Satellite ADC Monitoring With Local Reference Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
As programmable logic devices increase in size and complexity, accurately monitoring operating conditions such as temperature and voltage across their components becomes increasingly challenging, especially due to the need for precise reference voltages and the cost and complexity of dedicated metal-layer routing resources for analog signal conversion.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system is implemented with a root monitor and satellite monitors distributed across the device, using a bandgap voltage generator for accurate temperature-independent reference voltages, local voltage stores for area efficiency, and a network-on-chip interconnect system to route digital data, eliminating the need for extensive metal-layer routing and allowing parallel analog-to-digital conversions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a central monitor with dedicated metal-layer routing is used for analog signal conversion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into distributed satellite monitors across the device, each handling local analog-to-digital conversion. This segments the complex central routing task into simpler local operations, reducing metal-layer routing complexity while maintaining measurement precision through local conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital signal intermediaries that carry measurement data from sensors to satellite monitors. These digital intermediaries replace complex analog metal-layer routing, simplifying the interconnection structure while preserving measurement accuracy through subsequent digital processing and correction.
2Productivity
If distributed satellite monitors with local voltage references are used, then productivity and scalability are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where satellite monitors measure their local reference voltages and transmission line characteristics, then use this feedback information to calculate and apply correction factors. This allows the system to compensate for manufacturing variations and maintain high measurement accuracy despite distributed architecture constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the satellite monitors by dynamically adjusting correction factors based on measured conditions. This allows the system to adapt to manufacturing variations and environmental changes, maintaining measurement precision while enabling scalable distributed operation.
3Measurement precision
If correction factors are calculated and applied at satellite monitors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions during device manufacturing where correction factors are pre-calculated and stored in the satellite monitors. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time correction calculations during operation, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through pre-computed correction values.
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 enhances the accuracy and scalability of monitoring systems by reducing the need for expensive metal-layer resources, increasing the number of sensors that can be simultaneously measured, and improving the cost-effectiveness of programmable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The root monitor may include a bandgap voltage generator configured to generate a temperature-independent reference voltage
Implementation Method 2
The voltage store may be a capacitor, and the local reference voltage may be relatively imprecise compared to the temperature-independent reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring operating conditions of a programmable device are disclosed. The system may include a root monitor configured to generate a reference voltage, a plurality of sensors distributed across the device, and a plurality of satellite monitors distributed across the device. Each of the satellite monitors may be coupled to a corresponding sensor via a local interconnect, and may be configured to convert analog signals generated by the sensor into digital data indicative of one or more operating conditions of an associated circuit. In some implementations, each satellite monitor may include a circuit to store a local reference voltage, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert the analog signals into digital codes, a calibration circuit to generate a correction factor indicative of errors in the digital codes, and a correction circuit to correct the digital codes based on the correction factor.