Process and temperature tracking on-chip supply regulation for low jitter applications

Abstract

On chip integrated circuit supply voltage regulator has a reference voltage that varies, based on process and temperature conditions of the integrated circuit. Supply voltage is boosted up if the active transistor load devices operate in a Slow-Slow process condition and/or temperature rises. Higher supply voltage improves the system performance (jitter/delay) if the load network includes switching components. If the active transistor load devices operate in a Fast-Fast process condition then the supply voltage is reduced without loss of performance and a savings in power. The variable reference voltage is generated based on process and temperature conditions of the semiconductor integrated circuit devices (transistors). The voltage regulator will automatically have its variable reference voltage adjusted based upon the process condition fabrication and temperature of the areas of the integrated circuit where the active transistor load devices are located.