Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Shared Memory for Trimming and Time Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuits inefficiently utilize chip area as the register used for trimming purposes is only utilized during the trimming mode and not after it is disabled, leading to underutilization of resources.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit design that includes a memory circuit with flip-flops, a nonvolatile storage unit, a signal generating unit, and a control circuit to operate in multiple modes, allowing the memory circuit to hold values for setting circuit characteristics during trimming and measuring time lengths, thereby improving chip area utilization by shared use of components across different operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate register is provided for trimming mode operations, then trimming functionality is ensured, but chip area utilization deteriorates due to the register being idle after trimming mode is disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The memory circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as a register during trimming mode to hold trimming data, and transitions to functioning as a counter in product mode to measure time lengths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby improving chip area utilization while maintaining both trimming functionality and time measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If the memory circuit is dedicated solely to trimming operations, then trimming precision is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional unused circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The same memory circuit serves dual purposes: holding trimming data during trimming mode and measuring time lengths during product mode. By using a single circuit for both functions rather than separate dedicated circuits, the invention reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the precision required for trimming operations through proper mode switching and data management
Solution Approach 2:
The memory circuit dynamically changes its function based on the operational mode. During trimming mode, it operates as a register to hold trimming data; during product mode, it transitions to operating as a counter for time measurement. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the circuit to adapt its behavior to current operational requirements, reducing the need for static dedicated circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first circuit, a second circuit, a memory circuit having a plurality of flip-flops, a storage unit, a signal generating unit to produce an operation mode setting signal, a control circuit configured to cause the memory circuit to operate such that the plurality of flip-flops holds a value for setting characteristics of the first circuit when the operation mode setting signal indicates a first operation mode, and configured to cause the memory circuit to operate as a counter to measure a time length used in the second circuit when the operation mode setting signal indicates a second operation mode, and a setting circuit configured to cause trimming data stored in the storage unit to set the characteristic of the first circuit when the operation mode setting signal indicates the second operation mode, the trimming data corresponding to the value held by the memory circuit.