Patents by Inventor Phong T. Tran

Phong T. Tran 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: 7831863
    Abstract: A diagnostic process applicable to VLSI designs to address the accuracy of diagnostic resolution. Environmentally based fail data drives adaptive test methods which hone the test pattern set and fail data collection for successful diagnostic resolution. Environmentally based fail data is used in diagnostic simulation to achieve a more accurate environmentally based fault callout. When needed, additional information is included in the process to further refine and define the simulation or callout result. Similarly, as needed adaptive test pattern generation methods are employed to result in enhanced diagnostic resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mary P. Kusko, Gary W. Maier, Franco Motika, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20100115337
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Donato Orazio Forlenza, Orazio Pasquale Forlenza, Bryan J. Robbins, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20100095177
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donato Orazio Forlenza, Orazio Pasquale Forlenza, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20100095169
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donato Orazio Forlenza, Orazio Pasquale Forlenza, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20090307548
    Abstract: A method for performing a logical built-in self-test of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes performing a flush and scan test to determine whether the scan chains function correctly. If one of the scan chains does not function correctly, the logical built-in self-test is terminated. If each of the scan chains functions correctly, a structural test of the design-for-test logic supporting LBIST is performed to determine whether the LBIST design-for-test logic functions correctly. If the LBIST design-for-test logic does not function correctly, the logical built-in self-test is terminated. If the LBIST design-for-test logic functions correctly, a level sensitive scan design test of the functional combinational logic is performed using the logic supporting LBIST design-for-test to determine if the integrated circuit functions correctly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Donato O. Forlenza, Orazio P. Forlenza, Bryan J. Robbins, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20090217112
    Abstract: A method for implementing at speed bit fail mapping of an embedded memory system having ABIST (Array Built In Self Testing), comprises using a high speed multiplied clock which is a multiple of an external clock of an external tester to sequence ABIST bit fail testing of the embedded memory system. Collect store fail data during ABIST testing of the embedded memory system. Perform a predetermined number of ABIST runs before issuing a bypass order substituting the external clock for the high speed multiplied clock. Use the external clock of the tester to read bit fail data out to the external tester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Eckelman, Donato O. Forlenza, Orazio P. Forlenza, William J. Hurley, Thomas J. Knips, Gary William Maier, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20090217116
    Abstract: A structural design-for-test for diagnosing broken scan chain defects of long non-scannable register chains (GPTR) The GPTR and the system for testing and diagnosing the broken LSSD scan-only chains rapidly localize defects to the failing Shift Register Latch (SRL) pair. The GPTR modifies the latches used in the GPTR scan chain to standard LSSD L1/L2 master-slave SRL type latch pairs; connects all the system ports of the L1 latches to the Shift Register Input (SRI) and clocked by the system C1-clk while the L1 scan port is clocked by the A-clk and L2 scan port is clocked only by the B-clk. The L1 latches are connected to at least one multiplexer having a first output connected to an input of each odd SRL, and a second output connected to an input port of each even SRL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Franco Motika, Michael R. Ouellette, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20090210763
    Abstract: This invention involves the use of the JTAG functional test patterns and exercisors to solve the problem of diagnosing broken scan chains in either a serial or a lateral broadside insertion manner across all latch system ports and to analyze the response data efficiently for the purpose of readily identifying switching and non-switching latches with the next to last non-switching latch being the point of the break within a defective scan chain(s). This comprehensive latch perturbation, in conjunction with iterative diagnostic algorithms is used to identify and to pinpoint the defective location in such a broken scan chain(s). This JTAG Functional test function and the JTAG test patterns ultimately derived therefrom, can take on different forms and origins, some external to a product and some internal to a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Eckelman, Donato O. Forlenza, Orazio P. Forlenza, Robert B. Gass, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20090210761
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing AC scan diagnostic of delay and AC scan chain defects in an integrated circuit chip under test using Functional Architecture Verification Patterns (AVPs) for enabling rapidly localizing identified defects to a failing Shift Register Latch (SRL). An Architecture Verification Pattern (AVP) test pattern set is generated using a chip design input and simulation. AVP test vectors are applied for starting chip clocks and initiating testing, such as Logic Built-In-Self-Test (LBIST).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Donato O. Forlenza, Orazio P. Forlenza, Phong T. Tran
  • Patent number: 7475308
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian C. Anderson, Todd Michael Burdine, Donato Orazio Forlenza, Orazio Pasquale Forlenza, William James Hurley, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20080189583
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian C. Anderson, Todd Michael Burdine, Donato Orazio Forlenza, Orazio Pasquale Forlenza, William James Hurley, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20080172576
    Abstract: A diagnostic process applicable to VLSI designs to address the accuracy of diagnostic resolution. Environmentally based fail data drives adaptive test methods which hone the test pattern set and fail data collection for successful diagnostic resolution. Environmentally based fail data is used in diagnostic simulation to achieve a more accurate environmentally based fault callout. When needed, additional information is included in the process to further refine and define the simulation or callout result. Similarly, as needed adaptive test pattern generation methods are employed to result in enhanced diagnostic resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mary P. Kusko, Gary W. Maier, Franco Motika, Phong T. Tran
  • Patent number: 7395469
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian C. Anderson, Todd Michael Burdine, Donato Orazio Forlenza, Orazio Pasquale Forlenza, William James Hurley, Phong T. Tran
  • Patent number: 7395470
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided implementing a scan chain diagnostics technique. The diagnostics technique includes employing fuses coupled to latches of the scan chain to load a known logic value into the latches at known locations of the scan chain, and then unloading values from the scan chain, and if the scan chain is defective (for example, based on the unloaded logic values), then localizing a defect in the scan chain from the unloaded logic values by comparison thereof with the known locations of the latches of the scan chain loaded with the known logic value via the fuses. The scan chain may be predesigned with fuses spaced periodically across the chain every n latches to facilitate subsequent localization of a detected defect in the scan chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. Burdine, Donato O. Forlenza, Orazio P. Forlenza, William J. Hurley, Phong T. Tran
  • Patent number: 7392449
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided implementing a scan chain diagnostics technique. The diagnostics technique includes employing fuses coupled to latches of the scan chain to load a known logic value into the latches at known locations of the scan chain, and then unloading values from the scan chain, and if the scan chain is defective (for example, based on the unloaded logic values), then localizing a defect in the scan chain from the unloaded logic values by comparison thereof with the known locations of the latches of the scan chain loaded with the known logic value via the fuses. The scan chain may be predesigned with fuses spaced periodically across the chain every n latches to facilitate subsequent localization of a detected defect in the scan chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. Burdine, Donato O. Forlenza, Orazio P. Forlenza, William J. Hurley, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20080115029
    Abstract: A diagnostic and characterization tool applicable to structural VLSI designs to address problems associated with fault tester interactive pattern generation and ways of effectively reducing diagnostic test time while achieving greater fail resolution. Empirical fail data drives the creation of adaptive test patterns which localize the fail to a precise location. This process iterates until the necessary localization is achieved. Both fail signatures and associated callouts as well as fail signatures and adaptive patterns are stored in a library to speed diagnostic resolution. The parallel tester application and adaptive test generation provide an efficient use of resources while reducing overall test and diagnostic time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mary P. Kusko, Thomas J. Fleischman, Franco Motika, Phong T. Tran
  • Patent number: 6961886
    Abstract: A method for testing and diagnosing shift register latch chains coupled to logic circuits in an integrated circuit, the method including: (a) determining which of the shift register latch chains are failing by propagating a test pattern of zeros and ones through the shift register latch chains while gating which of the shift register latch chains contents are propagated into the means for generating a test signature; and (b) for each failing shift register latch chain: (b1) propagating a test pattern through the shift register latch chains while gating a selected sequential group of latches in a failing shift register latch to propagate into the means for generating a test signature; (b2) reducing the number of latches in the sequential group of latches; and (b3) repeating steps (b1) and (b2) until all failing latches of the failing shift register latch chain have been determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Franco Motika, Phillip J. Nigh, Phong T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20040210808
    Abstract: A method for testing and diagnosing shift register latch chains coupled to logic circuits in an integrated circuit, the method including: (a) determining which of the shift register latch chains are failing by propagating a test pattern of zeros and ones through the shift register latch chains while gating which of the shift register latch chains contents are propagated into the means for generating a test signature; and (b) for each failing shift register latch chain: (b1) propagating a test pattern through the shift register latch chains while gating a selected sequential group of latches in a failing shift register latch to propagate into the means for generating a test signature; (b2) reducing the number of latches in the sequential group of latches; and (b3) repeating steps (b1) and (b2) until all failing latches of the failing shift register latch chain have been determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Franco Motika, Phillip J. Nigh, Phong T. Tran
  • Patent number: 6315687
    Abstract: An adjustable shuttlecock including means for attaching and detaching an interchangeable tail and a head including an interchangeable weight portion and an interchangeable springing mechanism. The springing mechanism and tail may be designed in such a way as to allow for proprietary designs and logos to be added to them. Additionally, the shuttlecock is designed from durable materials, which will help provide the shuttlecock with a very long life-span. Furthermore, the shuttlecock's spring may be constructed in such a manner as to cause a noise to be made upon compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: Troy A. Todd, Phong T. Tran
  • Patent number: 5791197
    Abstract: A shifter for an automatic transmission includes a base, a detent member attached to the base, and a shift lever pivotally attached to the base by a ball and socket pivot for multi-axial movement along a configured shift pattern. The shift pattern includes a first shift path segment for shifting the transmission in an automatic mode, a second shift path segment for shifting the transmission in a manual mode, and a transverse path segment for moving between the first and second path segments. In one form the shift pattern is H-shaped, and the shifter includes a pair of switches connected to a vehicle shift control circuit for upshifting and downshifting as the shift lever is selectively moved along the second shift path segment. In the shifter with the H-shaped pattern, an upper and lower leg are pivoted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products
    Inventors: Donald R. Rempinski, Phong T. Tran, Ronald Bazany, Anil Mandala