Testing Specific Device Patents (Class 714/742)
  • Patent number: 8448032
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing the set of initial candidates in signature based diagnosis methodology. These techniques are based on a unique way of making optimum use of information from logic back-cone tracing along with equations that describe the test response compactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Mentor Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Manish Sharma, Wu-Tung Cheng, Thomas H. Rinderknecht
  • Patent number: 8438438
    Abstract: Chain or logic diagnosis resolution can be enhanced in the presence of limited failure cycles using embodiments of the various methods, systems, and apparatus described herein. For example, pattern sets can be ordered according to a diagnosis coverage figure, which can be used to measure chain or logic diagnosability of the pattern set. Per-pin based diagnosis techniques can also be used to analyze limited failure data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Mentor Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Yu Huang, Wu-Tung Cheng, Nagesh Tamarapalli, Randy Klingenberg, Janusz Rajski
  • Patent number: 8438442
    Abstract: A method of testing a processing includes performing a test of at least one logic block of a processor of a data processing system; receiving an interrupt; stopping the performing the test for the processor to respond to the interrupt, wherein the stopping the performing the test includes storing test data of the test to a memory prior to the processor responding to the interrupt; and after the processor responds to the interrupt, resuming performing the test, wherein the resuming performing the test includes retrieving the test data from the memory and using the retrieved test data for the resuming performing the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Morrison
  • Patent number: 8433964
    Abstract: Provided is a test apparatus comprising a synchronization module that operates according to a reference clock and outputs a synchronization signal with a prescribed period, and a test module that operates according to a high-frequency clock with a frequency that is n times a frequency of the reference clock. The test module includes a period emulator that emulates the synchronization signal, a phase shifter that shifts a phase of the high-frequency clock by an amount equal to a result of (i) the product of n and the emulated synchronization phase data by (ii) a period of the reference clock, and a test period generating section that generates a test period pulse signal that transitions at an edge timing of the shifted high-frequency clock and test period phase data indicating a phase difference between the test period signal and an edge timing of the test period pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Tokunori Akita
  • Patent number: 8433990
    Abstract: In a semiconductor test apparatus, a voltage source generates a power supply voltage to be supplied to a DUT. A decision processor makes the DUT execute a predetermined test sequence. A noise generator superimposes a periodic pulse-like noise voltage on the power supply voltage to be supplied to the DUT, while the test sequence is being executed. The noise generator superimposes a noise voltage synchronized with a clock signal to be supplied to the DUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8429471
    Abstract: An apparatus for precluding the use of extended JTAG operations, including a JTAG control chain, a feature fuse, a level sensor, an access controller, and a blow controller. The JTAG control chain enables/disables the extended JTAG operations. The feature fuse indicates whether the extended JTAG features are to be disabled. The level sensor monitors an external voltage signal, and indicates that the external voltage signal is at a legal level. The access controller determines if the feature fuse is blown, and directs the JTAG control chain to disable the extended JTAG operations if the feature fuse is blown, and directs the JTAG control chain to disable the extended JTAG operations if the external voltage signal is at an illegal level regardless of whether the feature fuse is blown. The blow controller receives a voltage, and blows a selected fuse within a fuse array responsive to a valve of the voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: VIA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Glenn Henry, Dinesh K. Jain
  • Patent number: 8423846
    Abstract: Integrated circuits with memory built-in self test (MBIST) circuitry and methods are disclosed that employ enhanced features. In one aspect of the invention, an integrated circuit is provided having MIBST circuitry configured to serially test multiple arrays of memory elements within a component of the integrated circuit and to also conduct parallel initialization of the serially tested arrays. In another aspect of the invention, the MBST circuitry is used set the memory elements of the arrays to a first state and then to an inverse state during a burn-in operation to maintain each of the two opposing states for a desired time in order to either force a failure of the integrated circuit component or produce a pre-stressed component beyond an infancy stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Yu Chen, Kevin Badgett, Kay Hessee
  • Patent number: 8423850
    Abstract: A pulse transmission technique is used for wireless communication between a microcomputer (13) having a debugging support circuit (17) and a debugger (13). The pulse transmission technique is based on magnetic field coupling between a first coil (14) provided for the microcomputer and a second coil (8) coupled with the debugger. During an initialization operation, the microcomputer performs a process of configuring a communication condition of the wireless communication to perform the wireless communication. The microcomputer awaits control from the debugger when the microcomputer establishes communication with the debugger. The debugger awaits establishment of the communication and proceeds to control of the microcomputer in accordance with the wireless communication. It is possible to provide contactless interface for system debugging without the need for a large antenna or a large-scale circuit for modulation and demodulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Renesas Electronics Corporation, Keio University
    Inventors: Shunichi Iwata, Yoichi Takahata, Toshihiko Sugahara, Yutaka Takikawa, Yoshihiro Shimizu, Hiroki Ishikuro, Tadahiro Kuroda
  • Patent number: 8418007
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of a so-called “X-press” test response compactor. Certain embodiments of the disclosed compactor comprise an overdrive section and scan chain selection logic. Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology offer compaction ratios on the order of 1000x. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed compactor can maintain about the same coverage and about the same diagnostic resolution as that of conventional scan-based test scenarios. Some embodiments of a scan chain selection scheme can significantly reduce or entirely eliminate unknown states occurring in test responses that enter the compactor. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of on-chip comparator circuits and methods for generating control circuitry for masking selection circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mentor Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Nilanjan Mukherjee, Janusz Rajski, Jerzy Tyszer
  • Patent number: 8418012
    Abstract: A method of testing a target electronic device implemented in a configurable integrated circuit device includes receiving a baseline design for the target electronic device in a hardware description language, establishing a fault model for the particular configurable integrated circuit device, synthesizing the fault model in the hardware description language, embedding the synthesized fault model into the baseline design to create a modified baseline design in the hardware description language which enables one or more targeted signals to be selectively corrupted, creating a fault model enabled target device on the particular configurable integrated circuit device using the modified baseline design, performing a number of fault injection experiments on the fault model enabled target device, wherein each fault injection experiment includes causing at least one of the one or more targeted signals to be corrupted within the fault model enabled target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ansaldo STS USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Blostic, James Jacob Riling, Adam Edward Szymkowiak, Todd Anthony DeLong, Joseph William Reutzel, Anthony Pietro Mancini, II
  • Patent number: 8418013
    Abstract: The invention relates to automated hardware in the loop testing. A method of automated diagnostic testing is described as monitoring, modifying, overwriting, providing and/or providing read-only access to input data given to a tested application and output data provided by a tested application to compare a desired relationship between input data and output data. A preferred system includes a communication network with a preferred method including a controller area network to associate a test controlling system to a tested application. An automated diagnostic testing system comprises a test controlling system operably coupled to a tested application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bryan D. Sulzer, Scott J. Breiner
  • Patent number: 8392778
    Abstract: To reduce pseudo errors. A stationary signal is propagated through the circuit to be checked. A combination is extracted in which different asynchronous transfers occur between a transmitting side register and a receiving side register. From the extracted combination of asynchronous transfers, a circuit to be checked is extracted, and a synchronization circuit of a plurality of signals is excluded from the circuit to be checked. A stationary signal is propagated through the circuit to be checked, for each combination among all combinations of logic values “1” and “0” of the stationary signal. It is checked whether or not there exists one asynchronous transmitting side register to which signal change can logically reach, in the combination of logic values of the stationary signal propagated. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the circuit is appropriate as a synchronization circuit for a single-signal transfer, thereby reducing pseudo errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Suzuki, Susumu Abe
  • Patent number: 8392766
    Abstract: A method for enhancing verification efficiency regarding error handling mechanism of a controller of a Flash memory includes: providing an error generation module, for generating errors; and triggering the error generation module to actively generate errors of at least one specific type in order to increase an error rate corresponding to the specific type. An associated memory device and the controller thereof are provided, where the controller includes: a ROM arranged to store a program code; a microprocessor arranged to execute the program code to control access to the Flash memory and manage a plurality of blocks, and further enhance the verification efficiency regarding error handling mechanism of the controller; and an error generation module arranged to generate errors. The controller that executes the program code by utilizing the microprocessor triggers the error generation module to actively generate errors of at least one specific type to increase an error rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Silicon Motion Inc., Silicon Motion Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Wei Chyan
  • Patent number: 8386866
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, variable test clock circuitry is provided within an integrated circuit desired to be tested. The variable test clock frequency implements a test clock control register that receives serial test data from a device tester and is configured to serially pass the received test data to scan test chains within the integrated circuit. The test clock control register stores test clock information. The test clock information is provided to a test clock generator where the test clock generator then produces test clock signals at a predetermined frequency. The test clock signal is then provided as a test clock frequency for the scan test chains within the integrated circuit. Methods are also disclosed for operating the variable test clock frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eigenix
    Inventor: Sung Soo Chung
  • Patent number: 8384406
    Abstract: In a semiconductor test apparatus, a first device is tested as a device under test in a state where the first device provided with a transmitter transmitting a signal and a second device provided with a receiver receiving the signal transmitted by the transmitter, are connected together. The transmitter includes an equalizer circuit that shapes the waveform of the differential signal to be transmitted. The receiver includes a latch circuit that latches data corresponding to the differential signal thus received with the use of a clock, the timing of which is variable. A control unit varies, in a matrix, a parameter of the equalizer circuit and an edge timing of the clock CLK supplied to the latch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8356215
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for analyzing a memory module under test operating within an application system, wherein the memory module under test is coupled to a processor of the application system, is disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the testing apparatus comprises a first interface for coupling to the application system, a second interface for coupling to a reference memory module, a controller coupled to the first and second interfaces, at least one comparator, and a data logging unit. The data logging unit is configured to receive logging data from the controller and at least one test result from the at least one comparator, and to record, in a memory, at least a subset of the logging data, such that more specific details of memory errors revealed during behavioral testing of memory modules may be identified, examined, and stored for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kingtiger Technology (Canada) Inc.
    Inventors: Bosco Chun Sang Lai, Sunny Lai-Ming Chang, Lawrence Wai Cheung Ho, Shu Man Choi
  • Patent number: 8352791
    Abstract: A system and method for testing a control module includes a microprocessor, where the microprocessor has a programming environment. The programming environment has a test data structure, a configuration data structure, and a monitor data structure each containing data. At least one test data instance is associated with the test data structure and at least one configuration data instance is associated with the configuration data structure. The configuration data instance is a diagnostic test that monitors a parameter of the microprocessor, and the monitor data structure creates the test data instance such that each test data instance corresponds to one of the configuration data instances. The program includes a first control logic for associating the test data structure, the configuration data structure and the monitor data structure as part of a core infrastructure portion of the programming environment, where the core infrastructure portion of the program is static.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Onno R. Van Eikema Hommes, Richard L. Schupbach, James K. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8341472
    Abstract: An apparatus in an integrated circuit for precluding the use of extended JTAG operations. The apparatus has a JTAG control chain, a feature fuse, a level sensor, and an access controller. The JTAG control chain is configured to enable/disable the extended JTAG operations. The feature fuse is configured to indicate whether the extended JTAG features are to be disabled. The level sensor is configured to monitor an external voltage signal, and configured to indicate that the external voltage signal is at an illegal level. The access controller is coupled to the feature fuse, the level sensor, and the JTAG control chain, and is configured to determine if the feature fuse is blown, and is configured to direct the JTAG control chain to disable the extended JTAG operations if the external voltage signal is at an illegal level regardless of whether the feature fuse is blown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: VIA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Glenn Henry, Dinesh K. Jain
  • Patent number: 8332695
    Abstract: A data storage device (DSD) tester for testing a DSD is disclosed. The DSD tester comprises a plurality of bays, a screen, and control circuitry operable to detect when a first DSD has been inserted into a first bay. Independent of operator input, a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the screen is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been inserted into the first bay. Independent of operator input, a DSD test is automatically executed on the first DSD. When the first DSD is removed from the first bay, independent of operator input, the GUI is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been removed from the first bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Dalphy, Daniel K. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 8327201
    Abstract: A method of testing an integrated circuit (IC) having a plurality of dies can include receiving, within a master die of the plurality of dies of the IC, a configuration data set specifying a circuit design, wherein the circuit design is instantiated within the master die. The method can include broadcasting the configuration data set to at least one slave die, wherein the circuit design is instantiated within each slave die and receiving, within the master die, a test vector set. The method also can include broadcasting the test vector set to the at least one slave die and responsive to each die executing the test vector set, storing test output data generated by each die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Lai
  • Patent number: 8326959
    Abstract: A communications system and method for testing components of an aircraft via Ethernet. The communications system may comprise one or more Ethernet links having software and hardware controls for timing, buffering, and messaging, and a dedicated Ethernet line. The Ethernet links may be configured to communicably link sections of a central communication system of the aircraft, each section being part of a separate aircraft component. The Ethernet links may also communicably link the sections with various databases over the Ethernet line. The databases may comprise loadable software, archived testing data, configuration data, and/or diagnostic data. Any of the central communication system sections and the databases may be located at geographically distant locations from each other, such as at separate production sites. The communications system may allow the aircraft components to test each other, or essentially for the aircraft to test itself prior to its components being physically joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Kenyon Venskus
  • Patent number: 8327309
    Abstract: A system on a chip comprises a plurality of circuit blocks, a programmable processor and a communication circuit. Design information includes connection data including an identification of the direct mutual connection and first and second circuit blocks coupled by the direct mutual connection. An additional register is added to the system on a chip coupled to the direct mutual connection. Verification programs are used includescomprising instructions for the processor to access registers in the second one of the circuit blocks, to use the connection data, or information derived therefrom to select the first one of the circuit blocks, and to issue the standardized call to the interface program of the selected further one of the circuit blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Stuyt, Bernard W. De Ruyter, Roelof P. De Jong, Pieter Struik, Joris H. J. Geurts
  • Publication number: 20120304033
    Abstract: To reduce pseudo errors. A stationary signal is propagated through the circuit to be checked. A combination is extracted in which different asynchronous transfers occur between a transmitting side register and a receiving side register. From the extracted combination of asynchronous transfers, a circuit to be checked is extracted, and a synchronization circuit of a plurality of signals is excluded from the circuit to be checked. A stationary signal is propagated through the circuit to be checked, for each combination among all combinations of logic values “1” and “0” of the stationary signal. It is checked whether or not there exists one asynchronous transmitting side register to which signal change can logically reach, in the combination of logic values of the stationary signal propagated. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the circuit is appropriate as a synchronization circuit for a single-signal transfer, thereby reducing pseudo errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Keiichi SUZUKI, Susume ABE
  • Patent number: 8307249
    Abstract: In a sophisticated semiconductor device including a large memory portion, a built-in self-test circuitry comprises a failure capturing logic that allows the capturing of a bitmap at a given instant in time without being limited to specific operating conditions in view of interfacing with external test equipment. Thus, although pipeline processing may be required due to the high speed operation during the self-test, reliable capturing of the bitmap may be achieved while maintaining high fault coverage of the test algorithm under consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Globalfoundries, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Seuring, Kay Hesse, Kai Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 8301277
    Abstract: A display for conveying game information includes a bar graph and a coded legend. The bar graph has a first axis corresponding to spread values and a second axis corresponding to game time. Individual bars are plotted on the bar graph to indicate a spread between two scores at associated game times for a given game. The coded legend defining a first legend code indicating that a selected group of one or more players is active and a second legend code indicating that the selected group of one or more players is inactive. The individual bars plotted on the bar graph are coded according to the coded legend to associate the spread with activity and inactivity of the selected group of one or more players in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: David D. Jones
  • Patent number: 8285509
    Abstract: A method of testing an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes an embedded controller. The method includes storing a type information of the embedded controller and transmitting the type information to an application module through a data module. The application module analyzes the type information to obtain a command. The application module sends the command to the embedded controller. The embedded controller returns a testing result to the application module. The application module generates a testing report after the application module compares the testing result with a predetermined result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qing-Hua Liu
  • Patent number: 8286043
    Abstract: A system for testing a logic circuit which has two or more test routine modules. Each module contains a set of instructions which is executable by (a part of) the logic circuit. The set forms a test routine for performing a self-test by the part of the logic circuit. The self-test includes the part of the logic circuit testing itself for faulty behavior, and the part of the logic circuit determining a self-test result of the testing. The system includes a test module which can execute a test application which subjects the logic circuit to a test by performing the self-test on at least a part of the logic circuit by causes the part of the logic circuit to execute a selected test routine, and determining, by the test module, an overall test result at least based on a performed self-tests. The test module includes a control output interface for activates the execution of the a selected test routine. A second test module input interface can receive the self-test result from a selected test routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleksandr Sakada, Florian Bogenberger
  • Patent number: 8281190
    Abstract: An interface processes memory redundancy data on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with self-repairing random access memory (RAM) devices. The interface includes a state machine, a counter, and an array of registers. The state machine is coupled to a redundancy chain. The redundancy chain includes coupled redundant elements of respective memory elements on the ASIC. In a shift-in mode, the interface shifts data from each of the elements in the redundancy chain and compresses the data in the array of registers. The interface communicates with a test access port coupled to one or more eFuse devices to store and retrieve the compressed data. In a shift-out mode, the interface decompresses the data stored in the array of registers and shifts the decompressed data to each unit in the redundancy chain. The interface functions absent knowledge of the number, bit size and type of self-repairing RAM devices in the redundancy chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Enterprise IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Rosalee Gunderson, Dale Beucler, Louise A. Koss
  • Patent number: 8255752
    Abstract: To reduce pseudo errors, a stationary signal is propagated through the circuit to be checked. A combination is extracted in which different asynchronous transfers occur between a transmitting side register and a receiving side register. From the extracted combination of asynchronous transfers, a circuit to be checked is extracted, and a synchronization circuit of a plurality of signals is excluded from the circuit to be checked. A stationary signal is propagated through the circuit to be checked, for each combination among all combinations of logic values “1” and “0” of the stationary signal. It is checked whether or not there exists one asynchronous transmitting side register to which signal change can logically reach, in the combination of logic values of the stationary signal propagated. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the circuit is appropriate as a synchronization circuit for a single-signal transfer, thereby reducing pseudo errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Suzuki, Susumu Abe
  • Patent number: 8250418
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention enable a memory device to load its memory array with desired background data, such as to reduce total test time and costs associated with testing. A background data loading circuit according to one embodiment of the invention includes a buffer, a data loading circuit, and a pattern generating logic. The buffer is coupled to the array of memory cells. The data loading circuit is coupled to load data into the buffer to be transferred to a respective row of the memory cells. The pattern generating logic is coupled to the data loading circuit. The pattern generating logic applies a pattern generating algorithm corresponding to a test mode when the memory devices is in the test mode and generates patterns of data each for a respective row of the memory cells according to the pattern generating algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry Grunzke
  • Patent number: 8239714
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for bad block remapping. A bad block identifier module identifies one or more data blocks on a solid-state storage element as bad blocks. A log update module writes at least a location of each bad block identified by the bad block identifier module into each of two or more redundant bad block logs. A bad block mapping module accesses at least one bad block log during a start-up operation to create in memory a bad block map. The bad block map includes a mapping between the bad block locations in the bad block log and a corresponding location of a replacement block for each bad block location. Data is stored in each replacement block instead of the corresponding bad block. The bad block mapping module creates the bad block map using one of a replacement block location and a bad block mapping algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fusion-io, Inc.
    Inventors: David Flynn, John Strasser, John Thatcher, David Atkisson, Michael Zappe, Joshua Aune, Kevin Vigor
  • Patent number: 8230287
    Abstract: An image data test unit includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire image data having individual frames, an image data temporary storage unit configured to receive the acquired image data from the data acquisition unit to store a certain amount of the image data, and a test calculation unit configured to sequentially receive the image data from the image data temporary storage unit to store a certain amount of the image data, and compare the stored image data with pre-set test elements. In addition, an image apparatus having the image data test unit and a method of testing image data using the image data test unit are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun-Su Jun
  • Patent number: 8225154
    Abstract: In an example embodiment there is described herein an apparatus, comprising a device having an input and an output, a controllable selecting device having a first input coupled to input of the device and a second input coupled to the output of the device, and a selection control circuit having a test input for receiving a test signal and a power mode input for receiving a power mode signal. The selection control circuit is coupled to the controllable selecting device and operable to control which input the controllable selecting device selects. The selection control circuit is configured to select the first input to isolate the device responsive to the test signal indicating no testing is being performed the power mode signal indicating a low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney M. Sanavage, Sandra Soohoo-Loeffel
  • Patent number: 8217679
    Abstract: A method of calculating total power usage of a field programmable gate array (FPGA) without external components generates at least one coefficient based on a power equation and a given FPGA logic design, wherein the power equation calculates FPGA power as a function of temperature and voltage. The at least one coefficient is applied to the power equation along with internally generated temperature and voltage measurement values. The temperature measurement and the voltage measurement values are applied to the power equation with the at least one coefficient applied to calculate a power measurement based on the temperature measurement value and the voltage measurement value. The at least one coefficient is generated by taking an FPGA design and iteratively simulating the design in a power estimation tool over a range of temperature and input voltage values. A characterization data set is generated and curve fitted to the power equation to produce the at least one coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Luke A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8214706
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including an electronic circuit, a memory, and an error detecting module. The electronic circuit is configured to receive an input signal having been generated by a test module, and generate an output signal based on the input signal. The memory is configured to store a predetermined output value that is expected to be output from the electronic circuit based on the electronic receiving the input signal, wherein the predetermined output value is stored in the memory prior to the input signal being generated by the test module. The error detecting module is configured to (i) generate a sample value of the output signal, (ii) compare the sample value of the output signal to the predetermined output value stored in the memory, and (iii) generate a result signal that indicates whether the sample value of the output signal matches the predetermined output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Urabe, Akio Goto
  • Patent number: 8195992
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a processor-memory unit for use in system-in-package (SiP) and system-in-package (SiP) integrated circuit devices. The apparatus includes a processing module, a memory module and a programmable system module. The programmable system module is configured to function as an interface between the memory module and the processing module, or as an interface between the memory module and a testing device. The invention facilitates integration and testing of processor-memory units including functional components having different communication protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian E. Ong, Naresh Baliga
  • Patent number: 8196106
    Abstract: Real-time statistical analysis is used to perform autonomic self-healing within the context of a 3-tier regression system for analysis of a computer system design component. Throughout the system, there are mechanisms for implementing self-healing if breakage is detected. The regression layer with the highest throughput is maintained in a much cleaner state than otherwise, thereby creating a more efficient environment for identifying and removing defects in the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Chow, Rebecca Marie Gott, Christopher Dao-Ling Lei, Naseer Shamsul Siddique
  • Patent number: 8185788
    Abstract: A semiconductor device test system has an interface for use with a semiconductor device test method, and a semiconductor device test method. In a first mode of an interface, in reaction to test signals corresponding to a test standard, for example, a JTAG test standard, and received by the interface from a test device, the interface outputs signals corresponding to the test standard to a semiconductor device to be tested. In a second mode of the interface, in reaction to test signals corresponding to the test standard and received by the interface from a test device, the interface outputs signals that do not correspond to the test standard to a semiconductor device to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Harry Siebert
  • Patent number: 8156392
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for bad block remapping. A bad block identifier module identifies one or more data blocks on a solid-state storage element as bad blocks. A log update module writes at least a location of each bad block identified by the bad block identifier module into each of two or more redundant bad block logs. A bad block mapping module accesses at least one bad block log during a start-up operation to create in memory a bad block map. The bad block map includes a mapping between the bad block locations in the bad block log and a corresponding location of a replacement block for each bad block location. Data is stored in each replacement block instead of the corresponding bad block. The bad block mapping module creates the bad block map using one of a replacement block location and a bad block mapping algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Fusion-IO, Inc.
    Inventors: David Flynn, John Strasser, Jonathan Thatcher, David Atkisson, Michael Zappe, Joshua Aune, Kevin Vigor
  • Patent number: 8156396
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing timing errors in automated test equipment (ATE) offering increased data rates for the testing of higher-speed integrated circuits. Embodiments provide an effective mechanism for increasing the data rate of an ATE system by delegating processing tasks to multiple test components, where the resulting data rate of the system may approach the sum of the data rates of the individual components. Each component is able to perform data-dependent timing error correction on data processed by the component, where the timing error may result from data processed by another component in the system. Embodiments enable timing error correction by making the component performing the correction aware of the data (e.g., processed by another component) causing the error. The data may be shared between components using existing timing interfaces, thereby saving the cost associated with the design, verification and manufacturing of new and/or additional hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Jean-Yann Gazounaud, Howard Maassen
  • Patent number: 8156393
    Abstract: To provide a memory system which determines a memory state such as an exhaustion level and allows a memory to be efficiently used. The memory system includes a NAND type flash memory 1 in which data can be electrically written/erased, a nonvolatile memory 2 which counts the number of erase operations of the NAND type flash memory 1 and retains the number of erase operations and a maximum number of erase operations, and a controller 3 which has a connection interface 31 to be given a self-diagnosis command from a computer 4, and retrieves the number of erase operations and the maximum number of erase operations from the nonvolatile memory 2 based on the self-diagnosis command and outputs the number of erase operations and the maximum number of erase operations to the computer 4 through the connection interface 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasushi Nagadomi, Daisaburo Takashima, Kosuke Hatsuda, Shinichi Kanno
  • Patent number: 8145988
    Abstract: Provided are a system, method and article of manufacture for validating an expected data output of an application under test. A first table comprising named columns populated with the expected data output and a second table comprising named columns associated with the expected data output of the named columns of the first table are retrieved. The named columns of the first table are compared with the named columns of the second table. An alert is generated in response to detecting a difference between a characteristic of a named column of the first table and a characteristic of a named column of the second table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor John Boardman, Lucy Amanda Raw, Ronald J. Venturi
  • Patent number: 8145958
    Abstract: An integrated circuit and method for testing memory on the integrated circuit are provided. The integrated circuit has processing logic for performing data processing operations on data, and a plurality of memory units for storing data for access by the processing logic. Further, memory test logic is provided to perform a sequence of tests in order to seek to detect memory defects in the memory units. The memory test logic comprises a plurality of test wrapper units, each test wrapper unit associated with one of the memory units and being operable to execute tests on the associated memory unit, and a test controller for controlling performance of the sequence of tests by communicating with each of the test wrapper units to provide test data defining each test to be executed by that test wrapper unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: ARM Limited
    Inventors: Robert Campbell Aitken, Gary Robert Waggoner
  • Patent number: 8145967
    Abstract: A system and method for verifying the receive path of an input/output device such as a network interface circuit. The device's operation with various different input sources (e.g., networks) and output sources (e.g., hosts, host buses) is modeled in a verification layer that employs multiple queues to simulate receipt of packets, calculation of destination addresses and storage of the packet data by the device. Call backs are employed to signal completion of events related to storage of packet data by the device and modeling of data processing within the verification layer. Processing of tokens within the verification layer to mimic the device's processing of corresponding packets is performed according to a dynamic DMA policy modeled on the device's policy. The policy is dynamic and can be updated or replaced during verification without interrupting the verification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Arvind Srinivasan, Rahoul Puri
  • Patent number: 8140923
    Abstract: The disclosure provides embodiments of ICs and a method of testing an IC. In one embodiment, an IC includes: (1) a functional logic path having a node and at least one sequential logic element and (2) test circuitry coupled to the functional logic path and having a delay block, the test circuitry configured to form a testable path including the delay block and the node in response to a test mode signal, wherein a delay value of the delay block is selected to detect a small delay defect associated with the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Kumar Goel, Narendra B. Devta-Prasanna
  • Patent number: 8135872
    Abstract: A USB controller and a testing method of the USB controller are disclosed. The USB controller includes a sequence control unit for outputting a transmitting enable signal and a receiving enable signal, and for controlling a sequence of transmission and reception of data based on the transmitting enable signal and the receiving enable signal; a driver unit for transmitting data; a receiver unit for receiving data; a register for setting up a test mode wherein a loop-back test of the USB controller is performed; and a switching unit for providing one of the transmitting enable signal to the receiver unit and the receiving enable signal to the driver unit, if the test mode is set up in the register; wherein the loop-back test is performed if the test mode is set up in the register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8132161
    Abstract: It is possible to provide a semiconductor test program debug device capable of reducing the unnecessary facilities when using a semiconductor test device or a semiconductor test program of different specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Kondo, Hidekazu Kitazawa, Toshihisa Kumagai
  • Patent number: 8103927
    Abstract: A field mounting-type test apparatus and method for enhancing competitiveness of a product by simulating various test conditions including a mounting environment for improving quality reliability of a memory device and by minimizing overall loss due to change in a mounting environment thus reducing testing time and cost. The field mounting-type test apparatus includes a mass storage device configured to store logic data simulating a mounting environment of a device under test (DUT) and a tester main frame configured to test the DUT using the logic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-ho Choi, Woon-sup Choi, Sung-yeol Kim, Young-ki Kwak, Jae-il Lee, Chul-woong Jang, Ho-sun Yoo, In-su Yang, Seung-ho Jang
  • Patent number: 8090565
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system model models characteristics of a real-world system. The system model includes a plurality of sub-portions that each correspond to a component of the real-world system. A plurality of test vectors are applied to the system model and coverage achieved by the test vectors on the sub-portions of the system model is measured. In response to a failure of the real world system, a suspected failed component of the real-world system is matched to a particular sub-portion of the system model. A test vector to be applied to the real-world system to test the suspected failed component is selected in response to coverage achieved on the particular sub-portion of the system model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The MathWorks, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Gaudette
  • Patent number: RE43883
    Abstract: A method for creating a high efficiency, error minimizing code is provided. In addition, an apparatus having a high efficiency, error minimizing code is provided. In particular, the present invention provides a high efficiency, error minimizing code for use in connection with systems having a communication channel in which identifiable dominant errors occur, and that is used to transmit data that may be usefully applied in the system even though the received signal is not exactly equal to the original signal. Furthermore, the present invention provides a code that may be used to constrain the effects of dominant errors in a communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Steve McCarthy, John Seabury