Patent ID: 6078183
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An apparatus for analyzing an integrated circuit (IC) formed on a semiconductor substrate, comprising:(a) a constant-current source connected to the IC to supply a constant current and a variable voltage thereto, the voltage provided by the constant-current source to the IC changing in response to a change in a power demand by the IC;(b) a laser producing a beam with a photon energy less than a bandgap energy of the semiconductor substrate;(c) means for focusing and scanning the laser beam to irradiate electrical conductors within the IC and thereby change the power demand by the IC when the laser beam irradiates any open-circuit or short-circuit defect in the IC, the focusing and scanning means providing a position signal to indicate the location of the laser beam on the IC; and(d) display means comprising inputs of the changing voltage and the position signal for indicating the location of each open-circuit or short-circuit defect in the IC.