Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit is presented that can generate a stable and well-regulated output level to supply loads that have large dynamic current and capacitive variation. A compensation circuit is added to introduce a zero that tracks the voltage regulator's non-dominant pole. The compensation circuit includes a compensation transistor, whose gate is connected to receive the same voltage as the regulator's load driving pass transistor, and a series combination of a capacitance and a tracking resistance connected in series between the compensation transistor's gate and a supply level, where the value of the tracking resistance depends on the current supplied to the load. The tracking resistance can be implemented as a diode connected NMOS through which the compensation transistor is connected to the low supply level, or a diode connected PMOS whose current tracks that of the compensation transistor through a current mirror.

Abstract: Systems and methods for die crack detection are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a die includes a first conductive segment, an intermediate conductive segment, and a second conductive segment. The crack detection ring substantially surrounds the die according to a serpentine path having a plurality of legs, wherein each leg intersects the first conductive segment at a first intersection, an intermediate conductive segment at an intermediate intersection and a second conductive segment at a second intersection, wherein the intermediate intersection is horizontally offset from at least the first intersection and the second intersection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for die crack detection are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a die includes a first conductive segment, an intermediate conductive segment, and a second conductive segment. The crack detection ring substantially surrounds the die according to a serpentine path having a plurality of legs, wherein each leg intersects the first conductive segment at a first intersection, an intermediate conductive segment at an intermediate intersection and a second conductive segment at a second intersection, wherein the intermediate intersection is horizontally offset from at least the first intersection and the second intersection.