Redundant Translinear Circuits for BJT Defect Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) in integrated circuits (ICs) are more susceptible to defects during fabrication, leading to higher failure rates and reduced yield, as compared to metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple instances of translinear circuits with selection circuits to selectively disable defective translinear circuits, ensuring the IC operates correctly even if some instances are defective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple instances of translinear circuits are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translinear circuit is divided into multiple identical instances (e.g., two instances: first translinear circuit and second translinear circuit). Each instance is a separate functional unit that can operate independently. The segmentation allows the system to tolerate failures in individual instances while maintaining overall functionality through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
Selection circuits are added to each translinear circuit instance to enable local control of individual instances. Each selection circuit can independently disable its associated translinear circuit instance based on defect detection, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance by selectively activating only functional instances.
2Productivity
If selection circuits are added to disable defective instances, then manufacturing yield is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Selection circuits are pre-configured and integrated into the circuit design before manufacturing. These selection circuits enable post-fabrication configuration to disable defective instances, allowing the system to adapt to manufacturing variations and defects without requiring complete circuit redesign or rejection of affected chips.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic control of circuit instance activation through selection circuits. By changing the operational state (enabled/disabled) of individual translinear circuit instances based on defect detection, the system can maintain optimal performance and yield while compensating for manufacturing defects.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes current-mode circuitry implemented on a substrate. The current-mode circuitry includes i) a plurality of instances of a translinear circuit, and ii) a plurality of selection circuits coupled to respective instances of the translinear circuit, each selection circuit configured to selectively disable the respective instance of the translinear circuit. The current-mode circuitry is configured to generate a first output using one or more instances of the translinear circuit that are not disabled by one or more respective selection circuits. Drive circuitry is also implemented on the substrate and is coupled to the current-mode circuitry. The drive circuitry is configured to generate a second output using the first output of the current-mode circuitry.