The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 20, 2012
Filed:
Feb. 09, 2009
Hendricus J. M. Veendrick, Heeze, NL;
Harold G. P. Benten, Waalre, NL;
Agnese A. M. Bargagli-stoffi, Eindhoven, NL;
Patrick Van DE Steeg, Oss, NL;
Hendricus J. M. Veendrick, Heeze, NL;
Harold G. P. Benten, Waalre, NL;
Agnese A. M. Bargagli-Stoffi, Eindhoven, NL;
Patrick Van de Steeg, Oss, NL;
NXP B.V., Eindhoven, NL;
Abstract
An integrated circuit has a matrix of rows and columns of cells (), each cell () comprising a first inverter () and a second inverter (). First columns have a bit-line (), the first inverter () and the second inverter () in each cell of the first columns being cross-coupled to each other and coupled to bit-line () of the associated first column. A further column is provided in the matrix with bit line fragments () that are mutually disconnected. Delays are monitored by coupling at least the first inverters () of cells in respective pairs of rows in series via the bit-line fragments and measuring a delay during signal propagation through the series connection, for example by incorporating the series of inverters in a ring oscillator.