Infineon Technologies Ag

Infineon Technologies Austria Ag

Cheow Guan Lim

Stephan Schaecher

Bernd Meyer

Wieland Fischer

Fan Yung Ma

Yoon Hwee Leow

Robert Rozario

Yong Siang Teo

Christoph Sandner

Chin Yeong Koh

Matteo Agostinelli

Nitin Agarwal

Tue Fatt David Wee

Jian-Wei Liu

Mark Schauer

Giovanni Ferrara

Kwan Siong Choong

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for defect detection and localization in semiconductor chips. In an embodiment, a plurality of registers is arranged in a semiconductor chip. The particular number of registers can vary according to a desired level of localization, and the plurality of registers are geometrically distributed such that defect detection and localization over the entire chip area or a desired chip area, such as a central active region, is achieved in embodiments. In operation, a defect detection and localization routine can be run in parallel with other normal chip functions during a power-up or other phase. In embodiments, the registers can be multi-functional in that they can be used for other operational functions of the chip when not used for defect detection and localization, and vice-versa. Embodiments thereby provide fast, localized defect detection.

Integrated defect detection and location systems and methods in semiconductor chip devices

In some examples, a controller device for a resonant mode power converter circuit comprises a feed-forward pin configured to receive an input voltage signal of the resonant mode power converter circuit, a feedback pin configured to receive an output voltage signal of the resonant mode power converter circuit, processing circuitry configured to determine a switching frequency based on the input voltage signal and the output voltage signal, a first control pin configured to deliver a first control signal to the first switch at the switching frequency, and a second control pin configured to deliver a second control signal the second switch at the switching frequency.

Controller device for resonant mode power converter circuit

An example method includes outputting, by a device, a first current through a temperature sensor that is that is external to the device; determining, by the device and based on a voltage drop across the temperature sensor while the first current is flowing through the temperature sensor, a current level; outputting, by the device, a second current at the determined current level through the temperature sensor; determining, by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the device, a value that corresponds to a voltage drop across the temperature sensor while the second current is flowing through the temperature sensor; outputting, by the device, a third current through a reference resistor that is external to the device; and determining, based on the value and a voltage drop across the reference resistor while the third current is flowing through the reference resistor, a temperature of the temperature sensor.

Remote temperature sensing

In one example, a method includes determining, by a device, a plurality of voltage values that each correspond to a respective voltage drop across a remote p-n junction while the remote p-n junction is biased at different respective current levels, wherein each of the plurality of voltage values is a function of at least: one of the different respective current levels, a temperature of the remote p-n junction, and a series resistance between the device and the remote p-n junction. In this example, the method also includes, determining, by the device, an intermediate value based on a difference between at least three voltage values of the plurality of voltage values, wherein the intermediate value is not a function of the series resistance, and determining the temperature of the remote p-n junction based on the intermediate value such that the temperature is not a function of the series resistance.

Methods for securing and activating chips and/or devices that can utilize a hardware security module (HSM). One or more of the methods can include generating one or more digital certificates based on an identification (ID) associated with a device, generating one or more activation certificates and one or more modified activation certificate based on one or more encryption keys, and generating one or more chip data certificates and/or one or more modified chip data certificates.

Device security

A device authenticates accessories by detecting that an accessory is attached to the device, determining a unique identification (ID) for the accessory, determining, based on the unique ID, if the accessory has been paired to the device, and in response to determining that the accessory has been paired to the device, enable use of the accessory by the device. In response to determining the accessory has not been paired to the device, the devices performs a secondary authentication process on the accessory.

Device and accessory pairing

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide detection of a voltage drift of an electrical component or system. A detection circuit detects the voltage drift based on a comparison of a received signal from a test circuit and a reference voltage. A compensation voltage may be generated and applied at one or more locations within the test circuit to compensate for the voltage drift.

Bias drift compensation

In one example a method includes communicating, by a first device, with a second device via an identification (ID) line of a universal serial bus (USB) cable. A first connector of the USB cable may be attached to a USB connector of the first device. A second connector of the USB cable may be attached to a USB connector of the second device. The USB connector of the first device may include a bus voltage (V) connector configured to mate with a Vline of the USB cable, a positive data (D+) connector configured to mate with a D+ line of the USB cable, a negative data (D&#x2212;) connector configured to mate with a D&#x2212; line of the USB cable, the ID connector configured to mate with a ID line of the USB cable, and a ground (GND) connector configured to mate with a GND line of the USB cable.

Communication over identification line

Embodiments relate to fault detection comparator circuitry and methods that can operate in conjunction with a power-on-reset (POR) scheme to put a chip into a reliable power-down mode upon fault detection to avoid disrupting the communication bus link such that other connected chips and the host can continue to operate. Power-on of the affected chip can then be carried out when the connection with that chip is restored.

Communication line driver protection circuitry, systems and methods

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for authenticating devices and securing data. In embodiments, a session key for securing data between two devices can be derived as a byproduct of a challenge-response protocol for authenticating one or both of the devices.

Systems and methods for device and data authentication

Methods, devices, and integrated circuits are disclosed for providing a buck converter charger in a multiphase buck converter topology comprising at least a first phase, a second phase, and an alternative charging switch, wherein the first phase includes a first high-side switch and a first low-side switch and the second phase includes a second high-side switch and a second low-side switch. The methods, devices, and integrated circuits may control at least one phase to operate as a boost converter, control at least one phase to operate as buck converter, and close the alternative charging switch in the multiphase buck converter topology to connect an alternative charging source to a system voltage output, the alternative charging switch coupled to the first phase between the first high-side switch and the first low-side switch.

Reconfigurable multiphase power stage for switched mode chargers

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving power at a power consumer device coupled to a power provider device by a cable. The received power is supplied at a first current at an input of the power consumer device and is supplied to a load in the power consumer device. The method includes measuring a rate of change of the voltage at the input of the power consumer device, and determining whether the rate of change of the voltage at the input of the power consumer device is less than a first target rate of change of voltage. The current received at the input of the power consumer device is reduced to a second current lower than the first current if the rate of change of the voltage at the input of the power consumer device is greater than the first target rate of change of voltage.

Cable quality detection and power consumer devices

A system for authenticating electronic devices, particularly chips or integrated circuits is described. This allows authenticating that the devices are authorized by the original manufacturer for operation in critical applications.

Growing community of inventors

Singapore, Singapore

Cheow Guan Lim