Patent ID: 8130027
Filing Date: 2012-03-06
Classification: G11C,H03K

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting and compensating for performance variation within an integrated circuit, the method comprising: configuring a plurality of oscillating signals in a plurality of regions of the integrated circuit to determine a propagation speed of each of the plurality of regions of the integrated circuit, wherein each of the plurality of regions is coupled to receive a regulated voltage signal; selecting an arbitrary reference signal for comparison to the propagation speeds of the plurality of regions of the integrated circuit, wherein comparison circuitry within the integrated circuit is configured to be compatible with the arbitrary reference signal; comparing a frequency of operation of each of the plurality of regions of the integrated circuit to a frequency of operation of the arbitrary reference signal to determine a slowest propagation speed of the plurality of regions of the integrated circuit; applying the regulated voltage signal to the plurality of regions of the integrated circuit, the regulated voltage signal enabling operation of the plurality of regions of the integrated circuit; and modifying a magnitude of the regulated voltage signal to compensate for the slowest propagation speed of the plurality of regions of the integrated circuit.