Patent ID: 6348806
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An integrated circuit, comprising:a first circuit; and a measurement circuit coupled to the first circuit, the measurement circuit adapted to measure gate leakage current of the first circuit, the measurement circuit comprising a quasi-breakdown indication means, the quasi-breakdown indication means adapted to provide a quasi-breakdown indication when the gate leakage current exceeds a predetermined threshold; wherein the measurement circuit comprises a current-to-frequency converter; and wherein the current-to-frequency converter comprises: a current controlled oscillator, comprising: a first current integrator adapted to integrate the gate leakage current into an input voltage; a first comparator adapted to compare the input voltage to a reference voltage; a latch coupled to an output of the first comparator and having an output; and a first charging circuit coupled to the first current integrator, the first comparator, and the output of the latch.