Abstract: A method for testing. An external clock frequency is generated. Test data is supplied over a plurality of SSI connections clocked at the external clock frequency, wherein the test data is designed for testing a logic block. A DSTA module is configured for the logic block that is integrated within a chip to a bandwidth ratio, wherein the bandwidth ratio defines the plurality of SSI connections and a plurality of PSI connections of the chip. The external clock frequency is divided down using the bandwidth ratio to generate an internal clock frequency, wherein the bandwidth ratio defines the external clock frequency and the internal clock frequency. The test data is scanned over the plurality of PSI connections clocked at the internal clock frequency according to the bandwidth ratio, wherein the plurality of PSI connections is configured for inputting the test data to the plurality of scan chains.

Abstract: Granular dynamic test systems and methods facilitate efficient and effective timing of test operations. In one embodiment, a chip test system comprises: a first test partition operable to perform test operations based upon a first local test clock signal; a second test partition operable to perform test operations based upon a second local test clock signal; and a centralized controller configured to coordinate testing between the plurality of test partitions, wherein the coordination includes managing communication of test information between the plurality of test partitions and external pins. In one exemplary implementation, a trigger edge of the first local test clock signal is staggered with respect to a trigger edge of the second local test clock signal, wherein the stagger is coordinated to mitigate power consumption by test operations in the first test partition and test operations in the second test partition.

Abstract: A method for testing. The method includes sending a single instruction over a JTAG interface to a JTAG controller to select a first internal test data register of a plurality of data registers. The method includes programming the first internal test data register using the JTAG interface to configure mode control access and state control access for a test controller implementing a sequential scan architecture to test a chip at a system level.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a test system comprises: a test partition configured to perform test operations; a centralized test controller for controlling testing by the test partition; and a test link interface controller configured to communicate between the centralized test controller and the test partition, wherein the test link interface controller controls dynamic changes to external pads associated with the test operations. The test link interface controller dynamically selects between an input direction and output direction for the external pads. The test link interface includes a pin direction controller that generates direction control signals based on the state of local test controller and communicates the desired direction to a boundary scan cell associated with the pin. The boundary scan cell programs the pad to either input or output direction depending on direction control signals. The input direction corresponds to driving test data and the output direction corresponds to observing test data.

Abstract: Granular dynamic test systems and methods facilitate efficient and effective timing of test operations. In one embodiment, a chip test system comprises: a first test partition operable to perform test operations based upon a first local test clock signal; a second test partition operable to perform test operations based upon a second local test clock signal; and a centralized controller configured to coordinate testing between the plurality of test partitions, wherein the coordination includes managing communication of test information between the plurality of test partitions and external pins. In one exemplary implementation, a trigger edge of the first local test clock signal is staggered with respect to a trigger edge of the second local test clock signal, wherein the stagger is coordinated to mitigate power consumption by test operations in the first test partition and test operations in the second test partition.

Abstract: A method for testing. The method includes sending a single instruction over a JTAG interface to a JTAG controller to select a first internal test data register of a plurality of data registers. The method includes programming the first internal test data register using the JTAG interface to configure mode control access and state control access for a test controller implementing a sequential scan architecture to test a chip at a system level.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a test system comprises: a test partition configured to perform test operations; a centralized test controller for controlling testing by the test partition; and a test link interface controller configured to communicate between the centralized test controller and the test partition, wherein the test link interface controller controls dynamic changes to external pads associated with the test operations. The test link interface controller dynamically selects between an input direction and output direction for the external pads. The test link interface includes a pin direction controller that generates direction control signals based on the state of local test controller and communicates the desired direction to a boundary scan cell associated with the pin. The boundary scan cell programs the pad to either input or output direction depending on direction control signals. The input direction corresponds to driving test data and the output direction corresponds to observing test data.

Abstract: A method for testing. An external clock frequency is generated. Test data is supplied over a plurality of SSI connections clocked at the external clock frequency, wherein the test data is designed for testing a logic block. A DSTA module is configured for the logic block that is integrated within a chip to a bandwidth ratio, wherein the bandwidth ratio defines the plurality of SSI connections and a plurality of PSI connections of the chip. The external clock frequency is divided down using the bandwidth ratio to generate an internal clock frequency, wherein the bandwidth ratio defines the external clock frequency and the internal clock frequency. The test data is scanned over the plurality of PSI connections clocked at the internal clock frequency according to the bandwidth ratio, wherein the plurality of PSI connections is configured for inputting the test data to the plurality of scan chains.