Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Knips
Thomas J. Knips 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).
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Patent number: 11657887Abstract: A method for testing a circuit includes performing, by a test engine, a test of bit write to a memory. The test includes defining a bit group based on a set of bits from an address of a memory location. The test further includes generating a bit mask for the bit group. The test further includes performing a bit write operation to the address to store a sequence of bits, the sequence of bits selected using a predetermined bit pattern. The test further includes reading content of the address. The test also includes comparing, using the bit mask, only bits corresponding to the bit group from the sequence of bits and from the content of the address.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Knips, Uma Srinivasan, Daniel Rodko, Matthew Steven Hyde, William V. Huott
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Publication number: 20230089274Abstract: A method for testing a circuit includes performing, by a test engine, a test of bit write to a memory. The test includes defining a bit group based on a set of bits from an address of a memory location. The test further includes generating a bit mask for the bit group. The test further includes performing a bit write operation to the address to store a sequence of bits, the sequence of bits selected using a predetermined bit pattern. The test further includes reading content of the address. The test also includes comparing, using the bit mask, only bits corresponding to the bit group from the sequence of bits and from the content of the address.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2021Publication date: March 23, 2023Inventors: Thomas J. KNIPS, Uma SRINIVASAN, Daniel RODKO, Matthew Steven HYDE, William V. HUOTT
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Patent number: 11081202Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a memory address of a memory location in a memory that has been identified to be failing. The method further includes determining that the memory location is from a particular portion of the memory. The method further includes, in response to a number of memory locations that are identified to be failing from the particular portion of the memory being below a predetermined threshold, logging the memory address in a set of failing address registers associated with the memory, otherwise, skipping the logging of the memory address in the failing address registers.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Uma Srinivasan, Thomas J. Knips, Gregory J. Fredeman, Matthew Steven Hyde, Thomas E. Miller
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Patent number: 11069422Abstract: A method for testing a circuit includes performing, by a test engine, a test of a memory element of the circuit, the test accesses a memory location in the memory element, the memory location is identified by an address, and the memory location is accessed via a first port associated with a first port select bit. The method further includes, in response to detecting a failure associated with the memory location, determining an existing entry for the address in a failed address register, and determining that the existing entry in the failed address register is associated with a second port select bit, distinct from the first port select bit. The method further includes, in response to the second port select bit being distinct from the first port select bit, setting a multi-port failure flag for the memory element that is being tested.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew Steven Hyde, Uma Srinivasan, Thomas J. Knips, Gregory J. Fredeman
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Publication number: 20210098069Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a memory address of a memory location in a memory that has been identified to be failing. The method further includes determining that the memory location is from a particular portion of the memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: UMA SRINIVASAN, THOMAS J. KNIPS, GREGORY J. FREDEMAN, MATTHEW STEVEN HYDE, THOMAS E. MILLER
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Patent number: 9983261Abstract: Aspects of present disclosure relate to an integrated circuit chip (chip), a method and a computer program product of testing the chip. The method of testing the chip may include: partitioning the chip into various partitions, loading built-in self-test (BIST) test instructions into BIST engine and initializing a current partition counter, performing BIST test on current partition, transmitting test results of the current partition of the chip to an external test data storage, checking whether current partition is the last partition, incrementing current partition counter, and returning to performing BIST on a next partition when current partition is not the last partition, and exiting BIST test when current partition is the last partition. The test results may be stored in one or more inactive storage elements of the chip. The number of partitions may include: one partition, a predetermined number of partitions, and a variable number of partitions.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: William V. Huott, Thomas J. Knips, Pradip Patel, Daniel Rodko
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Publication number: 20170350940Abstract: Aspects of present disclosure relate to an integrated circuit chip (chip), a method and a computer program product of testing the chip. The method of testing the chip may include: partitioning the chip into various partitions, loading built-in self-test (BIST) test instructions into BIST engine and initializing a current partition counter, performing BIST test on current partition, transmitting test results of the current partition of the chip to an external test data storage, checking whether current partition is the last partition, incrementing current partition counter, and returning to performing BIST on a next partition when current partition is not the last partition, and exiting BIST test when current partition is the last partition. The test results may be stored in one or more inactive storage elements of the chip. The number of partitions may include: one partition, a predetermined number of partitions, and a variable number of partitions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: William V. Huott, Thomas J. Knips, Pradip Patel, Daniel Rodko
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Patent number: 9355746Abstract: Embodiments relate to built-in testing of an unused element on a chip. An aspect includes concurrently performing on a chip comprising a plurality of chip elements comprising a plurality of active elements, each active element enabled to perform a respective function, and at least one unused element that is disabled from performing the respective function and configured to be selectively enabled as an active element, the respective functions of the respective active elements and a built-in self test (BIST) test of the at least one unused element. Another aspect includes inputting an input test pattern to the unused element. Another aspect includes receiving an output test pattern based on the input test pattern from the unused element. Another aspect includes comparing the input test pattern to the output test pattern. Another aspect includes determining whether the unused element passed or failed the testing based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Luiz C. Alves, William J. Clarke, Christopher R. Conklin, William V. Huott, Kevin W. Kark, Thomas J. Knips, K. Paul Muller
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Publication number: 20150262713Abstract: Embodiments relate to built-in testing of an unused element on a chip. An aspect includes concurrently performing on a chip comprising a plurality of chip elements comprising a plurality of active elements, each active element enabled to perform a respective function, and at least one unused element that is disabled from performing the respective function and configured to be selectively enabled as an active element, the respective functions of the respective active elements and a built-in self test (BIST) test of the at least one unused element. Another aspect includes inputting an input test pattern to the unused element. Another aspect includes receiving an output test pattern based on the input test pattern from the unused element. Another aspect includes comparing the input test pattern to the output test pattern. Another aspect includes determining whether the unused element passed or failed the testing based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Luiz C. Alves, William J. Clarke, Christopher R. Conklin, William V. Huott, Kevin W. Kark, Thomas J. Knips, K. Paul Muller
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Publication number: 20150262711Abstract: Embodiments relate to built-in testing of an unused element on a chip. An aspect includes concurrently performing on a chip comprising a plurality of chip elements comprising a plurality of active elements, each active element enabled to perform a respective function, and at least one unused element that is disabled from performing the respective function and configured to be selectively enabled as an active element, the respective functions of the respective active elements and a built-in self test (BIST) test of the at least one unused element. Another aspect includes inputting an input test pattern to the unused element. Another aspect includes receiving an output test pattern based on the input test pattern from the unused element. Another aspect includes comparing the input test pattern to the output test pattern. Another aspect includes determining whether the unused element passed or failed the testing based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 17, 2015Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Luiz C. Alves, William J. Clarke, Christopher R. Conklin, William V. Huott, Kevin W. Kark, Thomas J. Knips, K. Paul Muller
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Patent number: 9136019Abstract: Embodiments relate to built-in testing of an unused element on a chip. An aspect includes concurrently performing on a chip comprising a plurality of chip elements comprising a plurality of active elements, each active element enabled to perform a respective function, and at least one unused element that is disabled from performing the respective function and configured to be selectively enabled as an active element, the respective functions of the respective active elements and a built-in self test (BIST) test of the at least one unused element. Another aspect includes inputting an input test pattern to the unused element. Another aspect includes receiving an output test pattern based on the input test pattern from the unused element. Another aspect includes comparing the input test pattern to the output test pattern. Another aspect includes determining whether the unused element passed or failed the testing based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Luiz C. Alves, William J. Clarke, Christopher R. Conklin, William V. Huott, Kevin W. Kark, Thomas J. Knips, K. Paul Muller
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Patent number: 7930601Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Eckelman, Donato O. Forlenza, Orazio P. Forlenza, William J. Hurley, Thomas J. Knips, Gary William Maier, Phong T. Tran
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Patent number: 7793173Abstract: Memory array built in self testing utilizing including a simple data history table. The table is used to track failing locations observed during any level of assembly test of processor or logic semiconductor chips where the chips contain SRAM macros with redundant elements for failure relief.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tom Y. Chang, William V. Huott, Thomas J. Knips, Donald W. Plass
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Publication number: 20090217112Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Eckelman, Donato O. Forlenza, Orazio P. Forlenza, William J. Hurley, Thomas J. Knips, Gary William Maier, Phong T. Tran
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Patent number: 7529997Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a computer system from array reliability failures uses Array Built-In Self-Test logic along with code and hardware to delete cache lines or sets that are defective, identify corresponding fuse repair values, proactively call home if spare fuses are not available, schedule soft fuse repairs for the next system restart, schedule line deletes at the next restart, store delete and fuse repairs in a table (tagged with electronic serial id, timestamp of delete or ABIST fail event, address, and type of failure) and proactively call home if there were any missed deletes that were not logged. Fuse information can also be more permanently stored into hardware electronic fuses and/or EPROMs. During a restart, previous repairs are able to be applied to the machine so that ABIST will run successfully and previous deletes to be maintained with checking to allow some ABIST failures which are protected by the line deletes to pass.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Patrick J. Meaney, William V. Huott, Thomas J. Knips, David J. Lund, Bryan L. Mechtly, Pradip Patel
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Publication number: 20080263417Abstract: Memory array built in self testing utilizing including a simple data history table. The table is used to track failing locations observed during any level of assembly test of processor or logic semiconductor chips where the chips contain SRAM macros with redundant elements for failure relief.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Tom Y. Chang, William V. Huott, Thomas J. Knips, Donald W. Plass
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Patent number: 7437626Abstract: Memory array built in self testing utilizing including a simple data history table. The table is used to track failing locations observed during any level of assembly test of processor or logic semiconductor chips where the chips contain SRAM macros with redundant elements for failure relief.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tom Y. Chang, William V. Huott, Thomas J. Knips, Donald W. Plass
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Patent number: 7380191Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing ABIST data compression and serialization for memory built-in self test of SRAM with redundancy. The method includes providing detection signals asserted for one failing data out, two failing data outs, and greater than two failing data outs. The method also includes individually encoding the failing bit position of each corresponding failing data out with a binary representation value corresponding therewith. The method further includes serializing results of the providing detection signals and the individually encoding, and transmitting results of the serializing to a redundancy support register function on a single fail buss.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James W. Dawson, Thomas J. Knips, Donald W. Plass, Kenneth J. Reyer
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Patent number: 7219275Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing flexible modular redundancy allocation for memory built in self test of random access memory with redundancy. The apparatus includes a first redundancy support register that includes inputs for receiving an address of a location in memory under test and data relating to must fix repair elements. The address includes a row and column vector of the location. The first redundancy support register also includes outputs for transmitting the address and data. The apparatus also includes a second redundancy support register including inputs for receiving the address and data from the outputs of the first redundancy support register. Each of the inputs of the second redundancy support register shares a one-to-one correspondence to each of the outputs of the first redundancy support register. The apparatus further includes allocation logic for providing a modular implementation of the first redundancy support register and the second redundancy support register.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tom Y. Chang, William V. Huott, Thomas J. Knips, Donald W. Plass
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Patent number: 7210084Abstract: ABIST apparatus with integrated directory compare logic functionality, and ABIST error detection functionality. The apparatus includes two subsystems NOR'ed together. The first subsystem is for bit-wise logically ANDing corresponding array valid bits and tag valid inputs, generating “0” for a match and “1” for a mis-match, and logically ORing the bit-wise result to generate a “1” hit if there are any bit-wise mismatches. The second subsystem further receives ABIST control logic as an input to either: (a). combine array valid bits tag valid inputs to produce valid output, or (b) compare array valid bits with tag valid inputs. The apparatus further includes logical NOR functionality for the outputs of the first and second subsystems.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul A. Bunce, John D. Davis, Thomas J. Knips, Donald Plass