Abstract: A method and system for locating connector defects in a defective scan chain that has a parallel non-defective scan chain on a different wiring level, with both scan chains being laid out in a regular array pattern. A predetermined bit sequence is scanned into the defective scan chain. The contents of the defective scan chain are then parallel shifted into the non-defective scan chain. The contents of the non-defective scan chain is then scanned out and compared with the predetermined bit sequence. The comparison of the scanned out bits with the predetermined bit sequence facilitates locating both physically and logically where a connector defect has occurred in the defective scan chain.

Abstract: A random access memory circuit comprises a plurality of memory cells and at least one decoder coupled to the memory cells, the decoder being configurable for receiving an input address and for accessing one or more of the memory cells in response thereto. The random access memory circuit further comprises a plurality of sense amplifiers operatively coupled to the memory cells, the sense amplifiers being configurable for determining a logical state of one or more of the memory cells. A controller coupled to at least a portion of the sense amplifiers is configurable for selectively operating in at least one of a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode of operation, the controller enables one of the sense amplifiers corresponding to the input address and disables the sense amplifiers not corresponding to the input address. In the second mode of operation, the controller enables substantially all of the sense amplifiers.

Abstract: A method and system for locating connector defects in a defective scan chain that has a parallel non-defective scan chain on a different wiring level, with both scan chains being laid out in a regular array pattern. A predetermined bit sequence is scanned into the defective scan chain. The contents of the defective scan chain are then parallel shifted into the non-defective scan chain. The contents of the non-defective scan chain is then scanned out and compared with the predetermined bit sequence. The comparison of the scanned out bits with the predetermined bit sequence facilitates locating both physically and logically where a connector defect has occurred in the defective scan chain.

Abstract: A testing method and device for detecting the existence of “stuck-open”, faults within static decoder circuits of a SRAM. The device and method make use of a novel pattern that fully tests static decoders used with an SRAM integrated circuit. The test pattern is selected so as to cause a transition on each parallel FET in a decoder circuit. The test pattern simulates multiple random accesses to the SRAM by modifying the traditional sequential, unique address pattern. The invention uses a two-dimensional pattern in that it separately tests rows and column decoders. In the first part of the test the input address to the column decoders is held constant while the row decoders are cycled through two sets of N iterations where N is the number of row address bits to be decoded. During the second part of the test the input address to the row decoders is held constant while the column decoders are cycled through two sets of M iterations where M is the number of column address bits to be decoded.