Method for measuring pulse distortion

Abstract

A method for measuring pulse distortion in a digital logic design. A digital logic block of interest is divided into its component primary logic functions. The pulse width distortion characteristics are determined for each primary logic function. The pulse width distortion characteristics are used to develop values representing the minimum pulse width required to guarantee full pulse amplitude propagation through each primary logic function. Thus, pulse distortion is characterized in terms of both width and amplitude components. Pulse width distortion for the entire logic block is then determined by following each logic path through the logic block and statistically summing the pulse width distortion characteristics for each occurrence of each primary logic function in the logic path. Pulse amplitude integrity is checked at the input to each primary logic function by referencing the pre-calculated values for minimum pulse width required to guarantee full pulse amplitude propagation through the primary logic function.