Abstract: An IO cell for providing a transmission path for a binary signal. The IO cell includes an IO buffer for amplifying the binary signal. A programmable delay element is electrically connected to the IO buffer such that the binary signal transmits from the programmable delay element to the IO buffer. The delay element is responsive to “n” number of programmable binary bits to selectively delay transmission of the binary signal by a set of predetermined delay time ranges. An IO pad is connected in series with the IO buffer and the programmable delay element.

Abstract: A method of testing an integrated circuit having a plurality of pins includes the steps of providing a functional test set having an ordered group of test strings wherein each element of the test string is related to one of the pins of said integrated circuit. The group of test strings is searched to locate a sequence of test strings having a undesirable pattern. The undesirable pattern can be a pattern in which none of the elements associated with the test string changes or a pattern in which a reference element and at least one other element of the test string changes. When a sequence of test strings having the undesirable pattern is located, the group of test strings is processed to correct the undesirable pattern. When all the vector sequences having an undesirable patterns are corrected, the group of test vectors is applied to the input pins of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A data encoding system for storing data on a "c"-channel tape interleaves and encodes "b" multi-symbol data blocks as they are being serially sent to the tape for storage, using a (b+k,k) error correction code to generate k multi-symbol ECC blocks. It then serially records the k ECC blocks. The system receives corresponding data symbols from the first c data blocks in a predetermined order and applies the symbols both to the tape for recording and to an encoder. The encoder, before it receives the data symbols is set to a predetermined state. The encoder then manipulates the data and generates residue symbols associated with both the manipulation of the received data symbols and the state of the encoder immediately prior to such manipulation, and temporarily stores the generated residue symbols.