Abstract: This application discloses a computing system implementing an automatic test pattern generation tool to convert a transistor-level model of a library cell describing a digital circuit into a switch-level model of the library cell, generate test patterns configured to enable detection of target defects injected into the switch-level model of the library cell, and bifurcate the test patterns into a first subset of the test patterns and a second set of the test patterns based on detection types for the target defects enabled by the test patterns. The computing system can implement a cell model generation tool to perform an analog simulation of the transistor-level model of the library cell using the second subset of the test patterns to verify that they enable detection of target defects, while skipping performance of the analog simulation of the transistor-level model of the library cell using the first subset of the test patterns.

Abstract: This application discloses a computing system implementing an automatic test pattern generation tool to convert a transistor-level model of a library cell describing a digital circuit into a switch-level model of the library cell, generate test patterns configured to enable detection of target defects injected into the switch-level model of the library cell, and bifurcate the test patterns into a first subset of the test patterns and a second set of the test patterns based on detection types for the target defects enabled by the test patterns. The computing system can implement a cell model generation tool to perform an analog simulation of the transistor-level model of the library cell using the second subset of the test patterns to verify that they enable detection of target defects, while skipping performance of the analog simulation of the transistor-level model of the library cell using the first subset of the test patterns.

Abstract: Cell-aware fault models for delay faults are created for library cells. Analog one-clock-cycle fault simulations are first performed on a transistor-level netlist of a cell to identify type one detectable defects and type two detectable defects in defects of interest. The type one detectable defects are detectable by one-clock-cycle testing and their fault models may be created based on results of the analog one-clock-cycle fault simulations. The type two detectable defects are defects for which two-cycle detection conditions may be calculated from corresponding results of the analog one-cycle fault simulations. Analog two-clock-cycle fault simulations are then performed for the rest defects in the defects of interest to determine type three detectable defects and their detection conditions. The created cell-aware fault models may be used to generate cell-aware test patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed are representative examples of methods, apparatus, and systems for generating test patterns targeting multiple faults using Boolean Satisfiability (SAT)-based test pattern generation methods. A SAT instance is constructed based on the circuit design information and a set of faults being targeted. A SAT solving engine is applied to the SAT instance to search for a test pattern for detecting the set of faults. The SAT instance or the SAT solving engine may be modified so that the SAT solving engine will search for a test pattern for detecting a maximum number of faults in the set of faults.

Abstract: Cell-aware fault models for delay faults are created for library cells. Analog one-clock-cycle fault simulations are first performed on a transistor-level netlist of a cell to identify type one detectable defects and type two detectable defects in defects of interest. The type one detectable defects are detectable by one-clock-cycle testing and their fault models may be created based on results of the analog one-clock-cycle fault simulations. The type two detectable defects are defects for which two-cycle detection conditions may be calculated from corresponding results of the analog one-cycle fault simulations. Analog two-clock-cycle fault simulations are then performed for the rest defects in the defects of interest to determine type three detectable defects and their detection conditions. The created cell-aware fault models may be used to generate cell-aware test patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed are representative examples of methods, apparatus, and systems for generating test patterns targeting multiple faults using Boolean Satisfiability (SAT)-based test pattern generation methods. A SAT instance is constructed based on the circuit design information and a set of faults being targeted. A SAT solving engine is applied to the SAT instance to search for a test pattern for detecting the set of faults. The SAT instance or the SAT solving engine may be modified so that the SAT solving engine will search for a test pattern for detecting a maximum number of faults in the set of faults.

Abstract: Cell-aware fault models directly address layout-based intra-cell defects. They are created by performing analog simulations on the transistor-level netlist of a library cell and then by library view synthesis. The cell-aware fault models may be used to generate cell-aware test patterns, which usually have higher defect coverage than those generated by conventional ATPG techniques. The cell-aware fault models may also be used to improve defect coverage of a set of test patterns generated by conventional ATPG techniques.

Abstract: To further develop a circuit arrangement (100; 100?), and in particular an application circuit, that is arranged to generate at least one test pattern, and a method of testing and/or diagnosing the circuit arrangement (100; 100?) in such a way that reliable fault detection is ensured, it is proposed that the test pattern be remodelable and/or extendable into at least one presettable and/or deterministic test vector by means of at least one test pattern remodeling/extending element (10, 12, 14; 10?, 12?, 14?, and in that—the at least one test pattern remodeling/extending element (10, 12, 14; 10?, 12?, 14?) is arranged, and in particular is inserted, upstream of at least one, and in particular upstream of each, branch point (52, 54, 56) on the at least one signal path (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an integrated circuit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a compactor to compress test responses from a circuit under test that is part of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an integrated circuit (10) that comprises a compactor (22) to compress test responses from a circuit-under-test (14) that is part of an integrated circuit (10), and masking circuitry (18) coupled between the circuit-under-rest and the compactor (22) for masking one or more of the test responses from the circuit-under-test (14). The masking circuitry (18) further comprises decompression circuitry for receiving compressed mask data and providing decompressed mask data.

Abstract: In an arrangement for testing an integrated circuit comprising at least two circuit sections (1, 2) which in normal operation operate with at least two different clock signals, a minimal number of test runs for testing the integrated circuit is required because the integrated circuit to be tested is formed in such a way that each clock signal can be individually switched on and off during a test by test software provided in the arrangement, a software model of the circuit to be tested is provided in the arrangement, which software model comprises an X generator (38, 40) for those circuit components (33, 35) whose mode of operation is influenced by a plurality of clock signals and their skew behavior, which X generator is activated and supplies an X signal when more than one clock signal influencing the mode of operation of the circuit components (33, 35) during testing is activated, while, during testing, the test software initially activates all clock signals and evaluates test results for those circuit comp

Abstract: In an arrangement for testing an integrated circuit comprising at least two circuit sections (1, 2) which in normal operation operate with at least two different clock signals, a minimal number of test runs for testing the integrated circuit is required because the integrated circuit to be tested is formed in such a way that each clock signal can be individually switched on and off during a test by test software provided in the arrangement, a software model of the circuit to be tested is provided in the arrangement, which software model comprises an X generator (38, 40) for those circuit components (33, 35) whose mode of operation is influenced by a plurality of clock signals and their skew behavior, which X generator is activated and supplies an X signal when more than one clock signal influencing the mode of operation of the circuit components (33, 35) during testing is activated, while, during testing, the test software initially activates all clock signals and evaluates test results for those circuit comp