Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) has scan chains of stitched registers that support scan testing of functional logic. The scan testing has a shift phase in which incoming and outgoing data are shifted into and out of the registers using a slow clock and a capture phase in which outgoing data from the functional logic is captured by the registers using launch-and-capture pulses of a fast clock to check for delay faults. During a warm-up period after termination of the slow clock but before application of the launch-and-capture pulses, the registers propagate data through their master latches without affecting the data stored in their slave latches. A warm-up controller configures the registers and generates control signals to perform either launch-on-shift or launch-on-capture scan testing. The flow of data and the warm-up controller operations keep the power supply rail voltage sufficiently charged for the fast launch-and-capture pulses.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) has scan chains of stitched registers that support scan testing of functional logic. The scan testing has a shift phase in which incoming and outgoing data are shifted into and out of the registers using a slow clock and a capture phase in which outgoing data from the functional logic is captured by the registers using launch-and-capture pulses of a fast clock to check for delay faults. During a warm-up period after termination of the slow clock but before application of the launch-and-capture pulses, the registers propagate data through their master latches without affecting the data stored in their slave latches. A warm-up controller configures the registers and generates control signals to perform either launch-on-shift or launch-on-capture scan testing. The flow of data and the warm-up controller operations keep the power supply rail voltage sufficiently charged for the fast launch-and-capture pulses.

Abstract: A comparator circuit includes a first transistor have a control electrode coupled to a first input voltage, a first current electrode coupled to a second input voltage, and a second current electrode coupled to a first circuit node. The circuit also includes a first inverter coupled to a first voltage supply terminal and having a first input coupled to the first circuit node and an output, a second transistor having a control electrode coupled to the output of the first inverter, and an active resistive element coupled in series between the first circuit node and a first current electrode of the second transistor.

Abstract: A comparator circuit includes a first transistor have a control electrode coupled to a first input voltage, a first current electrode coupled to a second input voltage, and a second current electrode coupled to a first circuit node. The circuit also includes a first inverter coupled to a first voltage supply terminal and having a first input coupled to the first circuit node and an output, a second transistor having a control electrode coupled to the output of the first inverter, and an active resistive element coupled in series between the first circuit node and a first current electrode of the second transistor.

Abstract: A power management controller (PMC) for resetting various voltage domains of an integrated circuit (IC) generates and transmits first and second voltage domain input signals to first and second voltage domains, respectively, and generates corresponding reset signals for resetting the first and second voltage domains. The PMC generates a first master reset signal indicative of resetting the first and second voltage domains when the first and second voltage domains are booting. The PMC generates a second master reset signal indicative of resetting the first and second voltage domains when the IC is in a functional mode. The PMC determines whether the first and second voltage domains are non-functional and if at least one is non-functional, then the PMC masks a respective one of the first and second reset signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which word line drivers associated with memory word lines are selectively powered based on an active memory address reduces current consumption in a memory.

Abstract: An integrated circuit that supports both internal and external voltage regulators as well as various modes, such as a low power mode or a test mode, includes voltage regulator selection circuitry and power control circuitry. The regulator selection circuitry selects one of internal and external regulators based on two pin conditions. The power control circuitry controls ON/OFF status of the regulators corresponding to a power mode, including power-on reset, entering a low power mode, and wake-up from a low power mode.

Abstract: A memory array includes multiple memory cells, multiple bit lines, multiple word lines, and multiple source lines. Each memory cell includes a corresponding transistor and stores first and second data values. The transistor has corresponding first and second bit lines, and a source line for retrieving the first and second data values. The transistor has a gate terminal connected to a corresponding word line for receiving a word line enable signal, a first diffusion terminal connected to ground, and a second diffusion terminal connected to at least one of the corresponding first bit line, second bit line, and the source line for determining the first and second data values. The second diffusion terminal may be floating for determining the first and second data values.

Abstract: In an integrated circuit, a clock monitor circuit detects when an analog clock signal output by an on-chip crystal oscillator has stabilized. The clock monitor circuit uses an envelope follower circuit to monitor the envelope of the analog clock signal and compare the amplitude of the envelope with a predetermined amplitude value. When the predetermined value is reached and the envelope has remained steady for a predetermined time, an oscillator okay signal is generated. If an oscillator okay signal is not detected within another predetermined time, then an oscillator failure signal may be generated.

Abstract: Multiple resets in a system-on-chip (SOC) during boot where on-board regulators and low voltage detector circuits have different trimmed and untrimmed values may be avoided by the inclusion of a series of latches that latch the trimmed values during boot and retain the trim values even during a SOC reset event. The SOC is prevented from entering into a reset loop during boot or when exiting reset for any reason other than boot. A power-on-reset comparator circuit that does not depend on any trim values enables the latches and only clears the latched trim values if its own supply voltage falls below a preset level.

Abstract: In an integrated circuit, a clock monitor circuit detects when an analog clock signal output by an on-chip crystal oscillator has stabilized. The clock monitor circuit uses an envelope follower circuit to monitor the envelope of the analog clock signal and compare the amplitude of the envelope with a predetermined amplitude value. When the predetermined value is reached and the envelope has remained steady for a predetermined time, an oscillator okay signal is generated. If an oscillator okay signal is not detected within another predetermined time, then an oscillator failure signal may be generated.

Abstract: An integrated circuit that supports both internal and external voltage regulators as well as various modes, such as a low power mode or a test mode, includes voltage regulator selection circuitry and power control circuitry. The regulator selection circuitry selects one of internal and external regulators based on two pin conditions. The power control circuitry controls ON/OFF status of the regulators corresponding to a power mode, including power-on reset, entering a low power mode, and wake-up from a low power mode.

Abstract: Multiple resets in a system-on-chip (SOC) during boot where on-board regulators and low voltage detector circuits have different trimmed and untrimmed values may be avoided by the inclusion of a series of latches that latch the trimmed values during boot and retain the trim values even during a SOC reset event. The SOC is prevented from entering into a reset loop during boot or when exiting reset for any reason other than boot. A power-on-reset comparator circuit that does not depend on any trim values enables the latches and only clears the latched trim values if its own supply voltage falls below a preset level.

Abstract: A circuit for configuring an external memory includes a memory controller, a register, an OR gate, first and second input/output (IO) pads, and pull-up and pull-down resistors. When the circuit is in a high power mode, the memory controller refreshes the external memory by providing reset and clock enable signals to the external memory by way of the first and second IO pads. When the circuit is in a low power mode, the pull-up and pull-down resistors configure the external memory in a self-refresh mode. When the circuit exits the low power mode, the first and second IO pads are powered on. The OR gate receives and provides a control signal output by the register to the external memory by way of the first IO pad, which keeps the external memory in the self-refresh mode.

Abstract: A standard cell layout for a multiple input logic gate includes first through fourth parallel gate electrodes disposed over first and second active regions. The first and second gate electrodes are disposed on a first side of a first axis at first and second distances, respectively, from the first axis, and the third and fourth gate electrodes are disposed on a second side of the first axis at third and fourth distances, respectively, from the first axis. The first distance is greater than the second distance and the fourth distance is greater than the third distance. The third and fourth gate electrodes form a mirror image of the first and second gate electrodes about the first axis.

Abstract: A well-biasing circuit for an integrated circuit (IC) includes a well-bias regulator for providing well-bias voltages (n-well and p-well bias voltages) to well-bias contacts (n-well and p-well bias contacts) of each cell of the IC when the integrated circuit is in STOP and STANDBY modes. A switch is connected between a core power supply and the well-bias contact for connecting and disconnecting the core power supply and the well-bias contact when the IC is in RUN and STOP modes, and STANDBY mode, respectively. A voltage inverter circuit and a CMOS inverter circuit enable and disable the switch when the IC is in the RUN mode, and STOP and STANDBY modes, respectively.

Abstract: A well-biasing circuit for an integrated circuit (IC) includes a well-bias regulator for providing well-bias voltages (n-well and p-well bias voltages) to well-bias contacts (n-well and p-well bias contacts) of each cell of the IC when the integrated circuit is in STOP and STANDBY modes. A switch is connected between a core power supply and the well-bias contact for connecting and disconnecting the core power supply and the well-bias contact when the IC is in RUN and STOP modes, and STANDBY mode, respectively. A voltage inverter circuit and a CMOS inverter circuit enable and disable the switch when the IC is in the RUN mode, and STOP and STANDBY modes, respectively.

Abstract: A power management circuit for managing power supplied to an electronic circuit by a core power supply. The electronic circuit includes digital and analog circuit domains and operates in POWER-ON, RUN and STANDBY modes. The power management circuit includes a master state machine that exchanges a handshake signal with the analog circuit domain to monitor the modes of operation and generates first and second configuration signals. The power management circuit enables and disables the analog circuit domain based on the first and second configuration signals. A switch connected to the core power supply and the digital circuit module enables and disables the digital circuit domain based on the second configuration signal.

Abstract: A power management circuit for managing power supplied to an electronic circuit by a core power supply. The electronic circuit includes digital and analog circuit domains and operates in POWER-ON, RUN and STANDBY modes. The power management circuit includes a master state machine that exchanges a handshake signal with the analog circuit domain to monitor the modes of operation and generates first and second configuration signals. The power management circuit enables and disables the analog circuit domain based on the first and second configuration signals. A switch connected to the core power supply and the digital circuit module enables and disables the digital circuit domain based on the second configuration signal.

Abstract: A Read Only Memory (ROM) device includes a ROM array, a row address decoder, a column address decoder, a column multiplexer, and a control circuit. Data is stored in bit cells in the ROM array. The control circuit generates control signals for reading the ROM. The row address decoder selects a word line. The column address decoder enables a bit line. The data is sensed from a bit cell corresponding to the selected word line and the enabled bit line by a corresponding sense amplifier and delivered on a data output pin of the ROM. The control signals for enabling the bit line and the sense amplifier operate at a higher voltage than supply voltage of the ROM. This reduces the ROM read time.