Non-intrusive state observation of VLSI circuits using thermal actuation

摘要

An integrated circuit is set forth including a plurality of circuit elements interconnected by conductors and at least one resistive element operably connected to a location within the circuit. Upon an event occurring at the location, such as the activation of a circuit element, current is passed through the resistive element thereby elevating the temperature of the resistive element to cause incandescence so as to permit optical detection of the event.