Monolithic current-sensing topology for system-on-chip applications

A passive current-sensing architecture operating based on electromotive force phenomena is presented. The proposed architecture is capable of sensing a varying current over a wide range of frequencies. Simulation and measurement results of a proof-of-concept prototype implemented in a 0.13 μm CMOS confirm the performance of the presented technique for currents with frequencies up to 8 GHz. In the presented experimental results, the high-frequency performance limit is due to the measurement setup. Furthermore, the method can be used to sense currents over a wide range of amplitudes and the amplitude detection sensitivity of the technique improves as the frequency of the current signal being measured increases.