Patent ID: 6785627
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A combination for determining the effects of signal noise and cross-talk on on-chip propagation, comprising:an integrated circuit; and a testing system comprising: a signal generator, a plurality of ring oscillators responsive to said signal generator wherein said plurality of ring oscillators includes a first ring oscillator constructed to mimic a data path within said integrated circuit, a second ring oscillator constructed with traces routed within said core logic area, a third ring oscillator randomly placed within said core logic area, and a fourth ring oscillator constructed to mimic a data path within said integrated circuit, said fourth ring oscillator sharing a power source with at least one component of said plurality of components within said core logic area; and a signal analyzer responsive to said plurality of ring oscillators for dynamically measuring the effects of noise and cross-talk on said integrated circuit.