With Test Facilitating Feature Patents (Class 326/16)
  • Patent number: 9817066
    Abstract: A circuit couples a test access port (TAP) having a JTAG interface to another port having a serial interface different from the JTAG interface. The circuit includes a forwarding circuit and a timing control circuit. The forward circuit is coupled to couple a test data in (TDI) terminal, a test data out (TDO) terminal, and a test clock (TCK) terminal of the TAP to an input terminal, an output terminal, and a clock terminal of the another port, respectively. The timing control circuit is coupled to drive a select terminal of the another port with a select signal that activates serial data transfer through the serial interface to a device. The timing control circuit delays assertion of the select signal by a configurable time period after assertion of a shift data state of a state machine of the TAP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Randal M. Kuramoto, Stephanie Trapp, Matthew K. Nielson
  • Patent number: 9798599
    Abstract: An embodiment of a circuit includes a data latch and a plurality of cascaded latches, wherein a first of the plurality of cascaded latches is configured to receive a first signal from the data latch and each subsequent cascaded latch is configured to receive a data output signal of a preceding cascaded latch, and an error-detection circuit configured to receive the respective data output signals and detect error in operation of the cascaded latches based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Chittoor Parthasarathy, Abhishek Jain
  • Patent number: 9798842
    Abstract: An integrated circuit may include observable storage circuits and unobservable or non-observable storage circuits. Among values stored in the observable and the non-observable storage circuits, only the values stored in the observable storage circuits are accessible for read-back and/or write-back operations during hardware emulation. A computer system may receive a circuit design that includes a design-under-test and implement at least a portion of the circuit design in the integrated circuit. The computer system may insert observable storage circuits into the circuit design and couple the observable storage circuits to the non-observable storage circuits such that the data stored in the non-observable storage circuits may be accessed during read-back operations using the inserted observable storage circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hutton
  • Patent number: 9793895
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes: a first logic circuit coupled to a first input line and a first output line; a second logic circuit coupled to a second input line and a second output line; a first line pattern coupled to the first output line and including an input line different from the second input line; and a second line pattern coupled to the second output line and different from the first input line, wherein at least a part of the first output line, the first line pattern, the second output line, or the second line pattern has a folded shape or a circular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Dai Yamamoto, Naoya Torii, Ikuya Morikawa
  • Patent number: 9729128
    Abstract: A multi-bit flip-flop (MBFF) includes a plurality of 1-bit flip-flops, each having an input data selection circuit that receives a data signal and a scan data signal. The MBFF also includes a local signal generation circuit that receives a global clock signal and a global scan enable signal, and in response, provides local control signals, wherein each of the local control signals is generated in response to both the global clock signal and the global scan enable signal. The local control signals are provided to the input data selection circuits, and exclusively control the input data selection circuits to route either the input data signal or the scan input data signal as a master data bit, reducing transistor requirements. Local clock signals may be generated by the local signal generation circuit in response to the global clock signal, and may exclusively control data transfer within the flip-flops, improving setup time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Manish Srivastava, Basannagouda Somanath Reddy
  • Patent number: 9722612
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to permit a programmable logic device (PLD) to comply with a communication standard before the PLD is fully configured. In one example, a method includes programming a first portion of a programmable logic device (PLD) with first configuration data. After the first portion is programmed, the first portion is operated in accordance with a communication standard to exchange data with a host system while a second portion of the PLD is programmed with second configuration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Umesh Ananthiah, Tramie Tran, Jamie Freed
  • Patent number: 9722615
    Abstract: In a multi-context PLD (dynamically reconfigurable circuit), at the time of rewriting configuration data on a non-selected context during circuit operation, configuration data is stably stored. At the time of rewriting configuration data on a non-selected context, writing to a row which is to be rewritten continues until input signals supplied to input terminals of routing switches in the row become “L” all that time or the input signals become “L” at least once. More specifically, a write selection signal for the row continues to be output. In addition, while the write selection signal is being output, loading of configuration data into a driver circuit is not conducted, or loading of configuration data into a driver circuit is conducted but storage thereof in a line buffer is not conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9721626
    Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes a clock buffer and a reference voltage generation unit. The clock buffer generates an internal clock signal, based on first and second clock signals, in a first operation mode, and generates the internal clock signal, based on the first clock signal and a reference voltage, when a normal operation test is performed in a second operation mode. The reference voltage generation unit generates the reference voltage when the normal operation test is performed in the second operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Tae Jin Kang
  • Patent number: 9673789
    Abstract: A signal-generating circuit includes a first P-type transistor, a second P-type transistor, a first N-type transistor, a second N-type transistor, a first inverter, a second inverter, and a third inverter. The first P-type transistor supplies a supply voltage to a first node according to an input signal. Both of the second P-type transistor and the first N-type transistor couple the first node to a second node according to the input signal. The second N-type transistor couples the first node to a ground according to the input signal. The first inverter is coupled to the second node to generate a first signal. The second inverter is coupled between the first node and a third node. The third inverter is coupled to the third node to generate a second signal. The second signal and the first signal are the reverse of each other and synchronous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: VIA ALLIANCE SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jade Deng
  • Patent number: 9633156
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-bit pulsed latch circuit for an integrated circuit design system may include a pulse generator and a plurality of latches. The pulse generator may be configured to generate pulses. The plurality of latches may operate as storage elements and are coupled to the pulse generator in a manner so that the multi-bit pulsed latch circuit provides functionality of at least two flip flop elements, wherein the multi-bit pulsed latch circuit can replace the at least two flip flop elements that normally would be used by the integrated circuit design system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhoodev Kumar, Saurabh Singh, Lei Zhu
  • Patent number: 9608567
    Abstract: A transceiver comprising a tank circuit, a variable differential conductance, VDC, coupled to the tank circuit, and a variable resistance coupled to the VDC is disclosed. The variable resistance is arranged to bias the VDC into a region of positive differential conductance during a first state of operation of the transceiver, and bias the VDC into a region of negative differential conductance during a second state of operation of the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Acconeer AB
    Inventors: Mikael Egard, Mats Ärlelid, Lars-Erik Wernersson
  • Patent number: 9557380
    Abstract: Scan flip-flop and associated method are provided. The scan flip-flop includes a data input terminal, a scan input terminal, a flip-flop circuit, a first transistor and a plurality of second transistors. A gate of the first transistor is coupled to the scan input terminal, gates of the second transistors are commonly coupled to an enabling signal, drains and sources of the first transistor and the second transistors are serially coupled to the flip-flop circuit, so as to increase a delay between the scan input terminal and the flip-flop circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: GLOBAL UNICHIP CORPORATION, TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sho-Mo Chen, Chien-Cheng Wu
  • Patent number: 9514817
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device includes plural non-memory cells. Each non-volatile memory cell includes a first switch, a first memristor, a second switch, a second memristor and a third switch. The control terminal of the first switch is coupled to a word line. The first memristor is provided with a first impedance. The control terminal of the second switch is coupled to the word line. The second memristor is provided with a second impedance. The first switch, the first memristor, the second switch and the second memristor are serially connected between a bit line and an inverted bit line in an alternate manner. The third switch is used for configuring the first impedance and the second impedance. The non-volatile memory device provided by the disclosure has a characteristic of quick access and the data stored therein does not require a dynamic update.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: Ningbo Advanced Memory Technology Corporation, Being Advanced Memory Taiwan Limited
    Inventors: Jia-Hwang Chang, Jui-Jen Wu, Sheng-Tsai Huang, Fan-Yi Jien
  • Patent number: 9488973
    Abstract: Provided are a PLC device and a method for controlling the same. The method includes: receiving input data from an external; storing the received input data in an input area of a data input/output unit; reading the input data from the input area of the data input/output unit in order to perform a calculation operation; storing output data, which is a result of the calculation operation, in an output area of the data input/output unit; and transmitting the output data in the output area of the data input/output unit to an output circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jo Dong Park
  • Patent number: 9417282
    Abstract: A method for managing operation of a logic component is provided, with the logic component including a majority vote circuit and an odd number of flip-flops equal to at least three. The method includes, following a normal operating mode of the logic component, placing a flip-flop in a test mode, and injecting a test signal into a test input of the flip-flop being tested while a logic state of the other flip-flops is frozen. A test signal output is analyzed. At the end of the test, the logic component is placed back in the normal operating mode. The majority vote circuit restores a value of the output signal from the logic component that existed prior to initiation of the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Daveau, Sylvain Clerc, Philippe Roche
  • Patent number: 9384122
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward systems and/or methods that buffer data from various sensors with a high sampling rate in a semiconductor processing system. Such sampling can provide better data about the processing for diagnosing the conditions leading up to a processing fault in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Simon Yavelberg
  • Patent number: 9374219
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described securely testing an integrated circuit (IC). When the IC is powered on, a first bit stream including unencrypted data bits and encrypted data bits is received by the IC, a second bit stream is generated based on a pseudorandom pattern, a third bit stream is generated by convolving the first bit stream with the second bit stream, the third bit stream is fed to at least one selected test data register (TDR), (i.e., a shift register), in the IC, a fourth bit stream is generated by delaying the second bit stream, and a fifth bit stream is generated by convolving a sixth bit stream output by the at least one selected TDR with the fourth bit stream. The fifth bit stream includes the same unencrypted data bits and encrypted data bits as the first bit stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Doege
  • Patent number: 9362337
    Abstract: A non-volatile storage device adopt memristors to store data and uses fewer transistors to realize the same circuit function, whereby to decrease the chip area and reduce the time and energy spent in initiating the device. Further, the non-volatile storage device disposes appropriate electronic elements in the spacing between adjacent memristors to meet the layout design rule and achieve high space efficiency in the chip lest the space between memristors be wasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignees: NINGBO ADVANCED MEMORY TECHNOLOGY CORP., BEING ADVANCED MEMORY TAIWAN LIMITED
    Inventors: Jui-Jen Wu, Jiah-Wang Chang, Sheng-Tsai Huang, Fan-Yi Jien
  • Patent number: 9330793
    Abstract: A memory device includes a first memory block, a second memory block, a reception circuit configured to receiving a repair address and compression information, and a nonvolatile memory circuit including a first region for repairing the first memory block and a second region for repairing the second memory block, and configured to program the repair address in both the first region and the second region when the compression information represents high compression and program the repair address in either the first region or the second region when the compression information represents low compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Seon-Ki Cho, Yong-Ho Kong
  • Patent number: 9322868
    Abstract: A test circuit of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a through via, a voltage driving unit, and a determination unit. The through via is charged by receiving an input voltage. The voltage driving unit generates a test voltage by charging or discharging the through via in response to a test control signal. The determination unit compares levels of the input voltage and the test voltage and outputs a resultant signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Shin, Tae Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9300275
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-bit pulsed latch circuit for an integrated circuit design system may include a pulse generator and a plurality of latches. The pulse generator may be configured to generate pulses. The plurality of latches may operate as storage elements and are coupled to the pulse generator in a manner so that the multi-bit pulsed latch circuit provides functionality of at least two flip flop elements, wherein the multi-bit pulsed latch circuit can replace the at least two flip flop elements that normally would be used by the integrated circuit design system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhoodev Kumar, Saurabh Singh, Lei Zhu
  • Patent number: 9261557
    Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes a clock enable signal buffer unit configured to receive an input clock enable signal, and generate an output clock enable signal; a buffer control unit configured to generate a buffer enable signal in response to the output clock enable signal and a test enable signal; an input/output buffer unit configured to receive input patterns and generate output patterns; and a compression test unit configured to test the output patterns and the output clock enable signal according to the test enable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Lee, Young Jun Ku
  • Patent number: 9218049
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a self calibration unit configured to iterate a test on a logic circuit in the integrated circuit at respectively lower supply voltage magnitudes until the test fails. A lowest supply voltage magnitude at which the test passes is used to generate a requested supply voltage magnitude for the integrated circuit. In an embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a series connection of logic gates physically distributed over an area of the integrated circuit, and a measurement unit configured to launch a logical transition into the series and detect a corresponding transition at the output of the series. The amount of time between the launch and the detection is used to request a supply voltage magnitude for the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent R. von Kaenel
  • Patent number: 9208844
    Abstract: An integrated circuit receives a DDR (Double Data Rate) data signal and an associated DDR clock signal, and communicates those signals from integrated circuit input terminals a substantial distance across the integrated circuit to a subcircuit that then receives and uses the DDR data. Within the integrated circuit, a DDR retiming circuit receives the DDR data signal and the associated DDR clock signal from the terminals. The DDR retiming circuit splits the DDR data signal into two components, and then transmits those two components over the substantial distance toward the subcircuit. The subcircuit then recombines the two components back into a single DDR data signal and supplies the DDR data signal and the DDR clock signal to the subcircuit. The DDR data signal and the DDR clock signal are supplied to the subcircuit in such a way that setup and hold time requirements of the subcircuit are met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Netronome Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Lamb, Chunli Cai, Ranjit D. Loboprabhu
  • Patent number: 9157960
    Abstract: Various embodiments comprise apparatuses and methods for testing and repairing through-substrate vias in a stack of interconnected dice. In various embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes a number of through-substrate vias to couple to one or more devices, at least one redundant through-substrate via to allow a repair of the apparatus, and a pair of pull-up devices coupled to the through-substrate vias and the redundant through-substrate via to provide a high-data value to the first end of the respective through-substrate vias. A test register is coupled the second end of each of the through-substrate vias and the redundant through-substrate via to store a received version of the high-data value. A comparator compares the high-data value with the received version of the high-data value to test the through-substrate vias for short-circuit connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatraghavan Bringivijayaraghavan, Jason M. Brown
  • Patent number: 9075112
    Abstract: A design-for-test (DFT) circuitry is disclosed. The DFT circuitry includes a first multiplexer operable to transfer one of a clock signal or an inverted clock signal based on a clock polarity control signal. The DFT circuitry also includes a burst counter coupled to the first multiplexer. The burst counter is operable to output a signal at a first logic state for a predefined pulse count. The DFT circuitry also includes a second multiplexer that is operable to output one of the clock polarity control signal or the clock signal according to a signal output from the burst counter. The DFT circuitry may also include a third multiplexer that forwards control signals identifying the predefined pulse count to the burst counter from different sources such as an external pin, a programmable interconnect, and a memory element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kalyana Ravindra Kantipudi, Dhwani Shah, Jayabrata Ghosh Dastidar
  • Patent number: 9075669
    Abstract: Provided is a time series data processing device with which it is possible to change to a new process during the execution of an old process, and to control the selection and the output sequence of output data when processes are switched. A first processing unit executes a first process and generates first results data, and a second processing unit executes a second process and generates second results data. When an instruction to change processes is received from the outside, the first process in the first processing unit is stopped, and output of the first results data is prohibited. Then, the process in the first processing unit is changed from the first process to a third process and is started, and output of third results data is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masamichi Takagi
  • Patent number: 9041431
    Abstract: Embedded logic is implemented in a partially reconfigurable programmable logic device (PLD), thus allowing debugging of implemented instantiations of logic after partial reconfiguration. Several instantiations of logic are received at the PLD. One instantiation of logic is implemented in a reconfigurable region of logic within the PLD. The instantiation of logic includes a port that provides a constant interface between the reconfigurable region of logic and a fixed region of logic within the PLD. The port may receive signals from probe points implemented within the reconfigurable region of logic. The port may provide the signals to a signal interface implemented within a fixed region of logic. Furthermore, an embedded logic analyzer may be implemented in either the reconfigurable region of logic or the fixed region of logic. The embedded logic analyzer receives signals from the probe points and provides signal visibility to an external computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Louis Herrmann, David W. Mendel
  • Patent number: 9041429
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to sequential state elements (SSEs), triple-mode redundant state machines (TMRSMs), and methods and systems for testing triple-mode redundant pipeline stages (TMRPSs) within the TMRSMs using triple-mode redundant SSEs (TMRSSEs). The SSEs, TMRSMs, TMRPSs, and TMRSSEs may be formed as integrated circuits on a semiconductor substrate. Of particular focus in this disclosure are SSEs used to sample and hold bit states. Embodiments of the SSEs have a self-correcting mechanism to protect against radiation-induced soft errors. The SSE may be provided in a pipeline circuit of a TMRSM to receive and store a bit state of a bit signal generated by combinational circuits within the pipeline circuit. More specifically, the SSEs may be provided in a TMRSSE configured to perform self-correction. Also disclosed are methods for using the TMRSSE to test redundant pipeline stages of the TMRSM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate of the State of Arizona, acting for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventor: Lawrence T. Clark
  • Patent number: 9018978
    Abstract: A novel configurable integrated circuit (IC) that has several configurable circuits for configurably performing different operations is provided. During the operation of the IC, each particular configurable circuit performs a particular operation that is specified by a particular configuration data set for the particular configurable circuit. While the IC operates and a first set of configurable circuits performs a first set of operations, configuration data is loaded from the outside of the IC for configuring a second set of configurable circuits. The configurable IC includes a configuration network for rapid loading configuration data in the IC from outside of the IC. The configuration network is a pipelined network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Tabula, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Hutchings, Jason Redgrave, Teju Khubchandani, Herman Schmit, Steven Teig
  • Patent number: 8989660
    Abstract: Hardware interrupt functionality associated with a disable pin may be used to place a near-field communication (NFC) device into various operational modes. For example, various intermediate voltage windows may be defined within an I/O voltage domain and a resistive divider running off an I/O rail may generate multiple reference voltages within the I/O voltage domain. In one embodiment, different comparators may compare voltage on the disable pin to the reference voltages generated with the resistive divider to determine whether the voltage on the disable pin falls within one of the intermediate voltage windows. As such, if a particular comparator determines that the voltage on the disable pin falls within one of the intermediate voltage windows, a control signal may be generated to transition the NFC device into a corresponding operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Faramarz Sabouri, Haritha Eachempatti, Paul DenBoer
  • Publication number: 20150048863
    Abstract: A digital decoder, used in a reconfigurable circuit, for decoding digital pulses includes a phase indicator module having inputs coupled to a reference pulse input and a data pulse input. The phase indicator module has timing information outputs that provide logic values indicative of rising and falling edges of pulses occurring on the reference pulse input and the data pulse input. A phase decoder module has inputs coupled to the timing information outputs, and outputs decoded binary data values. In operation, the phase decoder module compares at least two of the logic values at the timing information outputs with a signal representative leading and trailing edges of a pulse applied to one of the phase inputs to determine a pulse arrival order sequence on the phase inputs and thereby provide the decoded binary data values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ling Wang, Huangsheng Ding, Shayan Zhang, Wanggen Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150042377
    Abstract: A semiconductor device capable of reconfiguration, including: a plurality of logic units which configure an array and are connected to each other, wherein each logic unit includes a pair of a first and a second memory cell units, each of the first and the second memory cell units operates as a logic element when truth value table data is written in, which is configured so that a logic calculation of an input value specified by a plurality of addresses is output to a data line, and/or operates as a connection element when truth value table data is written in, which is configured so that an input value specified by a certain address is output to a data line to be connected to an address of another memory cell unit, a latter stage of the first memory cell unit includes a sequential circuit which synchronizes with a clock, and the logic units include, for each pair of the first and the second memory cell units, a selection unit which selectively outputs an address to the first or the second memory cell unit in ac
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Satou, Koshi Sato
  • Publication number: 20140340114
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a first signal line for distributing a first signal. The first signal line includes a plurality of branch lines, and a leaf node is defined at an end of each branch line. First logic is coupled to the leaf nodes and operable to generate a first status signal indicative of a collective first logic state of the leaf nodes of the signal line corresponding to the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Priore, John G. Petrovick, JR., Stephen V. Kosonocky, Robert S. Orefice
  • Patent number: 8892055
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a wireless push button device. The wireless push button device includes a user interface configured to receive user input to control a process of a machine system. The wireless push button device also includes a first transceiver coupled to the user interface and configured to wirelessly receive input power from a second transceiver, provide user power to the user interface, and wirelessly transfer communications related to the user input to the second transceiver. The wireless push button device also includes a processing system configured to determine when a power transfer problem exists between the second transceiver and the first transceiver, and transfer an alert in response to the power transfer problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Gasperi, David D. Brandt
  • Patent number: 8890563
    Abstract: Selective blocking is applied to discrete segments of scan chains in the integrated circuit device. In some implementations, locking components associated with the scan segments are selectively activated according to blocking data incorporated in test pattern data. In other implementations, selective blocking is applied to the scan cells identified as causing the highest power consumption. Selective incorporation of blocking components in an integrated circuit device is based on statistical estimation of scan cell transition rates. When the blocking components are enabled, pre-selected signal values are presented to the functional logic of the integrated circuit device. At the same time, propagation of output value transitions that may take place in the scan cells is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mentor Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Xijiang Lin, Janusz Rajski
  • Patent number: 8872539
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit capable of testing power control operation in the semiconductor integrated circuit includes a power controllable region. Power control switches have switch series each constituted by a plurality of switch cells. A power controllable region includes output nodes in the switch series. The output nodes output power control signals that have passed through final stages of the respective switch series of the power control switches to outside the power controllable region. A chip on which the semiconductor integrated circuit is mounted has output terminals that output outputs of the output nodes to outside of the chip. When inserting a scan path test, observation flip-flops that load the outputs of the output nodes to data terminals, and load scan data to scan-in terminals are disposed in correspondence with the respective output nodes. Those observation flip-flops are connected to constitute a scan path chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Oda
  • Patent number: 8866528
    Abstract: A dual flip-flop circuit combines two or more flip-flip sub-circuits into a single circuit. The flip-flop circuit comprises a first flip-flop sub-circuit and a second flip-flop sub-circuit. The first flip-flop sub-circuit comprises a first storage sub-circuit configured to store a first selected input signal and transfer the first selected input signal to a first output signal when a buffered clock signal transitions between two different logic levels and a dock driver configured to receive a clock input signal, generate an inverted clock signal, and generate the buffered clock signal. The second flip-flop sub-circuit is coupled to the clock driver and configured to receive the inverted clock signal and the buffered clock signal. The second flip-flop sub-circuit comprises a second storage sub-circuit configured to store a second selected input signal and transfer the second selected input signal to a second output signal when the buffered clock signal transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Hwong-Kwo Lin, Ge Yang, Xi Zhang, Jiani Yu, Ting-Hsiang Chu
  • Patent number: 8860595
    Abstract: A system for scalable voltage ramp control for power supply systems. A system may comprise at least power supply circuitry, digital-to-analog (D/A) converter circuitry and a controller. The power supply circuitry may be configured to output a voltage to a load based on an input voltage provided by the D/A converter. The controller may be configured to control the D/A converter (e.g., to cause the D/A converter to provide the input voltage to the power supply circuitry) using a large range voltage ramp-up or a small range voltage ramp-up. Utilization of the large range voltage ramp-up or the small range voltage ramp-up by the controller may be based on, for example, a threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Siqiang Fan, Andrew Kameya, Bin Zhao
  • Patent number: 8854076
    Abstract: A circuit and method of directly measuring the Single Event Transient (SET) performance of a combinatorial circuit includes a measurement chain. The measurement chain includes a plurality of cells, each in turn including a pair of SR latches, a dual-input inverter, and a target. During measurement and testing, the targets are irradiated, and a pulse signal caused by an SET event is allowed to propagate through the measurement chain only if the pair of SR latches are active at the same time. The pulse signal is latched by the measurement chain, thus allowing the presence of an SET event to be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Aeroflex Colorado Springs Inc.
    Inventors: Radu Dumitru, Harry Gardner
  • Publication number: 20140292368
    Abstract: Providing for a field programmable gate array (FPGA) utilizing resistive random access memory (RRAM) technology is described herein. By way of example, the FPGA can comprise a switching block interconnect having parallel signal input lines crossed by perpendicular signal output lines. RRAM memory cells can be formed at respective intersections of the signal input lines and signal output lines. The RRAM memory cell can include a voltage divider comprising multiple programmable resistive elements arranged electrically in series across a VCC and VSS of the FPGA. A common node of the voltage divider drives a gate of a pass gate transistor configured to activate or deactivate the intersection. The disclosed RRAM memory can provide high transistor density, high logic utilization, fast programming speed, radiation immunity, fast power up and significant benefits for FPGA technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Hagop NAZARIAN, Sang Thanh NGUYEN, Tanmay KUMAR
  • Patent number: 8847622
    Abstract: A method for testing a set of circuitry in an integrated circuit (IC) is described. The IC includes multiple configurable circuits for configurably performing multiple operations. The method configures the IC to operate in a user mode with a set of test paths that satisfies a set of evaluation criteria. Each test path includes a controllable storage element for controllably storing a signal that the storage element receives. The method operates the IC in user mode. The method reads the values stored in the storage elements to determine whether the set of circuitry is operating within specified performance limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tabula, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Fox
  • Patent number: 8791718
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to triple-redundant sequential state (TRSS) machines formed as integrated circuits on a semiconductor substrate, such as CMOS, and computerized methods and systems of designing the triple-redundant sequential state machines. Of particular focus in this disclosure are sequential state elements (SSEs) used to sample and hold bit states. The sampling and holding of bits states are synchronized by a clock signal thereby allowing for pipelining in the TRSS machines. In particular, the clock signal may oscillate between a first clock state and a second clock state to synchronize the operation of the SSE according to the timing provided by the clock states. The SSEs have a self-correcting mechanism to protect against radiation induced soft errors. The SSE may be provided in a pipeline circuit of a TRSS machine to receive and store a bit state of bit signal generated by combinational circuits within the pipeline circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Clark, Nathan D. Hindman, Dan Wheeler Patterson
  • Patent number: 8773160
    Abstract: An integrated circuit having a monitor circuit for monitoring timing in a critical path having a target timing margin is disclosed. The monitor circuit has two shift registers, one of which includes a delay element that applies a delay value to a received signal. The inputs to the two shift registers form a signal input node capable of receiving an input signal. The monitor circuit also has a logic gate having an output and at least two inputs, each input connected to a corresponding one of the outputs of the two shift registers. The output of the logic gate indicates whether the target timing margin is satisfied or not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Agere Systems LLC
    Inventors: James D. Chlipala, Richard P. Martin, Richard Muscavage, Scott A. Segan
  • Publication number: 20140176183
    Abstract: PICA test circuits are shown that include a first transistor and a second transistor laid out drain-to-drain, such that a gap between respective drain regions of the first and second transistors has a minimum size allowed by a given fabrication technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herschel A. Ainspan, SEONGWON KIM, FRANCO STELLARI, ALAN J. WEGER
  • Publication number: 20140177354
    Abstract: A zero keeper circuit includes a dynamic input PFET connected to a source, an output, and a dynamic input. The circuit also includes a clock input NFET connected to the output, a pull-down node, and a clock input. The circuit also includes a dynamic input NFET connected to the pull-down node, a reference voltage, and the dynamic input. The circuit also includes a feedback PFET and a clock input PFET connected in series between the source and the output. The feedback PFET receives a feedback signal and the clock input PFET receives the clock input. The circuit also includes a feedback NFET connected to the output and the node. The feedback NFET is configured to couple the output to the node based on the feedback signal. The circuit also includes a NOR gate configured to provide the feedback signal based on the output and a bypass input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Hitesh K. Gupta, Greg M. Hess, Naveen Javarappa
  • Publication number: 20140167812
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing a critical path replica system in a circuit. A critical path replica system is created by determining a critical path in a circuit, generating a critical path replica circuit, generating a circuit blueprint, and creating the blueprinted circuit. The circuit comprises a functional logic module having functional logic elements and replica logic modules having logic elements. Each logic element is configured to replicate one or more of the functional logic elements and process a test signal. A replica error detection module analyzes the processed signal to determine whether a timing violation has occurred. In some embodiments, the replica logic module further comprises one or more load modules. A replica controller may modify operation of the circuit based on reported errors. A replica mode select module sets the replica logic module to an aging test mode or a timing sensor mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics International N.V.
    Inventors: Abhishek Jain, Chittoor Parthasarathy, Kallol Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 8736300
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a data collection system for a circuit under test implemented as an integrated circuit or using a programmable logic device is disclosed. It comprises a configurable selection network connected to debug nodes of the circuit. The selection network can be reconfigured after implementation of the circuit to route data from selectable debug nodes in the circuit under test to a controller to allow analysis of the circuit. The data collection system can further comprise a configurable data packer. A method of use of the system associates data from the debug nodes with individual debug nodes of the circuit based on a configuration of the configurable selection network or that of the configurable data packer or both. The method and system of the invention allows for efficient data collection from different sets of debug nodes without having to re-implement the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley R. Quinton, Andrew M. Hughes, Steven J. E. Wilton
  • Publication number: 20140125377
    Abstract: A dual flip-flop circuit combines two or more flip-flip sub-circuits into a single circuit. The flip-flop circuit comprises a first flip-flop sub-circuit and a second flip-flop sub-circuit. The first flip-flop sub-circuit comprises a first storage sub-circuit configured to store a first selected input signal and transfer the first selected input signal to a first output signal when a buffered clock signal transitions between two different logic levels and a dock driver configured to receive a clock input signal, generate an inverted clock signal, and generate the buffered clock signal. The second flip-flop sub-circuit is coupled to the clock driver and configured to receive the inverted clock signal and the buffered clock signal. The second flip-flop sub-circuit comprises a second storage sub-circuit configured to store a second selected input signal and transfer the second selected input signal to a second output signal when the buffered clock signal transitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Hwong-Kwo Lin, Ge Yang, Xi Zhang, Jiani Yu, Ting-Hsiang Chu
  • Patent number: 8686753
    Abstract: Embedded logic is implemented in a partially reconfigurable programmable logic device (PLD), thus allowing debugging of implemented instantiations of logic after partial reconfiguration. Several instantiations of logic are received at the PLD. One instantiation of logic is implemented in a reconfigurable region of logic within the PLD. The instantiation of logic includes a port that provides a constant interface between the reconfigurable region of logic and a fixed region of logic within the PLD. The port may receive signals from probe points implemented within the reconfigurable region of logic. The port may provide the signals to a signal interface implemented within a fixed region of logic. Furthermore, an embedded logic analyzer may be implemented in either the reconfigurable region of logic or the fixed region of logic. The embedded logic analyzer receives signals from the probe points and provides signal visibility to an external computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Louis Herrmann, David W. Mendel