Integrated spectrum analyzer circuits and methods for providing on-chip diagnostics
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsKeith Aelwyn Jenkins, Anup Paul Jose, Scott Kevin Reynolds
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Spectrum analyzer circuits and methods are provided which implement “zero-IF” (direct conversion) or “near-zero IF” (or very low IF) architectures that enable implementation of integrated (on-chip) spectrum analyzers for measuring the frequency spectrum of internal chip signals. An integrated spectrum analyzer circuit, which includes a zero IF or near-zero IF framework, enables a low-power compact design with sufficient resolution bandwidth for on-chip implementation and diagnostics of internal chip signals.
Claims31
A semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) chip, comprising:
- an integrated circuit that generates an internal chip signal;
- and
- an integrated spectrum analyzer circuit that measures a frequency spectrum of the internal chip signal,
- wherein the integrated spectrum analyzer circuit comprises:
- a frequency converter that down-converts a frequency component of the internal chip signal to an IF (intermediate frequency);
- a filter that filters an output of the frequency converter circuit;
- an amplifier that amplifies an output of the filter;
- a detector that generates voltage signals representative of a frequency spectrum of the internal chip signal;
- an ADC (analog to digital converter) circuit that digitizes the voltage signals output from the detector;
- and
- a shift register that stores an n-bit data block output from the ADC circuit.
A semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) chip, comprising:
- an integrated circuit that generates an internal chip signal;
- and
- an integrated spectrum analyzer circuit that measures a frequency spectrum of the internal chip signal,
- wherein the integrated spectrum analyzer circuit comprises:
- a frequency converter that down-converts a frequency component of the internal chip signal to an IF (intermediate frequency);
- a filter that filters an output of the frequency converter circuit;
- an amplifier that amplifies an output of the filter;
- a detector that generates voltage signals representative of a frequency spectrum of the internal chip signal;
- a LNA (low noise amplifier) to amplify the internal chip signal before input to the frequency converter;
- and
- a first DC blocking capacitor connected to the input of the LNA and a second DC blocking capacitor connected between an output of the LNA and an input of the frequency converter.
A semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) chip, comprising:
- an integrated circuit that generates an internal chip signal;
- and
- an integrated spectrum analyzer circuit that measures a frequency spectrum of the internal chip signal, wherein the integrated spectrum analyzer circuit comprises:
- a frequency converter that down-converts a frequency component of the internal chip signal to an IF (intermediate frequency);
- a plurality of filters, wherein each filter is connected to an output of the frequency converter circuit, and wherein each filter is constructed to provide a different measurement bandwidth resolution;
- an amplifier that amplifies an output of the filters;
- a detector that generates voltage signals representative of a frequency spectrum of the internal chip signal;
- and
- multiplexer that selectively applies the output of one of the filters to the amplifier.
A semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) chip, comprising:
- an integrated SOC (system on chip)that generates a plurality of internal chip signals;
- and
- an integrated spectrum analyzer circuit that selectively measures a frequency spectrum of the internal chip signals, wherein the integrated spectrum analyzer circuit comprises a zero IF (intermediate frequency) or near-zero IF architecture,
- wherein the integrated spectrum analyzer circuit comprises:
- a plurality of frequency converters which down-convert a frequency component of a corresponding one of the internal chip signals to IF (intermediate frequency) signals;
- a filter circuit that filters the IF signals output from the frequency converter circuits;
- an amplifier that amplifies the filtered IF signals output from the filter circuit;
- and
- a detector that generates voltage signals representative of a frequency spectrum of an internal chip signal;
- an ADC (analog to digital converter) circuit that digitizes the voltage signals output from the detector;
- and
- a shift register that stores an n-bit data block output from the ADC circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.