Patent ID: 7275011
Filing Date: 2007-09-25
Classification: G01K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for monitoring the temperature of an integrated circuit device, comprising: a conductive wiring pattern formed on the integrated circuit device, extending into multiple areas of the device to be monitored; a deterministic signal source configured to generate a deterministic signal along said conductive wiring pattern; a plurality of return paths tapped from selected locations along said conductive wiring pattern; and a temperature change determination circuit coupled to each of said plurality of return paths and to a single reference signal taken from said deterministic signal source, said temperature change determination circuit configured to determine a delay between said single reference signal and a delay signal traveling though at least a portion of said conductive wiring pattern and a corresponding one of said plurality of return paths, said temperature change determination circuit further configured to compare a difference between a calibrated delay under nominal temperature conditions and a delay under elevated temperature conditions; wherein said temperature change determination circuit is further configured to isolate the location of one or more hot spots on the integrated circuit, depending on specific delay information received from said plurality of return paths.