Patents by Inventor Franco Stellari

Franco Stellari has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210063482
    Abstract: A Scanning Time-Resolved Emission (S-TRE) microscope or system includes an optical system configured to collect light from emissions of light generated by a device under test (DUT). A scanning system is configured to permit the emissions of light to be collected from positions across the DUT in accordance with a scan pattern. A timing photodetector is configured to detect a single photon or photons of the emissions of light from the particular positions across the DUT such that the emissions of light are correlated to the positions to create a time-dependent map of the emissions of light across the DUT. Updating the time-dependent map of the emissions based on variable dwell times at respective locations of the DUT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Franco Stellari, Peilin Song
  • Publication number: 20210063716
    Abstract: A Scanning Time-Resolved Emission (S-TRE) microscope or system includes an optical system configured to collect light from emissions of light generated by a device under test (DUT). A scanning system is configured to permit the emissions of light to be collected from positions across the DUT in accordance with a scan pattern. A timing photodetector is configured to detect a single photon or photons of the emissions of light from the particular positions across the DUT such that the emissions of light are correlated to the positions to create a time-dependent map of the emissions of light across the DUT. The scanning system is configured to updated the time-dependent map of the emissions based on a transformation of an underlying time-resolved waveform at certain intervals and corresponding to at least one location and generating a pseudo image of the DUT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Franco Stellari, Peilin Song
  • Publication number: 20210063481
    Abstract: A Scanning Time-Resolved Emission (S-TRE) microscope or system includes an optical system configured to collect light from emissions of light generated by a device under test (DUT). A scanning system is configured to permit the emissions of light to be collected from positions across the DUT in accordance with a scan pattern. A timing photodetector is configured to detect a single photon or photons of the emissions of light from the particular positions across the DUT such that the emissions of light are correlated to the positions to create a time-dependent map of the emissions of light across the DUT. The scanning system is configured to update the time-dependent map of the emissions based on combinations of the emissions of light at certain locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Franco Stellari, Peilin Song
  • Patent number: 10928448
    Abstract: A method for automated scan chain diagnostics includes comparing actual emission signatures for individual design elements to expected emission signatures, the individual design elements having pixels allocated thereto associated with an image of a device registered to a design layout, and determining whether the actual emission signatures differ from the expected emission signatures by more than a threshold amount to determine if a defect is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Franco Stellari, Peilin Song
  • Patent number: 10895596
    Abstract: Methods and systems for localizing and resolving an integrated circuit include selecting one or more electrical stimuli to be applied to a device under test such that the electrical stimuli provide a baseline image and a distinguishing image effect when applied to the device under test. The one or more electrical stimuli are applied to the device under test. Emissions from the device under test are measured to provide a measurement data set and to collect the baseline image and the distinguishing image effect. The measurement includes dividing a field of view in a photon emission image into regions of interest. The measurement data set is analyzed to localize and evaluate circuit structures by comparing the baseline image and the distinguishing image effect. The analysis includes calculating a figure of merit for each region of interest that represents a degree of switching activity in the respective region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peilin Song, Franco Stellari
  • Patent number: 10755397
    Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products to focus a microscope. A system can comprise a memory that stores computer executable components and a processor that executes the computer executable components stored in the memory. The computer executable components can comprise an analyzer component that can analyze sub-images of respective sample images to identify one or more sub-images having a maximized variance of a gradient derivative corresponding to the one or more sub-images. The respective sample images can be acquired at one or more focal positions along an optical axis of a microscope. The computer executable components can further comprise a selection component that can select an image, from the respective sample images, that comprises the one or more sub-images identified. The computer executable components can also comprise a focus component that, based on a focal position corresponding to the image selected, can focus the microscope to the focal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Franco Stellari, Chung-Ching Lin, Peilin Song
  • Patent number: 10755404
    Abstract: Techniques that facilitate integrated circuit defect detection using pattern images are provided. In one example, a system generates an equalized pattern image of a pattern image associated with a module under test based on an adaptive contrast equalization technique. The system also identifies a first set of features of the equalized pattern image based on a feature point detection technique and aligns the equalized pattern image with a reference pattern image based on the first set of features and a second set of features of the reference pattern image. Furthermore, the system compares a first set of light intensities of the equalized pattern image to a second set of light intensities of the reference pattern image to identify one or more regions of the module under test that satisfy a defined criterion associated with a defect for the module under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Ching Lin, Thomas McCarroll Shaw, Peilin Song, Franco Stellari, Thomas Anthony Wassick
  • Publication number: 20200150181
    Abstract: Methods and systems of detecting chip degradation are described. A processor may execute a test on a device at a first time, where the test includes executable instructions for the device to execute a task under specific conditions relating to a performance attribute. The processor may receive performance data indicating a set of outcomes from the task executed by the device during the test. The processor may determine a first value of a parameter of the performance attribute based on the identified subset. The processor may compare the first value with a second value of the parameter of the performance attribute. The second value is based on an execution of the test on the device at a second time. The processor may determine a degradation status of the device based on the comparison of the first value with the second value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Emily A. Ray, Emmanuel Yashchin, Peilin Song, Kevin G. Stawiasz, Barry Linder, Alan Weger, Keith A. Jenkins, Raphael P. Robertazzi, Franco Stellari, James Stathis
  • Publication number: 20200132751
    Abstract: Techniques regarding autonomous identification of aged circuits are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a system, which can comprise a memory that can store computer executable components. The system can also comprise a processor, operably coupled to the memory, and that can execute the computer executable components stored in the memory. The computer executable components can comprise an identification component, operatively coupled to the processor, that can identify an aged circuit by analyzing a current-voltage characteristic curve for a distortion in a sub-threshold quiescent current signature of the aged circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Franco Stellari, Peilin Song, Naigang Wang
  • Publication number: 20200088791
    Abstract: A method for automated scan chain diagnostics includes comparing actual emission signatures for individual design elements to expected emission signatures, the individual design elements having pixels allocated thereto associated with an image of a device registered to a design layout, and determining whether the actual emission signatures differ from the expected emission signatures by more than a threshold amount to determine if a defect is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: FRANCO STELLARI, PEILIN SONG
  • Patent number: 10591539
    Abstract: A method for automated scan chain diagnostics includes segmenting an image of a device associated with a design layout to allocate pixels to individual design elements, comparing actual emission signatures for the individual design elements to expected emission signatures, and determining whether the actual emission signatures differ from the expected emission signatures by more than a threshold amount to determine if a defect is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Franco Stellari, Peilin Song
  • Publication number: 20200082518
    Abstract: A method and apparatus related to developing electromagnetic emission and power models for a target device using photonic emissions thereof are provided. Data of photonic emissions of a target device during a first period of time with the target device in one or more modes is recorded. Data of electromagnetic emissions of the target device during the first period of time with the target device in the one or more modes is also recorded. The recorded data of the photonic emissions and the recorded data of the electromagnetic emissions are correlated to establish one or more electromagnetic emission models for the target device. The one or more electromagnetic emission models enable predictive analysis of emissions by the target device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Andrea Bahgat Shehata, Peilin Song, Franco Stellari
  • Publication number: 20200082054
    Abstract: Techniques facilitating integrated circuit identification and reverse engineering are provided. A computer-implemented method can comprise identifying, by a system operatively coupled to a processor, an element within a first elementary cell of one or more elementary cells of an integrated circuit. The method can also comprise matching, by the system, the element with respective elements across the one or more elementary cells including the first elementary cell. The respective elements can be replicas of the element. Further, matching the element with respective elements can be based on a layout analysis of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Andrea Bahgat Shehata, Peilin Song, Franco Stellari
  • Publication number: 20200082053
    Abstract: Techniques facilitating integrated circuit identification and reverse engineering are provided. A computer-implemented method can comprise identifying, by a system operatively coupled to a processor, an element within a first elementary cell of one or more elementary cells of an integrated circuit. The method can also comprise matching, by the system, the element with respective elements across the one or more elementary cells including the first elementary cell. The respective elements can be replicas of the element. Further, matching the element with respective elements can be based on a layout analysis of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Andrea Bahgat Shehata, Peilin Song, Franco Stellari
  • Patent number: 10574240
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus for testing an integrated circuit (IC) that includes a ring oscillator is provided. The apparatus configures the ring oscillator to produce oscillation at a first frequency and configures the ring oscillator to produce oscillation at a second frequency. The apparatus then compares the second frequency with an integer multiple of the first frequency to determine a resistive voltage drop between a voltage applied to the IC and a local voltage at the ring oscillator. The ring oscillator has a chain of inverting elements forming a long ring and a short ring. The ring oscillator also has an oscillation selection circuit that is configured to disable the short ring so that the ring oscillator produces a fundamental oscillation based on signal propagation through the long ring and enable the short ring so that the ring oscillator produces a harmonic oscillation based on a signal propagation through the short ring and the long ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith A. Jenkins, Peilin Song, James H. Stathis, Franco Stellari
  • Patent number: 10571520
    Abstract: A scan chain latch circuit, a method of operating a latch circuit in a scan chain, and a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a data structure defining a scan chain latch circuit for instantiation on a semiconductor die are disclosed. In an embodiment, the scan chain latch circuit comprises a first latch for holding one data value, a second latch for holding another data value, and a multiplexor. The one data value is applied to a first data input of the multiplexor and the another data value is applied to a second data input of the multiplexor. An alternating clock signal is applied to a select input of the multiplexor to control the output of the multiplexor, wherein the output of the multiplexor toggles between the two data values held in the two latches at a defined frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Internatioanl Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dzmitry S. Maliuk, Franco Stellari, Alan J. Weger, Peilin Song
  • Patent number: 10564213
    Abstract: A method and system of monitoring a reliability of a semiconductor circuit are provided. A current consumption of a first ring oscillator that is in static state is measured at predetermined intervals. Each measured current consumption value is stored. A baseline current consumption value of the first ring oscillator is determined based on the stored current consumption values. A latest measured current consumption value of the first ring oscillator is compared to the baseline current consumption value. Upon determining that the latest measured current consumption value is above a threshold deviation from the baseline current consumption value, the first ring oscillator is identified to have a dielectric breakdown degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tam N. Huynh, Keith A. Jenkins, Franco Stellari
  • Patent number: 10552278
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for chip testing. The method includes selectively deploying a chip for future use or discarding the chip to prevent the future use, responsive to a stress history of the chip determined using a non-destructive test procedure. The test procedure includes ordering each of a plurality of functional patterns by a respective minimum operating period corresponding thereto. The test procedure further includes ranking each of the plurality of patterns based on at least one preceding available pattern to provide a plurality of pattern ranks. The test procedure also includes calculating a sum by summing the plurality of pattern ranks. The sum calculated during an initial performance of the test procedure is designated as a baseline, and the sum calculated during a subsequent performance of the test procedure is compared to a threshold derived from the baseline to determine the stress history of the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith A. Jenkins, Barry P. Linder, Emily A. Ray, Raphael P. Robertazzi, Peilin Song, James H. Stathis, Kevin G. Stawiasz, Franco Stellari, Alan J. Weger, Emmanuel Yashchin
  • Patent number: 10515181
    Abstract: Techniques facilitating integrated circuit identification and reverse engineering are provided. A computer-implemented method can comprise identifying, by a system operatively coupled to a processor, an element within a first elementary cell of one or more elementary cells of an integrated circuit. The method can also comprise matching, by the system, the element with respective elements across the one or more elementary cells including the first elementary cell. The respective elements can be replicas of the element. Further, matching the element with respective elements can be based on a layout analysis of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrea Bahgat Shehata, Peilin Song, Franco Stellari
  • Patent number: 10515183
    Abstract: Techniques facilitating integrated circuit identification and reverse engineering are provided. A computer-implemented method can comprise identifying, by a system operatively coupled to a processor, an element within a first elementary cell of one or more elementary cells of an integrated circuit. The method can also comprise matching, by the system, the element with respective elements across the one or more elementary cells including the first elementary cell. The respective elements can be replicas of the element. Further, matching the element with respective elements can be based on a layout analysis of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrea Bahgat Shehata, Peilin Song, Franco Stellari