Abstract: Integrated circuits running with high frequencies are a potential source for RFI (Radio Frequency Interference). To reduce RFI, on-chip dedoupling capacitors are included in the design. To gain maximum advantage of these decoupling capacitors, they should be placed close to drivers and flip-flops. In a standard cell design approach for fabrication of the ICs, capacitors are embedded below the power supply lines. These capacitors are put in special cells, called cap-cells, which are placed by the place and route software on either side of each row of standard cells. Thin oxide capacitors are preferred because they offer the largest capacitance per area. In addition, first and second metal above the capacitor are increased to form thick oxide capacitors that give additional capacitance.

Abstract: A digital circuit which receives a serial input signal and which suppresses fast signal variations. The digital circuit includes an integrator circuit (1) which generates a multi-bit signal by integration of the serial input signal. The output signal of the integrator circuit is applied to an evaluation circuit (2) which generates a serial output signal which assumes a first state when the multi-bit signal exceeds a first threshold value and a second state when the multi-bit signal is below a second threshold value.