Abstract: A parameter monitor and method for monitoring a parameter of a passive component on an integrated circuit. The parameter monitor includes an oscillator circuit. The parameter monitor also includes circuitry configured to measure a first time period of an oscillation of the oscillator circuit with a passive component to produce a first digital count value, to measure second time period of an oscillation of the oscillator circuit without the passive component to produce a second digital count value, and generate a code indicative of a value of or a variation in the value of the passive component using the first and second digital count values.

Abstract: A transceiver for use in induction-based communication protocols, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) and near field communication (NFC), is described. The transceiver may be arranged such that the transmitter and the receiver share a common input/output (I/O) terminal. The transceiver may be configured to interrogate a transponder to which it is inductively coupled, and to wait for the transponder's response. Data transmitted back by the transponder may be detected by sensing an impedance modulation at the I/O terminal or at a node whose impedance varies with the I/O terminal. The impedance modulation may be sensed by allowing a current to be modulated by the impedance variation and by converting the current into a voltage. The corresponding voltage modulation may be sensed by a receiver.

Abstract: A parameter monitor and method for monitoring a parameter of a passive component on an integrated circuit. The parameter monitor includes an oscillator circuit. The parameter monitor also includes circuitry configured to measure a first time period of an oscillation of the oscillator circuit with a passive component to produce a first digital count value, to measure second time period of an oscillation of the oscillator circuit without the passive component to produce a second digital count value, and generate a code indicative of a value of or a variation in the value of the passive component using the first and second digital count values.