Signal Path Idle-State Control for Balanced Transistor Aging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuits suffer from aging effects like bias temperature instability (BTI) that cause duty-cycle shifts during idle mode, leading to timing issues due to asymmetric aging of transistors, which degrade performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that control aging in idle mode by alternately parking the input of a signal path high and low, using a multiplexer and controller to balance transistor aging, or employing a latching circuit with set and reset inputs to manage the logic state, thereby mitigating duty-cycle shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input of the signal path is kept at a fixed logic level during idle mode, then the circuit operation is simplified, but asymmetric transistor aging occurs causing duty-cycle shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating the parked logic level (high or low) at the input of the signal path during idle mode in successive idle periods. This periodic switching balances the aging stress on transistors over time, preventing asymmetric aging and duty-cycle shifts while maintaining simplified circuit operation.
2Reliability
If aging control is implemented by alternately parking the input high and low during idle mode, then transistor aging is balanced and duty-cycle shifts are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary element (such as a multiplexer or latching circuit) to implement the aging control function. This intermediary component manages the alternating parking of the input signal at high or low logic levels during idle mode, balancing transistor aging while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If the input signal is continuously active, then timing accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases and aging effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the signal path between active and idle modes based on operational needs. During idle mode, the input is parked at high or low logic levels to reduce energy consumption while still maintaining controlled aging. The system dynamically switches between these states to balance timing accuracy requirements with energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure control aging of a signal path in an idle mode to mitigate aging. In one example, an input of the signal path is alternately parked low and high over multiple idle periods to balance the aging of devices (e.g., transistors) in the signal path. In another example, a clock signal (e.g., a clock signal with a low frequency) is input to the signal path during idle periods to balance the aging of devices (e.g., transistors) in the signal path. In another example, the input of the signal path is parked high or low during each idle period based on an aging pattern.