Semiconductor sensor reliability
First Claim
1. A semiconductor sensor reliability system, comprising:
- a plurality of sensors positioned on a plurality of functional blocks, wherein each of the plurality of functional blocks has at least one sensor, wherein each of the plurality of sensors models a behavior of the location with respect to aging of the location in which it is positioned and communicates real-time aging-related performance data regarding the location over a network, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is selected to have an independent optimal sensitivity based on its location, the optimal sensitivity determined according to sensing range and timing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is coupled directly atop a boundary between functional blocks at a connection point to collect sensed data of variations and a behavior of the boundary, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of sensors is positioned at the connection point between functional blocks to collect sensed data about lithographic limits and gate perimeter density at the connection point.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide a semiconductor sensor reliability system and method. Specifically, the present invention provides in-situ positioning of a reliability sensor (hereinafter sensors) within each functional block, as well as at critical locations, of a semiconductor system. The quantity and location of the sensors are optimized to have maximum sensitivity to known process variations. In general, the sensor models a behavior (e.g., aging process) of the location (e.g., functional block) in which it is positioned and comprises a plurality of stages connected as a network and a self-digitizer. Each sensor has a mode selection input for selecting a mode thereof and an operational trigger input for enabling the sensor to model the behavior. The model selection input and operation trigger enable the sensor to have an operational mode in which the plurality of sensors are subject to an aging process, as well as a measurement mode in which an age of the plurality of sensors is outputted.
21 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A semiconductor sensor reliability system, comprising:
a plurality of sensors positioned on a plurality of functional blocks, wherein each of the plurality of functional blocks has at least one sensor, wherein each of the plurality of sensors models a behavior of the location with respect to aging of the location in which it is positioned and communicates real-time aging-related performance data regarding the location over a network, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is selected to have an independent optimal sensitivity based on its location, the optimal sensitivity determined according to sensing range and timing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is coupled directly atop a boundary between functional blocks at a connection point to collect sensed data of variations and a behavior of the boundary, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of sensors is positioned at the connection point between functional blocks to collect sensed data about lithographic limits and gate perimeter density at the connection point. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A semiconductor sensor reliability system, comprising:
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a semiconductor system comprising a plurality of functional blocks; and a plurality of sensors positioned on the plurality of functional blocks, wherein each of the plurality of functional blocks has at least one sensor, wherein each of the plurality of sensors models a behavior of the location with respect to aging of the location in which it is positioned and communicates real-time aging-related performance data regarding the location over a network, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is selected to have an independent optimal sensitivity based on its location, the optimal sensitivity determined according to sensing range and timing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is coupled directly atop a boundary between functional blocks at a connection point to collect sensed data of variations and a behavior of the boundary, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of sensors is positioned at the connection point between functional blocks to collect sensed data about lithographic limits and gate perimeter density at the connection point. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for sensing semiconductor reliability, comprising:
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positioning a plurality of sensors on a plurality of functional blocks to observe defect-sensitive locations within a semiconductor system, wherein each of the plurality of sensors models a behavior of the location with respect to aging of the location in which it is positioned and communicates real-time aging-related performance data regarding the location over a network, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is selected to have an independent optimal sensitivity based on its location, the optimal sensitivity determined according to sensing range and timing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is coupled directly atop a boundary between functional blocks at a connection point to collect sensed data of variations and a behavior of the boundary, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of sensors is positioned at the connection point between functional blocks to collect sensed data about lithographic limits and gate perimeter density at the connection point; and engaging an operational model of the plurality of the sensors to cause each sensor to model an aging process of the defect-sensitive location in which it is positioned. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification