Setup and Hold Time Detection for Semiconductor Timing Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of semiconductor elements makes them sensitive to voltage and temperature changes, leading to timing errors during signal transmission, which existing detection systems fail to accurately measure and correct, affecting the defect rate and performance of semiconductor products.
Innovation Solution
A setup time and hold time detection system comprising a monitoring unit and a processing unit that detects and records these times across multiple test circuits, using estimation models to analyze data and adjust manufacturing processes based on error values, thereby improving signal transmission accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If semiconductor elements are miniaturized to improve integration density, then productivity and integration are improved, but timing error sensitivity increases due to voltage and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting actual setup and hold time values during signal transmission and using these detected values to adjust and optimize the estimation model. The system continuously monitors timing parameters and refines the model based on detected deviations, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that improves timing accuracy while maintaining miniaturized element performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting manufacturing parameters based on the error values obtained from comparing estimation model results with actual detected timing values. The system modifies process parameters such as voltage and temperature conditions to compensate for timing errors introduced by miniaturization, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving high integration density
2Device complexity
If existing detection systems are used to measure timing errors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision is insufficient to accurately detect setup and hold times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct functional modules: a monitoring unit that detects setup and hold times, a processing unit that receives and records detection data, and a data module circuit that establishes estimation models. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific tasks, improving measurement precision while keeping individual module complexities manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an estimation model as an intermediary between the detection system and the timing error analysis. The model is established using detection data and used to estimate signal transmission status under different conditions, enabling accurate timing error measurement without requiring direct complex measurement of each parameter
3Measurement precision
If detection data is collected from all test circuits to improve measurement precision, then timing accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to processing large volumes of data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using the collected detection data to establish an estimation model that can then estimate timing status under different conditions without requiring complete re-detection. The model captures essential timing characteristics from the data, allowing accurate predictions with reduced processing requirements for subsequent measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing the estimation model in advance using collected detection data. Once the model is established, it can quickly estimate timing status for multiple test circuits without requiring extensive real-time processing, thereby reducing time loss in subsequent measurements while maintaining high precision
Data Source
AI summary
A setup time and hold time detection system including a monitoring unit and a processing unit. The monitoring unit is configured to detect multiple setup times and multiple hold times of multiple test circuits through a source clock signal. The processing unit is configured to record multiple setup times and multiple hold times as multiple detection data. The processing unit is further configured to select a first part of the detection data as multiple first detection data to establish an estimation model. The processing unit is further configured to select a second part of the detection data as multiple second detection data, and compare the second detection data and multiple estimation results generated by the estimation model to obtain an error value of the estimation model.