Method and apparatus for maintaining an accurate I/O calibration cell

摘要

An integrated circuit includes an input/output “I/O” cell arranged to drive an output signal and an activity analysis unit arranged to generate an activity factor based on the output signal. The activity factor represents a switching activity intensity of the I/O cell. The switching activity intensity is associated with an ageing effect of the I/O cell. The circuit further includes a calibration unit arranged to generate a switching pattern signal based on the generated activity factor and an I/O calibration cell arranged to be driven by the switching pattern signal, wherein the switching pattern signal emulates the ageing effect of the I/O cell.

主权项

1. An integrated circuit comprising:
an input/output “I/O” cell arranged to drive an output signal; an activity analysis unit arranged to generate an activity factor based on the output signal, the activity factor representing a switching activity intensity of the I/O cell, the switching activity intensity associated with an ageing effect of the I/O cell; a calibration unit arranged to generate a switching pattern signal based on the generated activity factor; and an I/O calibration cell arranged to be driven by the switching pattern signal, wherein the switching pattern signal emulates the ageing effect of the I/O cell.