On-Die Supply-Voltage Noise Sensor with Real-Time Sampling Mode for Low-Power Processor Applications

A real-time on-die noise sensor continuously detects up to 100 noise events per second without disturbing processor operations, using a 400kb/s serial interface. The noise sensor uses histogram counters and variable detection windows. The sensor measures periodic and single-events in real time. The noise sensor is implemented in a 90nm CMOS testchip.