a buffer chain, path time delay adjustment circuit, and control device to accurately measure critical path time delays with high precision by adjusting time delays in increments, incorporating a signal latch circuit and multiplexers to stabilize signal transitions and reduce measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If process deviation occurs during manufacturing, then manufacturing precision varies among different finished products, but measurement precision of critical path time delay deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a programmable delay circuit that can dynamically adjust delay values through digital control signals. The delay line consists of multiple delay elements that can be selectively activated to provide variable delay amounts, allowing the system to adapt to different process deviations and find the optimal delay setting for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the delay parameter in discrete steps by controlling different numbers of delay elements in the delay line. By iteratively adjusting the delay parameter and observing the output signals, the system can determine the critical path time delay with high precision despite variations in manufacturing processes.
2Device complexity
If a simple measurement circuit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of time delay deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement circuit is segmented into distinct functional modules: a delay line with multiple delay elements, a programmable delay circuit, signal generation circuits, and detection circuits. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary programmable delay circuit between the input signal and the measurement point. This intermediary component provides adjustable delay that acts as a reference for comparing against the critical path delay, enabling precise measurement without requiring overly complex direct measurement techniques.
3Measurement precision
If high-precision measurement is achieved through multiple adjustment steps, then measurement precision improves, but productivity decreases due to longer measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary setup by pre-configuring the delay line with multiple delay elements that can be quickly switched. The programmable delay circuit is pre-programmed with adjustment step values, allowing the measurement process to proceed through predetermined steps rather than requiring iterative trial-and-error adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process maintains continuity by using a systematically controlled adjustment sequence. The control device automatically progresses through delay adjustment steps without interruption, and the signal generation and detection circuits operate continuously to capture measurement data at each step, maximizing measurement efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Provided are a pulse signal width measurement apparatus and method, a system, and a medium. The apparatus comprises: a buffer link comprising N first buffers, N first AND gates in which one input end is connected to a pulse signal and another input end is connected to the output of a corresponding first buffer, and corresponding N triggers coupled to the output end of each first AND gate, the N first buffers being connected end to end; a path time delay adjustment circuit, wherein the input end of the path time delay adjustment circuit receives the pulse signal and the output end of the path time delay adjustment circuit is connected to the input end of a first buffer; a control apparatus, wherein during each adjustment, the delay generated by the path time delay adjustment circuit is controlled, according to a preset adjustment step length, to be reduced from a preset time delay by at least one preset adjustment step length until the output of the Pth trigger changes; and a measurement apparatus, wherein the width of the pulse signal is measured at least according to the result output by the output end of each trigger, the delay of each first buffer, and the delay of the path time delay adjustment circuit.