Patent ID: 6720788
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method for determining leakage current characterizing an integrated circuit; said method comprising:preconditioning the integrated circuit to a first logic state; applying a voltage to the integrated circuit via a constant voltage source having current measurement capabilities, wherein said voltage is within the operating voltage range of the integrated circuit; clamping a current from said constant voltage source to a value greater than the expected leakage current of the integrated circuit; applying a current clamp of approximately zero amperes to the integrated circuit via a constant current source, wherein a voltage of said constant current source is set to an amount greater than said constant voltage source voltage; determining a first current measurement via said constant voltage source; subsequently adjusting said constant current source current clamp to said first current measurement and said constant voltage source current clamp to an amount at least two orders of magnitude lower than the expected leakage current of the integrated circuit; determining a second current measurement via constant voltage source; and summing said first current measurement and said second current measurement.