Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing diagnostics of transitional scan chain defects using structural Logic Built In Self Test (LBIST) test patterns. A LBIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple system clock sequences with variable loop control are applied in a passing operating region and scan data is unloaded. The LBIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple system clock sequences with variable loop control are applied in a failing operating region for the device under test and scan data is unloaded. Then the unload data from the passing operating region and the failing operating region are compared. The identified latches having different results are identified as potential AC defective latches. The identified potential AC defective latches are sent to a Physical Failure Analysis system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing isolation of VLSI AC scan chain defects using structural Array Built In Self Test (ABIST) test patterns. An ABIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple ABIST array algorithms are applied in a passing operating region and each scan chain is unloaded. The ABIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple ABIST array algorithms are applied in a failing operating region for the device under test. Then the unload data from the passing operating region and the failing operating region are compared. The identified latches having different results are identified as potential AC defective latches. The identified potential AC defective latches are sent to a Physical Failure Analysis system.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for testing the Design-For-Testability/Design-For-Diagnostics (DFT/DFD) and supporting BIST functions of a custom microcode array. Upon completion of the LSSD Flush and Scan tests, the ABIST program is applied to target the logic associated direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) faults of ABIST array Design-For-Testability/Design-For-Diagnostics DFT/DFD functions that support the microcode array. A LSSD test of the DFT functional combinational logic is performed by applying generated LSSD deterministic test patterns targeting the ABIST design-for-test faults to determine if the DFT supporting the microcode array is functioning correctly. Additional tests may be terminated upon resulting failure of the applied ABIST DFT circuitry surrounding the arrays.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for testing the Design-For-Testability/Design-For-Diagnostics (DFT/DFD) and supporting BIST functions of a custom microcode array. Upon completion of the LSSD Flush and Scan tests, the ABIST program is applied to target the logic associated direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) faults of ABIST array Design-For-Testability/Design-For-Diagnostics DFT/DFD functions that support the microcode array. A LSSD test of the DFT functional combinational logic is performed by applying generated LSSD deterministic test patterns targeting the ABIST design-for-test faults to determine if the DFT supporting the microcode array is functioning correctly. Additional tests may be terminated upon resulting failure of the applied ABIST DFT circuitry surrounding the arrays.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing diagnostics of transitional scan chain defects using structural Logic Built In Self Test (LBIST) test patterns. A LBIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple system clock sequences with variable loop control are applied in a passing operating region and scan data is unloaded. The LBIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple system clock sequences with variable loop control are applied in a failing operating region for the device under test and scan data is unloaded. Then the unload data from the passing operating region and the failing operating region are compared. The identified latches having different results are identified as potential AC defective latches. The identified potential AC defective latches are sent to a Physical Failure Analysis system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing isolation of VLSI AC scan chain defects using structural Array Built In Self Test (ABIST) test patterns. An ABIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple ABIST array algorithms are applied in a passing operating region and each scan chain is unloaded. The ABIST test pattern is applied to the device under test and multiple ABIST array algorithms are applied in a failing operating region for the device under test. Then the unload data from the passing operating region and the failing operating region are compared. The identified latches having different results are identified as potential AC defective latches. The identified potential AC defective latches are sent to a Physical Failure Analysis system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing deterministic based broken scan chain diagnostics. A deterministic test pattern is generated and is loaded into each scan chain in the device under test using lateral insertion via system data ports applying system clocks. Then each scan chain is unloaded and a last switching latch is identified. The testing steps are repeated a selected number of times. Then checking for consistent results is performed. When consistent results are identified, then the identified last switching latch is sent to a Physical Failure Analysis system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing deterministic based broken scan chain diagnostics. A deterministic test pattern is generated and is loaded into each scan chain in the device under test using lateral insertion via system data ports applying system clocks. Then each scan chain is unloaded and a last switching latch is identified. The testing steps are repeated a selected number of times. Then checking for consistent results is performed. When consistent results are identified, then the identified last switching latch is sent to a Physical Failure Analysis system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing deterministic based broken scan chain diagnostics. A deterministic test pattern is generated and is loaded into each scan chain in the device under test using lateral insertion via system data ports applying system clocks. Then each scan chain is unloaded and a last switching latch is identified. The testing steps are repeated a selected number of times. Then checking for consistent results is performed. When consistent results are identified, then the identified last switching latch is sent to a Physical Failure Analysis system.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method utilize an ABIST circuit provided on an integrated circuit device to assist in the identification and location of defects in a scan chain that is also provided on the integrated circuit device. In particular, a defect in a scan chain may be detected by applying a plurality of pattern sets to a scan chain coupled to an ABIST circuit, collecting scan out data generated as a result of the application of the plurality of pattern sets to the scan chain, and using the collected scan out data to identify a defective latch in the scan chain.

Abstract: A method of effectively reducing a length of shift register (SR) latches used in scan design testing for testing macro structures embedded within very large logic structures eliminates tester hardware buffer limitations required to load and unload a long chain SR. A plurality of shift register latches are connectable in a chain for scan design testing. Each shift register latch is composed of an L1 and an L2 latch receiving A and B clocks, respectively, to shift data into and out of the shift register latch. First specific shift register latches in a chain of shift register latches are used to generate test data inputs to an embedded macro structure, second specific shift register latches in the chain of shift register latches are used to receive test data outputs from the embedded macro structure. A separate B' clock is applied to the L2 latches of the first and second specific shift register latches while maintaining the B clock for the L2 latches for other shift register latches in the chain.