A current integrator for BIST of mixed-signal ICs

Author

Tabatabaei, Sassan ; Ivanov, André

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., British Columbia Univ., Vancouver, BC, Canada

fYear

1999

fDate

1999

Firstpage

311

Lastpage

318

Abstract

A novel built-in current integrator (BICI) is proposed for measuring the average supply current (I_DD) of embedded circuit blocks. Such a circuit can be used both as a current signature generator and power monitor. The BICI uses only small capacitors (total 72 pF), a simple comparator, 7 switches, and a counter to perform integration over a long time (1 ms) window and digitize I_DD. The BICI generates a digital signature proportional to I_DD and occupies a small area which make it suitable for BIST applications on mixed-signal ICs. The circuit has been implemented using a standard 0.5 μ CMOS technology. Circuit performance trade-offs are analyzed and optimization guidelines provided. Simulation results are also included

Keywords

CMOS integrated circuits; built-in self test; circuit optimisation; integrating circuits; mixed analogue-digital integrated circuits; 0.5 micron; 72 pF; BIST; CMOS technology; average supply current; built-in current integrator; circuit performance trade-off; comparator; current signature generator; digital signature; embedded circuit blocks; mixed-signal ICs; optimization guidelines; power monitor; Built-in self-test; CMOS technology; Capacitors; Counting circuits; Current measurement; Current supplies; Integrated circuit measurements; Monitoring; Power generation; Switches;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

VLSI Test Symposium, 1999. Proceedings. 17th IEEE

Conference_Location

Dana Point, CA

ISSN

1093-0167

Print_ISBN

0-7695-0146-X

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/VTEST.1999.766681

Filename

766681