Patents by Inventor Alan A. Hale

Alan A. Hale has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8604475
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee D. Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Patent number: 8525565
    Abstract: A multibit combined multiplexer and flip-flop circuit has a plurality of bit circuits. Each bit circuit includes and input section, a flip-flop section and a per bit control section. The input sections have inputs for plural of input signals and corresponding input pass gates. The outputs of the input pass gates are connected to the input of the flip-flop section. Each per bit control section includes an inverter for each input terminal. There is a combined control section receiving a clock signal and a control signals for selection of only one of the input signals. The combined control section include a logical AND for each input signal combining the clock signal and the selection signal. The output of each logical AND is connected to the input of a corresponding inverter of each per bit control circuit. The input pass gate are controlled by a corresponding logical AND and said corresponding inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mujibur Rahman, Timothy D. Anderson, Alan Hales
  • Publication number: 20130169332
    Abstract: A multibit combined multiplexer and flip-flop circuit has a plurality of bit circuits. Each bit circuit includes and input section, a flip-flop section and a per bit control section. The input sections have inputs for plural of input signals and corresponding input pass gates. The outputs of the input pass gates are connected to the input of the flip-flop section. Each per bit control section includes an inverter for each input terminal. There is a combined control section receiving a clock signal and a control signals for selection of only one of the input signals. The combined control section include a logical AND for each input signal combining the clock signal and the selection signal. The output of each logical AND is connected to the input of a corresponding inverter of each per bit control circuit. The input pass gate are controlled by a corresponding logical AND and said corresponding inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mujibur Rahman, Timothy D. Anderson, Alan Hales
  • Patent number: 8397112
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides system for detecting faults on a test chain. A circuit provides a test signal to an input of a test chain. The test chain includes a plurality of buffers connected in series. A register receives a logical value representing the output of the test chain. The register sends the logical value representing the output of the test chain to test circuitry where the value is observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mujibur Rahman, Timothy Anderson, Alan Hales
  • Patent number: 8375265
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit with several clock domains bank is tested by first disabling a PLL clock and scanning test data into scan chains. Next delay fault testing (DFT) code is transmitted to each distributed clock divider on the integrated circuit. The PLL clock is then enabled to the distributed clock dividers. Selected clock dividers generate launch pulses that allow test data to be propagated from the scan chains into circuit blocks in the clock domains. Capture pulses are then generated by selected distributed clock dividers to capture test data coming form the circuit blocks into the scan chains. Next the PLL clock is disabled and the test data is scanned from the scan chains to an on-chip test control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Ramakrishnan Venkatasubramanian, Alan Hales, William Wallace
  • Patent number: 8299464
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee D. Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Publication number: 20120036408
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides system for detecting faults on a test chain. A circuit provides a test signal to an input of a test chain. The test chain includes a plurality of buffers connected in series. A register receives a logical value representing the output of the test chain. The register sends the logical value representing the output of the test chain to test circuitry where the value is observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mujibur Rahman, Timothy Anderson, Alan Hales
  • Publication number: 20110041019
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lee D. Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Patent number: 7842949
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee D. Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Publication number: 20100157502
    Abstract: A relay switch decoupler is disclosed. The relay switch decoupler may include a first contact, and a second contact selectively coupled to the first contact. The relay switch decoupler may further include an insulating decoupler situated proximate to the first contact and the second contact. The relay switch decoupler may further include an actuator coupled to the insulating decoupler and configured to cause the insulating decoupler to decouple the first contact from the second contact in response to a control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: David Alan Hale, Bryan Anthony Lavezzi, Sarah Elizabeth Schonert
  • Publication number: 20100095171
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lee D. Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Patent number: 7655946
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee D. Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Publication number: 20090089634
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lee D. Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Patent number: 7491970
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee D. Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Patent number: 7389455
    Abstract: A system and method for initializing a register file during a test period for an integrated circuit, wherein the register file has one or more input ports. A counter, when enabled, is initialized and counts at each write cycle of the register file and outputs a current count value to the input ports of the register file to pre-load the register file to a known state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Alan Hales
  • Publication number: 20080106287
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lee Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Publication number: 20070114529
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lee Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Publication number: 20070061645
    Abstract: A system and method for initializing a register file during a test period for an integrated circuit, wherein the register file has one or more input ports. A counter, when enabled, is initialized and counts at each write cycle of the register file and outputs a current count value to the input ports of the register file to pre-load the register file to a known state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Alan Hales
  • Patent number: 7183570
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. The response patterns include one of expected data and mask data input on an output pad of the die/IC and the other of expected data and mask data input on another pad of the die/IC, which may be an input pad or an output pad. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee D. Whetsel, Alan Hales
  • Publication number: 20060259838
    Abstract: A scan sequenced initialization technique supplies a predefined power-on state to a device or module without using explicit reset input to the registers. This invention supplies a predefined pattern to parallel scan chains following power-on reset. These parallel scan chains are already required for structural manufacturing test. Once the power-on reset scanning is complete, the power-on reset sequencer indicates completion of state initialization to other circuits. These other circuits are those which interact with the module or device using this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Inventors: Lewis Nardini, Alan Hales