Patent Description:
As features sizes have decreased, the number of transistors on integrated circuits (ICs) has correspondingly increased. The increased number of transistors per unit area has resulted in a corresponding increase in thermal output of ICs. Furthermore, the increased number of transistors per unit area has also corresponded to a decrease in the supply voltages provided to various functional circuitry on an IC. This has in turn led to significant challenges in balancing performance, power consumption, and thermal output of ICs. To this end, many ICs implement subsystems that monitor various metrics of the IC (e.g., temperature, voltage, voltage droops) and adjust the performance based on received measurements. For example, a control subsystem may reduce a clock frequency, supply voltage, or both, responsive to a temperature reading that exceeds a predefined threshold. This may help maintain operation of the IC within specified thermal limits. Such control systems may also boost the performance of certain functional circuits when measured metrics are well within limits.

IC subsystems used to control performance based on system metrics typically include one or more sensors and at least one control system. Due to factors such as process, voltage, and temperature variations, at least some of the sensors of such a subsystem may be coupled to receive power from a supply different from that used to power functional circuitry in the IC. <CIT> relates to a method and an apparatus for temperature sensing in an IC. The IC includes a plurality of remote temperature sensors each coupled to a control logic unit. The plurality of remote temperature sensors may be distributed throughout the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a reference unit coupled to provide a reference temperature to the control logic unit and a reference sensor coupled to provide a signal having a reference frequency to the control logic unit. The reference unit and the reference sensor are located near each other. The control logic unit is configured to correlate the reference frequency received from the reference sensor with the reference temperature received from the reference unit. The control logic unit is further configured to determine the temperature of each of the remote temperature sensors based on this correlation, and also configured to determine the maximum temperature of all of the temperature sensors. <CIT> relates to zoned thermal monitoring. <CIT> discloses an equipment for the calibration of a temperature sensing device which comprises an HF-induction coil capable of generating an alternating magnetic field which produces heat in the device to be calibrated. The actual temperature of the device is measured by a thermocouple attached directly to the surface of said device. <CIT> discloses a design structure for an on-chip temperature sensing circuit, based on bolometry, which provides self calibration of the on-chip temperature sensors for ideality and an associated method of sensing temperature at a specific on-chip location.

Reference center circuitry for a metrology system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a reference sensor having a topology and characteristics identical to a number of sensors throughout an IC. The both the reference sensor and the sensors on the IC may be used to perform voltage and temperature measurements. The reference sensor may receive a voltage from a precision voltage supply, and may be used as a sensor to provide a basis for calibrating the other sensors, as well. Thereafter, temperature readings obtained from the other sensors may be correlated to the readings obtained by the reference sensor for enhanced accuracy. The reference center circuitry also includes analog process monitoring circuitry, which may be coupled to some, if not all of the transistors implemented on an IC. The analog process monitoring circuitry may provide a mechanism for characterization of the analog characteristics of transistors on the IC. An analog test center may provide a hub for extracting and digitizing signals from a reference temperature sensor (separate from, but used in conjunction with, the above-mentioned reference sensor), the analog process monitor, and other analog measurement signals received via an analog bus. The resulting digital information can be provided to other circuitry, on chip or off, for post processing and analysis.

In one embodiment, the reference sensor is associated with a precision voltage supply and a precision temperature sensor. The reference sensor, as well as the other sensors, may be implemented with ring oscillators. In one embodiment, each of the sensors includes two ring oscillators having different characteristics from one another. Based the respective frequencies produced by the ring oscillators, the sensed voltage and temperatures may be solved for based on characteristic polynomials derived during calibration procedures. The reference sensor may receive a precise input voltage, and is located in close proximity to the reference temperature sensor. Accordingly, known values of temperature and voltage may be input into the reference sensor, and the corresponding characteristic polynomial may be generated thereupon. Since the reference sensor has the same topology and substantially the same characteristics as the other sensors, readings received therefrom may be correlated to the reference sensor characteristics. The temperature and voltage inputs to the reference sensor may be digitized by a high accuracy analog to digital converter arranged to operate at low speed and with high resolution. For additional accuracy, automated test equipment may be used to calibrate the reference temperature and input voltage to the reference sensor. The digitizing of the data from the reference voltage, the reference temperature, and the readings from the reference sensor may be used to perform digital correction of analog non-linearities.

The following detailed description makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which are now briefly described.

While the disclosed subject matter is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the subject matter to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the appended claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and "includes" mean including, but not limited to.

Various units, circuits, or other components may be described as "configured to" perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" is a broad recitation of structure generally meaning "having circuitry that" performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be configured to perform the task even when the unit/circuit/component is not currently on. In general, the circuitry that forms the structure corresponding to "configured to" may include hardware circuits and/or memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation. The memory can include volatile memory such as static or dynamic random access memory and/or nonvolatile memory such as optical or magnetic disk storage, flash memory, programmable read-only memories, etc. Similarly, various units/circuits/components may be described as performing a task or tasks, for convenience in the description. " Reciting a unit/circuit/component that is configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke <NUM> U. § <NUM>, paragraph (f) (or pre-AIA paragraph six) interpretation for that unit/circuit/component.

Turning now to <FIG>, a block diagram of one embodiment of an IC is shown. In the embodiment shown, IC <NUM> includes two functional circuit blocks, processing unit (PU) <NUM>, and PU <NUM>. In various embodiments, other functional circuit blocks may be included, including additional instances of PU <NUM>. PU <NUM> and PU <NUM> are thus shown here as exemplary functional circuit blocks, but are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Each of PU <NUM> and <NUM> may be a general purpose processor core, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processing unit, or virtually any other kind of functional unit configured to perform a processing function. The scope of this disclosure may apply to any of these types of functional circuit blocks, as well as other not explicitly mentioned herein. The number of functional circuit blocks shown here is exemplary as well, as the disclosure is not limited to any particular number.

PU <NUM> in the embodiment shown is a general purpose processor core configured to execute the instructions of an instruction set and perform general purpose processing operations. Functional circuitry <NUM> of PU <NUM> may thus include various types of circuitry such as execution units of various types (integer, floating point, etc.), register files, schedulers, instruction fetch units, various levels of cache memory, and other circuitry that may be implemented in a processor core. PU <NUM>, and all circuitry therein, is coupled to receive supply voltage Vdd1 in this embodiment. It is noted however that multiple power domains, and thus multiple supply voltages, may be implemented within various embodiments of PU <NUM>. Furthermore, supply voltages provided to PU <NUM> may be variable under the control of power management circuitry (not shown). The power management circuitry adjusts the voltages for various reasons, such as controlling performance levels, thermal output, and power consumption.

GPU <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment includes functional circuitry <NUM>, which may implement various types of graphics processing circuitry. This may include graphics processing cores, various types of memory and registers, and so on. GPU <NUM> in the embodiment shown is coupled to receive a second supply voltage, Vdd2 that is separate from Vdd1 as received by PU <NUM>.

Both PU <NUM> and PU <NUM> include a number of sensors <NUM>. The particular number of sensors shown here is exemplary, and in actual embodiments may be greater, lesser, or equal. The sensors <NUM> may be configured for sensing one or more performance metrics, or parameters. In this particular embodiment, the sensors are configured to sense voltage and temperature values. The sensed voltage and temperature values may in turn be used to determine whether or not circuitry implemented therein is operating within limits and/or is capable of higher performance.

Each of the sensors <NUM> in the embodiment shown is coupled to the same voltage supply as the functional circuitry in its respective one of the functional circuit blocks. That is, each sensor <NUM> in PU <NUM> is coupled to receive a supply voltage Vdd1, while each sensor in GPU <NUM> is coupled to receive Vdd2. In prior art embodiments, such sensors are typically coupled to receive power from a supply separate from that of the functional circuitry near which they are implemented. This may limit their placement within an IC/functional circuit block due to the need to route connections for another voltage supply. Furthermore, the sensors in prior art embodiments may typically be larger than those used in the embodiments discussed herein, which may further limit their number and placement. In contrast, the sensors <NUM> implemented herein may be simplified sensors. Accordingly, sensors <NUM> may be smaller than prior art sensors. This in turn may allow more sensors to be place on an IC. Furthermore, the sensors may be placed in smaller areas, increasing the versatility of their implementation. In one embodiment, sensors <NUM> may be implemented using one or more ring oscillators. However, since the frequency produced by a ring oscillator may show a significant dependence on process, voltage, and temperature variations, the ring oscillators may be calibrated such that these dependencies do not adversely affect their accuracy. Various calibration and operation methodologies are discussed in further detail below. It is noted that an initial calibration (and characterizations) for each sensor may be performed during a test using automated test equipment (ATE) at known voltages and temperatures. Subsequent calibrations may be performed during startup and/or operation of the system in which IC <NUM> is implemented.

IC <NUM> in the embodiment shown includes metrology control circuitry (MCC) <NUM>. MCC <NUM> may perform various operations involved with operation of the sensors <NUM> in the various functional circuit blocks of IC <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, MCC <NUM> is coupled to each of the sensors <NUM> via a metrology bus <NUM>. During operation of IC <NUM>, each of the sensors <NUM> may perform readings of, e.g., a frequency of their respective ring oscillator(s), convert the frequency reading into a digital format, and transmit that information to MCC <NUM>. In this embodiment, MCC <NUM> is a serial bus, and information may be shifted on the bus in operation that is similar to that of a scan chain. However, embodiments utilizing different mechanisms for communications with the sensors are possible and contemplated.

MCC <NUM> may receive the frequency information from each of the sensors via their correspondingly coupled instances of metrology bus <NUM>. Using the frequency information, MCC <NUM> may determine a voltage and temperature sensed by each of sensors <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, MCC <NUM> includes a service processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. Service processor <NUM> may execute instructions of a software routine to solve for voltage and temperature values based on frequency information received from each of the sensors <NUM>. Embodiments in which dedicated circuitry performs these task in lieu of the execution of software instructions are also possible and contemplated. Memory <NUM> may be used by service processor to store various information, including the frequency information received from the sensors, the determined voltage and temperature information, and intermediate information generated during the performance of calculations. Memory <NUM> may also store information characterizing the sensors and the circuitry therein (e.g., the ring oscillators). Memory <NUM> may be implemented using volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

MCC <NUM> also includes an instance of a sensor <NUM>, implemented in a reference circuit <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> of MCC <NUM> is coupled to receive supply voltage AVdd. Furthermore, sensor <NUM> may be configured in accordance with the other instances of sensor <NUM> implemented on IC <NUM>. This particular instance of sensor <NUM> may provide readings used as a basis for determining the characteristics of the other sensors <NUM> in the system. Although not explicitly shown in <FIG>, a "golden" temperature sensor may be implemented near sensor <NUM> of MCC <NUM>. This temperature sensor may be designed to be highly accurate. Similarly, the power supply that provides AVdd is a precision power supply with a tightly controlled voltage. Accordingly, any error in the voltage and temperatures determine using sensor <NUM> of MCC <NUM> may be calculated with a high degree of precision. In turn, these errors can be used in calibration and characterization of the other sensors <NUM> implemented throughout the system. Furthermore, readings obtained from sensor <NUM> of MCC <NUM> may be used to determine if and when recalibrations of the other sensors <NUM> may be necessary.

<FIG> is a block diagram of one embodiment of a functional circuit block having a number of sensors <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, functional circuit block (FCB) <NUM> may be virtually any type of functional circuitry implemented on an IC. Included in functional circuitry <NUM> may be digital circuits, analog circuits, and mixed signal circuits. Sensors <NUM> of FCB <NUM> are implemented in various places in and around functional circuitry <NUM>. Due to their relatively small footprint, at least some sensors <NUM> may be implemented within the area otherwise occupied by functional circuit <NUM>, while others may be implemented near or partially within. The sensors <NUM> in this embodiment are coupled in a series configuration by metrology bus <NUM>, through which data (e.g., frequency data for ring oscillators) may be shifted. Each of the sensors <NUM> in the embodiment shown is coupled to receive the same supply voltage, Vdd, as received by the functional circuitry <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an operational concept for an embodiment of a sensor employing two ring oscillators. In some embodiment, each sensor included two ring oscillators that are designed to have characteristics different from one another. The two ring oscillators may be implemented in close proximity to one another, and thus may operate under substantially the same voltage and temperature conditions. However, since their characteristics are different from one another, the two ring oscillators may operate at different frequencies under the same voltage and temperature conditions. This principle may enable the determination of voltage and temperature at the sensor using frequency readings from each of the ring oscillators.

In the illustrated example, two ring oscillators, RO1 and RO2 are coupled to Counter <NUM> and Counter <NUM>, respectively. In taking a reading, each ring oscillator may be allowed to toggle its respectively coupled counter for a predetermined amount of time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the counters may be frozen and their count values provided to indicate frequency.

Each of the ring oscillators may be characterized by a polynomial. More particularly, the frequency output by each ring oscillator may be characterized by a nonlinear function of voltage and temperature in a form given as shown in Equation <NUM>: <MAT> Thus, the frequency of RO1 may be characterized as: <MAT> while the frequency of RO2 may be characterized as: <MAT> The 'f' terms in the above equations may represent frequency, or alternatively, may represent a ratio of a product of the oscillating frequency and the number of phases to a reference frequency. The determination of the number of terms in this expression corresponding to a given ring oscillator is dependent on its characteristics. In general, a higher number of nonlinear terms increases the accuracy of representing the ring oscillator frequency with polynomials.

The output frequencies (or the product mentioned above) may be provided to a non-linear equation solver. Using the polynomials characterizing the ring oscillators, the simultaneous equations may be solved for both voltage and temperature as detected by the sensor. In one embodiment, the non-linear equation solver may be implemented using the service processor <NUM> (of <FIG>) and software instruction executed thereby. More generally, the non-linear equation solver may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, and any combination thereof. Moreover, it is possible and contemplated in some embodiments that the solving of the nonlinear equations may be performed locally in the corresponding functional circuit blocks.

The coefficients in the equations above may be calculated based on actual ring oscillator frequencies for a given set of voltage and temperature values. Consider a model of a ring oscillator in which the frequency is defined using a <NUM>-term function a set of <NUM> data points (voltage, temperature, and output frequency) used to calculate the ring oscillator characteristics. If a higher number of data points is used to determine coefficients, the resulting function may better characterize the corresponding ring oscillator. This technique may be referred to as surface fitting of the ring oscillator characteristic, and may use numerical techniques to map a large set of data points to a polynomial.

As an example, consider a frequency of a ring oscillator as being defined by the following expression: <MAT> If measurements of ring oscillator frequency occur at <MAT> then the following matrices can be formed: <MAT> <MAT> in which <MAT> Accordingly, the frequency F can be defined as F = AX (<NUM>). The term A can be solved for using Least Squares Estimation, computing all the coefficients in the original surface fit.

This concept can be expanded to two ring oscillators that have a different set of characteristics by characterizing each as described above. Accordingly, two ring oscillators placed in close proximity to one another, receiving the same supply voltage, and operating at substantially the same local temperature, can be characterized in two expressions as follows: <MAT> The above assumes that the two ring oscillators are characterized with polynomials having equal lengths, although this is not necessarily required for all instances.

The complexity of solving the simultaneous equations above may be reduced using a piecewise linear (PWL) technique. Using this technique, a two-dimensional nonlinear surface for the output frequency of a ring oscillator can be described using a set of PWL functions. The surface of operation over an entire voltage and temperature can be split into multiple triangular regions over each of which the characteristics of a corresponding can be described using a linear function of voltage and temperature. Thus, the overall surface may be broken into an integer number n of PWL regions, described as follows: <MAT>.

The coefficients for each of the PWL functions can be determined using the output frequencies at the three vertices of the triangle describing any given area. For example, for PWL function describing a triangle extending between temperatures T1 and T2 on a first axis and a voltages V1 and V2 on a second axis, with the frequencies measured at (T<NUM>,V<NUM>), (T<NUM>,V<NUM>), and (T<NUM>,V<NUM>) respectively given by f<NUM>, f<NUM>, and f<NUM> and the index for the PWL is given as i, the following set of equations can be solved in order to compute the coefficients for the corresponding PWL function in that area: <MAT> This can be repeated for every region to determine its PWL characteristic, and thus to determine the surface of operation for the ring oscillator.

Once both ring oscillators have been characterized with a set of PWL function, solving the set of nonlinear equations is reduced to solving a set of PWL equations. The equations to be solved for each PWL computation may be generally described as follows: <MAT> Solving these two equations for temperature, T, and voltage, V, results in the following: <MAT>.

As previously noted, the calculations discussed herein may be performed in MCC <NUM>, and particularly in service processor <NUM>. This may allow each sensor <NUM> to be implemented in a small area and limit its power consumption, since it need not perform any conversion of frequency to voltage and/or temperature. More generally, the features used for frequency measurement may be implemented within each sensor <NUM>, while those features used for PWL computation, calibration against process variation, again, and accuracy may be implemented within MCC <NUM>.

A surface fit of each ring oscillator (and thus its respective PWL representation) may change over each process corner and may also be subject to local on-die variations. Moreover, the accuracy of a given ring oscillator may be reduced due to effects such as aging. Accordingly, a calibration scheme used for such ring oscillators may update the characteristics of each. These characteristics may be updated based on a limited set of accurate measurements from each ring oscillator. If an original (but not accurate) model for a given ring oscillator is <MAT> a set of actual measurements may be performed to update the coefficients such that a more accurate model of the ring oscillator is as follows: <MAT> This calibration factors in both the original model and a set of calibration points. As the number of points increases, the accuracy increases correspondingly. Conversely, the efficiency of a calibration algorithm may be determined by the accuracy of the post-calibration model based on a smallest number of data points.

In one embodiment, a calibration algorithm in accordance with the disclosure includes updating the coefficients using a scaled value of the error signal at any calibration point. For any of the calibration points, the error signal (e) may be defined as the difference between the actual measurement and the value predicted by the model. That means∀k ∈ {<NUM>,<NUM>,. , m}: <MAT> If the coefficients in the original model (αij) are consolidated in a vector given as A<NUM>, a recursive approach may be utilized in which the vector is updated for every single calibration point: <MAT>.

In one embodiment, the G vector may be determined using the Recursive Least Squares (RLS) technique. This may in turn result in a relatively fast convergence to final desired values based on a limited set of calibration data. In using the RLS technique, the G vector is recursively updated during each step. The RLS technique may utilize an alternate characterization of a ring oscillator as follows: <MAT> wherein U is a vector of the (i +<NUM>)(j + <NUM>) terms, i.e.: <MAT> From this, a diagonal matrix may be formed: <MAT> For any calibration point, the following set of computations may be performed: <MAT> wherein λ is a forgetting factor, and e is the error.

Accordingly, using a recursive least squares algorithm, such as that described above, the coefficients for a polynomial characterizing a ring oscillator may be updated during a calibration procedure. Such calibrations may be performed at various times, such as on a system startup, at selected times during the life of the system/IC, responsive to large variations in the reference sensor <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> in MCC <NUM>, and so forth. As such, voltage and temperature, based on ring oscillator frequencies, may be determined with a reasonable level of accuracy over the life of the system, while enabling the use of simple sensors having a small area footprint.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a sensor utilizing two ring oscillators. In the embodiment shown, sensor <NUM> includes ring oscillators <NUM> and <NUM>, which may have different characteristics with respect to one another. In this particular embodiment, ring oscillator <NUM> is implemented using series-coupled inverters, while ring oscillator <NUM> is implemented using series-coupled NAND gates. Both of ring oscillators <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to receive the same supply voltage, Vdd (Local), and are placed in close proximity to one another. However, due to the different circuit implementations, ring oscillators <NUM> and <NUM> may oscillate at different frequencies in identical operating conditions. In accordance with the discussion above, this may enable the respective frequencies produced by ring oscillators <NUM> and <NUM> to be the basis for solving for voltage and temperature at sensor <NUM>.

Ring oscillators <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to counters <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. These counters may be coupled to one or more tap points in their respectively coupled ring oscillators. During the taking of a measurement, counters <NUM> and <NUM> may track one or more count values that may in turn indicate the frequencies produced by ring oscillators <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, each of counters <NUM> and <NUM> may include respective timer that track a run time for allowing counters to accumulate a count during a measurement. Other embodiments are possible and contemplated in which a separate timer coupled to both counters is provided.

Counters <NUM> and <NUM> are each coupled to register <NUM>. Using register <NUM>, MCC <NUM> (of <FIG>) may input information into the counters, and may also receive information therefrom. For example, information indicative of a run time for a counter to track a count value produced by the oscillation of a correspondingly coupled ring oscillator may be input into the counters, from MCC <NUM>, via register <NUM>. A start indication may also be input through register <NUM>. From counters <NUM> and <NUM>, register <NUM> may receive the count values produced during an actual measurement. In accordance with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, these values may be serially shifted through metrology bus <NUM> to MCC <NUM> for use in computing the voltage and temperature values. Embodiments in which register <NUM> is directly coupled to an implementation of MCC <NUM> are also possible and contemplated.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a sensor utilizing a single ring oscillator. Using this type of sensor, voltage and temperature may be determined using a multisensing technique in which measurements are taken using a single ring oscillator with measurements performed at different input voltages. Ring oscillator <NUM> in this particular embodiment is coupled to receive a bias voltage, VBias, and a selectable input voltage, Vin. The bias voltage may be generated by any suitable circuitry for generating such a voltage, and may be substantially the same for all measurements. The circuitry for generating the bias voltage may be local to the sensor, or may be generated globally and distributed to each of the sensors. The input voltage, Vin, may be any one of the voltage input through selection circuit <NUM>. Generation of these voltages for one embodiment is further described below in reference to <FIG>. Control of the selection signal for selecting these voltages may be performed by MCC <NUM>.

Ring oscillator <NUM> in the embodiment shown is coupled to counter <NUM> via one or more tap points, and may cause the counter to toggle when operating. Counter <NUM> may thus track the count value, and at the end of a predetermined period, may discontinue counting and provide the count value to register <NUM>. The count value may then be forwarded to MCC <NUM> for voltage and temperature computation. Similarly, counter <NUM> may receive information from MCC <NUM>, via register <NUM>, in a manner similar to that described above with reference to the embodiment of <FIG>.

Ring oscillator <NUM> may be characterized by a polynomial in a manner similar to that described above with reference to <FIG>. The technique may involve a surface fitting technique for multiple frequency measurements at multiple voltages and frequencies. That is, the frequency response of ring oscillator <NUM>, in terms of voltage and temperature, can be characterized per equations (<NUM>) and (<NUM>) above.

To perform voltage and temperature measurements, frequency measurements may be made at the four different input voltages provided through selector <NUM>. The following frequency measurements may be made: <MAT> <MAT> <MAT> and <MAT> The above set of equations assume that a<NUM>V and a<NUM>V are chosen to be close to VGS1 and VGS2 so that the same linearized model of the ring oscillator (i.e. KVCO, V<NUM>, and f<NUM>) can be used for all of them. From the above measurement, the following equation may be deduced: <MAT> In the subthreshold region VTlnN, and VT can be rewritten as kT/q. Accordingly, equation <NUM> can be rewritten as <MAT> From this, the ring oscillator characterization can be reduced to: <MAT>.

Using equation <NUM>, temperature T can be solved for and plugged back into the polynomial characterization to solve for voltage V.

For calibration using ATE, frequencies may be determined at two temperatures and two supply voltages. Linear interpolation may be used for other measured frequencies. Additional frequency measurements may improve the surface fit. During operation, additional measurements may be taken, with the results used to replace interpolated values until a desired number have been replaced. This in turn may improve the accuracy of measurements taken during normal operation.

<FIG> includes schematic diagrams of circuit elements used in and with a sensor <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, ring oscillator <NUM> includes a number of serially-coupled inverters <NUM>. Each inverter <NUM> includes a stack of two PMOS (p-channel metal oxide semiconductor) and two NMOS (n-channel metal oxide semiconductor) transistors. The PMOS stack includes P1 and P2, while the NMOS stack includes N1 and N2. During operation, the gate terminal of P1 receives one of the input voltages discussed above in reference to <FIG>. Similarly, N1 receives the bias voltage VBias on its respective gate terminal. P2 and N2 each have respective gate terminals coupled to the input node and respective drain terminals coupled to the output node. Accordingly, P2 and N2 operate to perform the actual inverter functions. N1 operates to set characteristics of the inverter, while P1 operates, via the different values of Vin, to vary the characteristics of the inverter. Each inverter <NUM> of ring oscillator <NUM> may be configured in this manner. In varying the input voltage provided to P1 of each of the inverters <NUM>, the characteristics of and thus frequency output by ring oscillator <NUM> may be varied. This in turn may allow for calibrations and measurements to be performed to determine the temperature and voltage (i.e. the supply voltage) detected by each sensor.

Reference circuit <NUM> in the embodiment shown is configured to generate the various voltages that may be provided as Vin to P1 of each inverter <NUM>. The circuit includes PMOS transistors P3, P4, and P5, and NMOS transistors N3 and N4. Transistor P3 is coupled between Vdd (Local) and resistor R1, which has a relatively large resistance value. This resistor sets the gate voltage for P3, P4, and P5. Voltages VGS1 and VGS2 are taken from the drain terminals of P4 and P5, respectively. The relative sizing of P4 to P5 is <NUM>:N, and thus voltages VGS1 and VGS2 are different (this is also the source of the 'N' term in equation <NUM>). Using a large resistance value for R1 ensures that the current flowing through N3 and N4 is very small and thus devices operate in subthreshold region. This guarantees that the difference between VGS1 and VGS2 is a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) voltage. The other two voltages, a<NUM>V and a<NUM>V, are produced from tap points on resistor ladder <NUM>.

Reference circuit <NUM> may be implemented in various ways. In one embodiment, each sensor may include a reference circuit <NUM> dedicated thereto. In another embodiment, each functional circuit block may have a reference circuit <NUM> that provides these voltages to the ring oscillator <NUM> of each sensor. In yet another embodiment, each different voltage supply (or voltage rail) may associated with on reference circuit <NUM>, which distributes the various voltages to each ring oscillator <NUM> that receives it supply voltage from the same source.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for performing a calibration of a sensor or sensors in IC, wherein the sensors utilize ring oscillators. Method <NUM> may be performed using any of the various circuit embodiments discussed above, as well as with software and/or firmware associated therewith. Other hardware/software/firmware embodiments not explicitly discussed herein that are also capable of performing method <NUM> are possible and contemplated.

Method <NUM> begins with an initial sensor calibration performed on ATE using known values of V and T (block <NUM>). In one embodiment, each ring oscillator may be calibrated using at least two different points of V and T. Interpolation between these points may be used in completing the initial characterization for each ring oscillator. Additional points may be used as well, if desired. The number of points used in each this portion of the calibration may vary based on desired accuracy, allowable time on ATE for each unit of the IC, available processing capability and available memory capability. In general, the greater the number of points used, the more accurate the initial calibration will be, although this typically results in greater time for each unit of the IC on ATE.

It is further noted that the calibrations performed herein may include performance of the various mathematical methodologies discussed above. However, other methodologies that include the characterization of a ring oscillator using a polynomial or other mathematical function are also possible and contemplated.

Based on the points used in the ATE calibration, each ring oscillator may be characterized with a polynomial that expresses the frequency of operation of the ring oscillator as a function of voltage and temperature (block <NUM>). This polynomial may provide a starting point for subsequent calibrations, and may be update responsive thereto.

A next calibration may be performed on subsequent startup of the system that includes the IC upon which the sensors are implemented (block <NUM>). Responsive to these subsequent calibrations, the polynomials characterizing each ring oscillator may be updated (block <NUM>). At each subsequent next startup (block <NUM>), the method may return to block <NUM>, and another calibration is performed with another update of each polynomial corresponding to a calibrated ring oscillator.

The performance of calibrations is not limited to those instances discussed above. For example, calibrations may also be performed periodically during operation in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the V and T values detected by a sensor in MCC <NUM> (or equivalent circuit/unit) and a more accurate reference sensor may be monitored. If the values of V and T detected by the sensor (which is configured as those in the functional circuit blocks) and the reference sensor are different by more than a predetermined value, a calibration may be performed responsive thereto. In yet another embodiment, if the difference between the detected V and T values by the sensor and the reference sensor changes at a sudden rate, or more than a predetermined rate, a calibration may be performed. Accordingly, the methodology discussed herein may be construed to include such embodiments within its scope.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for determining voltage and temperature indicated by a sensor using two ring oscillators. The embodiment of method <NUM> discussed herein may be performed using any of the embodiments in which sensors utilize two ring oscillators having different characteristics. The configuration of the ring oscillators may include those explicitly discussed above, as well as those not explicitly discussed herein. The various mathematical methodologies discussed above may be used to characterize the ring oscillators employed in a particular embodiment. Additional mathematical methodologies not explicitly discussed herein may also be utilized within the scope of this disclosure.

Method <NUM> begins with the obtaining of frequency values f1 and f2 from first and second ring oscillators, respectively (block <NUM>). These frequency values may be inserted into the polynomial expressions that characterize the respective ring oscillators from which they were produced. Since the ring oscillators may be placed in close proximity to one another and thus operate in substantially the same voltage and temperature conditions, the corresponding polynomials by which they are characterized can be considered simultaneous equations. Accordingly, the simultaneous equations can be solved for voltage and temperature based on the indicated values of f1 and f2 (block <NUM>).

<FIG> is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for determining voltage and temperature indicated by a sensor using a single ring oscillator. Method <NUM> as discussed herein may be performed using various embodiment that include sensors having a single ring oscillator as discussed above. Other hardware embodiments, as well as supporting software and/or firmware embodiments not explicitly discussed herein are also contemplated as being capable for performing method <NUM>, and thus fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Method <NUM> with characterizing a ring oscillator as a polynomial function in which the output frequency is a function of voltage and temperature (block <NUM>). After characterization is performed, perform multiple sensing using different values of Vin, measuring frequencies f1-f4 (block <NUM>). Using the frequency values determined, a calculation is made based on equation (<NUM>) discussed above (block <NUM>). From this the ring oscillator characteristic may be reduced to equation <NUM> as discussed above, wherein one of the voltage terms is replaced with a temperature term (block <NUM>). Having replaced one of the voltage terms with a temperature term, equation <NUM> may be solved for temperature T, and based thereon, the voltage V may be calculated (block <NUM>).

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a reference circuit <NUM> implemented in an instance of MCC <NUM>, as well as its relationship to the disclosed metrology system as a whole. In the embodiment shown, the reference circuit <NUM> (which may also be referred to as the metrology golden reference center), is coupled to a number of sensors <NUM> in functional circuitry <NUM>. The functional circuitry <NUM> may comprise a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), or system on a chip (SoC; which may include a GPU and one or more instances of a CPU). It is also noted that, in at least some embodiments, sensors <NUM> may be implemented in IC's external to the IC upon which the metrology golden reference center is implemented. The golden reference center is coupled to the sensors via MCC <NUM>.

The golden reference center in the embodiment shown includes a sensor <NUM> that is substantially the same as those distributed throughout the IC. This instance of sensor <NUM> will be referred to as the reference sensor hereafter. The reference sensor <NUM> has the exact same topology and substantially the same characteristics as the other sensors <NUM> in the system, and may thus respond substantially the same as the other sensors to equivalent operating conditions. The reference sensor <NUM> is coupled to receive its supply voltage from a high precision voltage source, shown here as the Avdd, which may also be referred to as the golden supply. Similarly, a golden temperature sensor <NUM> is implemented near the reference sensor. The golden temperature sensor <NUM> is a high accuracy temperature sensor that may be implemented using various circuit topologies and other temperature sensing mechanisms. Modeling of the temperature sensors of the system as a whole may be based on the operation of the reference sensor <NUM>, the golden temperature sensor <NUM>, and the voltage provided by the golden supply. The data obtained from the reference sensor <NUM> may be correlated to the voltage of the golden supply and the temperature received from the golden temperature sensor <NUM>. The reference sensor <NUM> may be calibrated based on these correlations. Thereafter, data obtained from the reference sensor <NUM> may be correlated to the other sensors <NUM> in the system in order to calibrate them and form the respective polynomial characteristics.

The reference circuit <NUM> also includes an analog process monitor <NUM> and an analog test center <NUM>. Circuits in these two units may be used for additional metrology functions on the IC, and, if so connected, for other circuits external to the IC. As is discussed below, the analog process monitor <NUM> may be used to obtain characteristics of various devices (e.g., transistors) distributed throughout the IC/system. The analog test center <NUM> may receive data from various parts of the IC/system in order to provide a mechanism for measuring various circuit parameters such as voltage, current, impedance/resistance, and capacitance. The analog test center <NUM> may be further configured to digitize these values for export and analysis by other parts of the IC or by entities external thereto. Such entities may include, but are not limited to, automated test equipment (ATE) used in initial calibration of the sensors <NUM>/<NUM>, as well as other types of test equipment that may be used in conjunction with the IC. Both the analog process monitor <NUM> and the analog test center <NUM> will be discussed in further detail below.

<FIG> is a block diagram further illustrating one embodiment of MCC <NUM>, which includes reference cell <NUM>, reference sensor <NUM>, and golden temperature sensor <NUM>. Included in reference cell <NUM> is circuitry for producing a highly accurate voltage to be provided to the reference sensor <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the voltage reference digital-to-analog converter (VREF DAC) <NUM> includes a multiplexer <NUM> and a DAC <NUM>. The DAC <NUM> is coupled to receive, via a multiplexer <NUM>, a metrology reference voltage and/or an output from band-gap circuit <NUM>. Multiplexer <NUM> may be coupled to various types of circuits such as the band gap circuit <NUM> and an external reference voltage source. In this example, the reference voltage source is automated test equipment/power management unit (ATE/PMU) <NUM>. Other voltage sources may also be coupled to provide inputs to multiplexer <NUM>. Each of these sources may include circuitry to output a digital value that is representative of a voltage (or desired voltage) to be provided to the DAC <NUM> via multiplexer <NUM>. In some cases, the voltages may originally be generated as analog values and subsequently converted to digital for transmission to VREF DAC <NUM>. In other cases, the voltages may originate as digital values that are transmitted to VREF DAC. After selection of an input by multiplexer <NUM> (e.g., due to a selection signal from other control circuitry not shown here), DAC <NUM> may convert the selected digital value to an analog voltage.

The output of the VREF DAC <NUM> may be provided to a low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator <NUM>. Using a combination of the VREF DAC <NUM> and LDO voltage regulator <NUM>, the voltage provided to the reference sensor <NUM> may be accurately driven to a desired value for characterization. Moreover, the circuitry may be capable of driving the voltages within a wide range to correspond to the various voltages used on the IC. For example, one embodiment may drive the voltage from LDO voltage regulator <NUM> from a value of <NUM> volts to <NUM> volts, with a precision of <NUM> mV. However, it is noted that these values are exemplary, and are not intended to be restrictive with respect to the scope of this disclosure. The voltage output from LDO voltage regulator <NUM> may also be provided to the analog process monitor (APM) <NUM>, which in turn is coupled to an input of multiplexer <NUM>. A representation of the voltage output for the LDO voltage regulator <NUM> may be conveyed from APM <NUM> to its respectively coupled input of multiplexer <NUM>. The output of multiplexer <NUM> is coupled to a precision analog-to-digital converter (ADC) <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, ADC <NUM> is a sigma-delta (or ΣΔ ADC), although other types of high precision ADC's may be used if desired. In general, the ADC used may be a low speed, high precision ADC. Another input of multiplexer <NUM> is coupled to analog bus and may receive analog test signals from sources external to reference cell <NUM>. The source may be on the same IC, or may be from circuitry external thereto. The analog test signals received through the analog bus may include information indicative of characteristics of aging of the IC, process, device characteristics, and so forth. Accordingly, this may effectively make MCC <NUM> a hub for receiving raw, analog data from a number of different sources and for providing corresponding digital data for further processing and/or analysis. This may enable extensive debug and testing to be performed on the IC (or external circuits that provide information through the analog bus).

The precision ADC <NUM> may convert any of the signals received by the multiplexer into a digital format, and output them to a destination external to the metrology golden reference center. The destination may be on chip (e.g., service processor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>), off chip (e.g., ATE), or both.

Reference cell <NUM> also includes a temperature front end (TFE) circuit <NUM>. TFE circuit <NUM> is an analog circuit configured to generate highly accurate temperature measurements. The topology shown in this example includes a current source that may vary its output with temperature, and a diode. In practice though, any type of circuitry capable of generating precision temperature readings may fall within the scope of this disclosure. The readings generated by TFE circuit <NUM> may be input into the precision ADC <NUM>, via multiplexer <NUM>, and converted to a digital format. The resulting data may be correlated to the temperature data obtained by the reference sensor <NUM> for use in calibration and polynomial characterization thereof.

In addition to providing analog signals to the input of the ADC, the multiplexer may also provide the analog signals to an interface suitable for coupling to external equipment. For example, the analog signals output from the multiplexer may be provided to automated test equipment or other lab equipment. This may provide a useful reference and basis for comparison between the digital values output from the ADC and the corresponding analog signals from which they were produced. In this particular example, the voltage output from multiplexer <NUM> is provided to an external analog voltage measurement unit <NUM>. Measurements taken by analog voltage measurement unit may be compared to those output digitally from precision ADC <NUM> to ascertain the accuracy of the latter.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of APM <NUM> as implemented on an IC. This particular embodiment also shows separate instances of a DAC <NUM> and an LDO voltage regulator <NUM> relative to the embodiment discussed above in reference to <FIG>. However, embodiments that utilize the instances of DAC <NUM> and LDO voltage regulator <NUM> shown in the embodiment of <FIG> are possible and contemplated.

APM <NUM> also includes a separate DAC, labeled here as the DAC <NUM>. DAC <NUM> may receive a digital input corresponding to a desired gate voltage to be driven onto a correspondingly coupled transistor. The transistor is shown here as the DUT (device under test) <NUM>. The transistors selectable as DUT <NUM> may include virtually any (or all) of the transistors on the IC, depending on the specific embodiment. Generally speaking, a number of transistors comprising at least a subset of those implemented on the IC may be selectable as DUT <NUM> (for the sake of simplicity, the selection circuitry is not shown here, but its presence is implied). A particular one of the transistors may be selected as being the DUT <NUM>, exclusive of other transistors. This arrangement may allow a precise voltage to be placed on the gate of the DUT <NUM>, which is also shown here as coupled to a variable resistor <NUM>. In this arrangement, the drain-source current through a transistor selected to be DUT <NUM> may be measured, via a voltage across the variable resistance of resistor <NUM>. This in turn enables the measuring of a sourcedrain current as a function of the gate voltage. Using this value, other values pertaining to DUT <NUM> may be derived, such as the transconductance, output impedance, and so forth. These values may be reflected in the voltage across the variable resistor <NUM> (in view of the voltage applied to the gate). The voltage across the resistor is input into a precision ADC <NUM> (which may in one embodiment be a low speed, high resolution ΣΔ ADC as discussed above) and provided as a digital output for further processing and analysis. The arrangement shown allows APM <NUM> to produce analog characteristics of any transistor that may be connected thereto, with very little additional overhead. Thus, since APM <NUM> is configured to operate on selected individual devices, respective characteristics for that device may be obtained. This may offer a significant degree of granularity when analyzing not only the individual devices of the IC, but the overall process, voltage, and temperature variations along with other factors such as aging. Moreover, this arrangement may allow for the calibration of parameters for individual circuits on the IC, also with a high degree of granularity.

Turning now to <FIG>, a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an analog test center <NUM> implemented on an IC is shown. In the embodiment shown, analog test center <NUM> includes a multiplexer <NUM> having three inputs. The first input is from a temperature sensing front end (TFE) circuit <NUM>. TFE circuit <NUM> is a very high accuracy temperature sensor that may be implemented with any suitable circuit topology. The second input is from an embodiment of APM <NUM> such as that discussed above with reference to <FIG>. The third input is from an analog bus coupled to convey analog test signals from other analog measurement system units throughout the system (which may be implemented on the same IC, on circuits external thereto, or some combination thereof). The output of the multiplexer is coupled to a low speed, high resolution ADC <NUM> such as the ΣΔ ADC discussed above. Thus, temperature data (from TFE circuit <NUM>), individual transistor data (from APM <NUM>), or other analog measurement signals may be converted into a digital format and output to other digital circuits for further processing and analysis. Due to the resolution of ADC <NUM> and the precision of the analog circuitry (such as the temperature sensing front end), highly accurate data may be provided. This in turn may enable better characterization of various components of the IC, including the sensors distributed throughout and individual transistors.

In general, ATC <NUM> may provide a hub for aggregating and routing analog signals and generating corresponding digital information. Via the APM <NUM> and other analog measurement signals, data may be provided from virtually any part of the IC, and in some embodiments, from circuits external thereto. Thus, the ATC <NUM> may effectively act as a port from which a significant amount of information regarding the operation of the chip and/or external circuits can be extracted.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of temperature sensing circuity in a golden temperature sensor <NUM> used in an embodiment of MCC <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, TFE <NUM> implements a circuit topology to convert a sensed temperature into an analog voltage. In this particular example, two current sources and two respectively coupled diodes are used to generate a voltage difference that corresponds to a temperature. However, this topology is exemplary, and any temperature sensing circuitry suitable for providing high accuracy readings may be implemented. The differential voltage may be provided to optional ADC interface <NUM>, and thereafter, to an ADC <NUM> (or, alternatively, to ADC <NUM> as discussed above). The ADC <NUM> is arranged to convert the analog voltage difference into a digital signal that is provided to a digital back end <NUM>. Optional digital pre-calibration circuitry <NUM> is shown here, and may be perform any desired pre-calibration operation in the digital domain. The output is then provided to a digital calibration engine <NUM> for calibrating the output temperature reading to the sensed temperature. The output from the digital calibration engine may be an N-bit output provided to an external destination, either on-chip or off chip (e.g., to automated test equipment <NUM>). The automated test equipment <NUM> (or other external destination) may also provide feedback to the digital calibration engine to <NUM> enable a closed loop calibration process with greater accuracy. The digital representation of the sensed temperature may be used in forming a polynomial characterization that defines the generated analog voltage as a function of the temperature.

It is noted here that the division of function between the analog and digital portions of the temperature sensing operation is exemplary, and does not necessarily apply to all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure. In general, some embodiments may place more emphasis on the analog portion of the circuitry, while others may place more emphasis on the digital portion of the circuitry.

The various systems and circuits discussed above may provide a number of advantages in designing, characterizing, and operating circuits. In typical prior art circuit, the inherent shortcomings of analog design usually results in overdesign for compensation. This can in turn result in increased IC area consumption, power consumption, or both. The circuits discussed above may reduce or eliminate the need to overdesign by providing information that reveals the sources of the analog shortcomings. Based on the understanding of the sources of the shortcomings, measurements and corresponding corrections can be performed that obviate at least in part the need to overdesign, allowing for more efficient scaling of power and area while achieving the desired performance targets.

Turning next to <FIG>, a block diagram of one embodiment of a system <NUM> is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the system <NUM> includes at least one instance of an integrated circuit <NUM> coupled to external memory <NUM>. The integrated circuit <NUM> may include a memory controller that is coupled to the external memory <NUM>. The integrated circuit <NUM> is coupled to one or more peripherals <NUM> and the external memory <NUM>. A power supply <NUM> is also provided which supplies the supply voltages to the integrated circuit <NUM> as well as one or more supply voltages to the memory <NUM> and/or the peripherals <NUM>. In some embodiments, more than one instance of the integrated circuit <NUM> may be included (and more than one external memory <NUM> may be included as well).

The peripherals <NUM> may include any desired circuitry, depending on the type of system <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the system <NUM> may be a mobile device (e.g. personal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, etc.) and the peripherals <NUM> may include devices for various types of wireless communication, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, global positioning system, etc. The peripherals <NUM> may also include additional storage, including RAM storage, solid-state storage, or disk storage. The peripherals <NUM> may include user interface devices such as a display screen, including touch display screens or multitouch display screens, keyboard or other input devices, microphones, speakers, etc. In other embodiments, the system <NUM> may be any type of computing system (e.g. desktop personal computer, laptop, workstation, tablet, etc.).

The external memory <NUM> may include any type of memory. For example, the external memory <NUM> may be SRAM, dynamic RAM (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, LPDDR1, LPDDR2, etc.) SDRAM, RAMBUS DRAM, etc. The external memory <NUM> may include one or more memory modules to which the memory devices are mounted, such as single inline memory modules (SIMMs), dual inline memory modules (DIMMs), etc..

Claim 1:
An integrated circuit (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of sensors (<NUM>) implemented in corresponding ones of one or more functional circuit blocks (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a metrology control circuit (<NUM>) including:
an analog process monitoring circuit (<NUM>);
a reference sensor (<NUM>), wherein the reference sensor (<NUM>) is implemented using a circuit topology identical to each of the plurality of sensors (<NUM>) and has substantially same operating characteristics as each of the plurality of sensors (<NUM>);
a precision voltage generation circuit configured to provide a known voltage value to the reference sensor (<NUM>);
a precision temperature sensing circuit in close proximity to the reference sensor (<NUM>); and
a processing circuit (<NUM>) configured to correlate readings received from the reference sensor (<NUM>) to a voltage received from the precision voltage generation circuit and the precision temperature sensing circuit, and further configured to calibrate each of the plurality of sensors (<NUM>) based on the correlated readings;
characterized in that
the analog process monitoring circuit (<NUM>) is configured to determine operating characteristics of each transistor of at least a subset of a plurality of transistors implemented on the integrated circuit (<NUM>).