Built-in Tests (epo) Patents (Class 714/E11.169)
  • Publication number: 20100162056
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a CPU, a memory, a memory BIST circuit, a first selector that selects and outputs an address and control signal from the memory BIST circuit, when performing a test using the memory BIST circuit, and selects and outputs an address and control signal of the CPU when not performing a test using the memory BIST circuit, a second selector that selects and outputs write data from the memory BIST circuit when performing a test using the memory BIST circuit, and selects and outputs write data of the CPU when not performing a test using the memory BIST circuit, a first flip-flop that samples an output of the first selector (11) and a second flip-flop that samples an output of the second selector. An address and control signal and write data output from the first and second flip-flops are supplied to an address and control terminal and a write data terminal of the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Kaoru HIGASHINO
  • Publication number: 20100153794
    Abstract: A memory module includes several memory devices coupled to a memory hub. The memory hub includes several link interfaces coupled to respective processors, several memory controller coupled to respective memory devices, a cross-bar switch coupling any of the link interfaces to any of the memory controllers, a write buffer and read cache for each memory device and a self-test module. The self-test module includes a pattern generator producing write data having a predetermined pattern, and a flip-flop having a data input receiving the write data. A clock input of the flip-flop receives an internal clock signal from a delay line that receives a variable frequency clock generator. Read data are coupled from the memory devices and their pattern compared to the write data pattern. The delay of the delay line and frequency of the clock signal can be varied to test the speed margins of the memory devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph M. Jeddeloh
  • Publication number: 20100138709
    Abstract: A hybrid clocking scheme for simultaneously detecting a b-cycle path-delay fault in a b-cycle (false) path and a c-cycle path-delay fault in a c-cycle (false) path using at least n+1 at-speed clock pulses during a capture operation in a clock domain in a scan design or a scan-based BIST design, where 1<=b<=c<=n. The scan design or BIST design includes multiple scan chains, each scan chain comprising multiple scan cells coupled in series. The design includes one or more clock domains each running at its intended operating frequency or at-speed. The hybrid clocking scheme comprises at least one at-speed shift clock pulse or one at-speed capture clock pulse immediately followed by at least two at-speed capture clock pulses during the capture operation to simultaneously detect the b-cycle path-delay fault and the c-cycle path-delay fault within the clock domain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Laung-Terng WANG, Michael S. Hsiao, Hao-Jan Chao, Zhigang Jiang, Shianling Wu, Jianping Yan
  • Publication number: 20100125754
    Abstract: A method for accessing a big structure in a 64 k operating environment is disclosed. The method includes changing the big structure into plural sub structures; arranging a big memory space by a power on self test (POST) memory manager; and allocating the sub structures to the big memory space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chung-Chiang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100122128
    Abstract: A method for testing memory elements of an integrated circuit with an array built in self test (ABIST) comprises providing an ABIST interface to interface between an ABIST engine and a plurality of latches of a memory element under test, providing a multiplex (MUX) stage adjacent a scan input port of each latch, providing functional signal inputs to a data input port of the latches, setting the latches to an ABIST mode by activating an ABIST enable signal and delivering the ABIST enable signal to each of the latches, generating a plurality of ABIST test signals with the ABIST engine, applying the ABIST test signals in parallel to the scan input ports of the latches, determining whether one or more test patterns have been executed, and setting the latches to a normal run mode by deactivating the ABIST enable signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Uwe Brandt, Stefan Buettner, Werner Juchmes, Juergen Pille
  • Publication number: 20100088563
    Abstract: A system comprises built-in self-test (BIST) logic configured to perform a BIST, processing logic coupled to the BIST logic and storage logic coupled to the processing logic. The storage logic comprises debug context information associated with a debugging session. Prior to performance of the BIST, the processing logic stores the debug context information to a destination. After performance of the BIST, the processing logic is reset, and the processing logic restores the debug context information from the destination to the storage logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Karl F. GREB
  • Publication number: 20100077270
    Abstract: Testing a plurality of communication devices. A plurality of signals may be received from the plurality of communication devices. The plurality of signals may include a signal from each of the plurality of communication devices, where a first subset of the plurality of signals has a different frequency than a second subset of the plurality of signals. The received signals may be combined into a combined signal. The combined signal may be downconverted to a combined signal, e.g., by mixing the combined signal with an output from at least one local oscillator. The downconverting may generate a plurality of lower frequency signals, each corresponding to one of the plurality of received signals. Testing may be performed on each of the plurality of lower frequency signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Craig E. Rupp, Richard Henry Mace Keene
  • Publication number: 20100058130
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating for operating an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1149.1 compliant Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) Test Access Port (TAP) controller are disclosed. An example apparatus includes write logic that is configured to operationally interface with a TAP controller and a processor. The write logic is further configured to receive, from the processor, data for initializing the apparatus and operating the TAP controller, convert at least a portion of the data from a parallel format to a serial format and communicate the converted data to the TAP controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Senthil Somasundaram, Jun Qian
  • Publication number: 20100042879
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a memory build-in self-test comprising steps of: (a) determining whether there is redundant address in the ROM; (b) when there is redundant address for storing standard check code, transferring the coefficient file in the ROM to a predetermined format; (c) producing a self-test logic and a standard check code corresponding to the ROM via design tool; (d) writing the standard check code into the redundant address and generating a new ROM. The present invention can assure that the standard check code and coefficient can be simply revised via corresponding way of Mask Change, so as to detect the damages of ROM by using memory build-in self-test (MBIST) which does not need to remake a whole set of Mask to revise the standard check code outside the ROM, so as to save cost and time, and lower the difficulty to update the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Xiu Yang, Dujuan Tang
  • Publication number: 20100023808
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a first bus may be monitored, the first bus being to exchange data between a first processing system and a second processing system. A second bus may also be monitored, the second bus being to exchange data between the second processing system and a third processing system. Responsive to the monitoring of at least one of the first or second buses, execution of applications, executing on at least two of the processing units, may be interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Tu
  • Publication number: 20100017664
    Abstract: Provided is an embedded flash memory test circuit, including an embedded flash memory call array a read-only memory (ROM) built-in self test (BIST) unit, a ROM BIST control unit and a comparison unit. The embedded flash memory cell array includes multiple flash memory cells, and simultaneously outputs m pieces of read data, where m is a natural number. The ROM BIST unit generates first compressed data by compressing the m pieces of read data. The ROM BIST controller controls the ROM BIST unit. The comparison unit compares the first compressed data and expected data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Woo-hyuk Jang
  • Publication number: 20100011249
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for testing the function of a display port. The device includes a display port transmitting part, a field programmable gate array, and a memory. The display port transmitting part transmits connecting signals to a display port timing controller mounted on a display panel. The field programmable gate array applies a test signal to the display port timing controller, and controls the connecting signals applied from the display port transmitting part to the display port timing controller. The memory has software that determines acceptance or rejection of the display port function based on data output from the display port timing controller in response to the connecting signals or the test signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taek-Young KIM
  • Publication number: 20090319828
    Abstract: A method, device, and system including built-in self tests for a communication bus device is disclosed. In one form, a method of testing a device operable to be coupled to a communication port an information handling system includes accessing a configuration descriptor of a first device operable to be coupled to a communication bus of an information handling system. The method can also include detecting a self-test descriptor associated with the configuration descriptor and testing a portion of the first device using test information associated with the self-test descriptor. The device and system can include logic to perform the methods described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Bryan J. Thornley, Craig Chaiken, Vinod Makhija, Andrew O'Rourke
  • Publication number: 20090319840
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a nonvolatile memory functioning as a main memory unit, a volatile memory functioning as a buffer unit of the nonvolatile memory, a controller, an ECC buffer, a parity syndrome circuit, an ECC control circuit, a multiplexer, and an ECC error position decoder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Tokumasa Hara, Keiji Maruyama, Yutaka Shirai, Hidetoshi Saito
  • Publication number: 20090313511
    Abstract: A semiconductor device test circuit includes a data producing unit to produce first test data to be fed into a semiconductor device, and expected value data; a first data retaining unit to retain the first test data, and feed the first test data into the semiconductor device; a second data retaining unit to retain the expected value data; a comparison unit to compare output data outputted through the first data retaining unit and the expected value data outputted from the second data retaining unit to supply data indicating comparison result between the output data and the expected value data; and a switching unit to switch the data fed into the second data retaining unit between the expected value data and the output data, wherein the first data retaining unit and the second data retaining unit form parts of a scan chain into which second test data may externally be fed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kenji GOTO, Kazuhide Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20090307543
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a controller, a plurality of transport circuits and a plurality of memory-controlling circuits. The controller may be configured to (i) present one or more commands and (ii) receive one or more responses. Each of the plurality of transport circuits may be configured to (i) receive one of the commands, (ii) present the responses, and (iii) generate one or more control signals. Each of the plurality of memory-controlling circuits may be (i) coupled to a respective one of the plurality of transport circuits and (ii) configured to (i) generate one or more memory access signals in response to the one or more control signals, (ii) receive one or more memory output signals from a respective memory in response to the one or more memory access signals and (iii) generate the responses in response to the one or more memory output signals. Each respective memory may be independently sized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Alexandre Andreev, Anatoli Bolotov, Mikhail Grinchuk
  • Publication number: 20090300445
    Abstract: A method and device for data processing in an integrated circuit having cells, the cells adapted for executing programs. A first program is run. In response to a waiting condition during which no program execution is able to take place, saving data from the cells to a memory. A second program, e.g., a test program, is run after the data is saved. The saved data is then reloaded into the cells after running the second program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Martin Vorbach, Robert Munch
  • Publication number: 20090300441
    Abstract: A memory collar includes a first circuit, a second circuit and a third circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate a first control signal, a second control signal and a third control signal in response to one or more test commands. The second circuit may be configured to generate a fourth control signal in response to said third control signal and the fourth control signal. The third circuit may be configured to generate one or more address sequences. The one or more address sequences are presented to a memory during a test mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Alexandre Andreev, Anatoli Bolotov, Mikhail Grinchuk
  • Publication number: 20090300440
    Abstract: A memory collar including a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate one or more data sequences in response to one or more test commands. The one or more data sequences may be presented to a memory during a test mode. The second circuit may be configured to pre-process one or more outputs generated by the memory in response to the one or more data sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Alexandre Andreev, Anatoli Bolotov, Mikhail Grinchuk
  • Publication number: 20090292949
    Abstract: A system and method of a basic input output system (BIOS) test system are disclosed. According to an aspect, a basic input output system (BIOS) test system can include a BIOS test manager configured to enable BIOS testing of multiple information handling systems within a test environment. The BIOS test system can also include a local test harness driver operable to be coupled to the remote BIOS test manager to receive test routines, and a test buffer configured to receive a test routine from the BIOS test manager. The test routine can further be executed using a test engine integrated as a part of a BIOS of a particular information handling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS, LP
    Inventors: Natalie N. Quach, Mark W. Shutt, Peter Cloney, Robert J. Volentine
  • Publication number: 20090292963
    Abstract: A method for testing an electronic circuit comprises selecting a first log interval, a first log start pattern, a first log end pattern, and a first subset range of LBIST patterns from a plurality of LBIST patterns arranged in an order, wherein each LBIST pattern of the subset range of LBIST patterns causes an associated output of an electronic circuit. The method tests an electronic circuit in a first test by applying to the electronic circuit the first subset range of LBIST patterns sequentially in the order, thereby generating a first plurality of associated outputs. The method stores a first subset of associated outputs based on the first log interval, the first log start pattern, and the first log end pattern. The method compares the subset of associated outputs with known outputs to identify a first output mismatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin Robert Gass, Abel Alaniz, Asher Shlomo Lazarus, Timothy M. Skergan
  • Publication number: 20090287971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a random access memory device is provided. One embodiment involves providing an interface between Logic Built in Self Test (LBIST) and Array Built in Self Test (ABIST) paths for memory testing, including providing a cross-coupled NAND device with an LBIST test path; configuring the cross-coupled NAND device for interfacing ABIST and LBIST paths by modeling a worst case scenario for timing from a domino read static random access memory (SRAM) array; and modifying data in the cross-coupled NAND device using an LBIST controlled data path at essentially the latest point in time when a read may propagate from the array to provide full AC test coverage of down stream logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Allen Adams, Elizabeth Lair Gerhard, Sharon Huertas Cesky, Jeffrey Milton Scherer
  • Publication number: 20090271669
    Abstract: A method for allowing high-speed testability of a memory device having a core with memory cells for storing data, comprising: enabling a data signal having a first logical state or a second logical state from the core to reach an output port of the memory device within an evaluate cycle during a functional operating mode and pass an array built in self test during LBIST mode; enabling the data signal to change from the first logical state to the second logical state during LBIST mode at a time that coincides with the latest possible time the data signal from the core can reach the read output port within the evaluate cycle during the functional operating mode and pass the array built in self test; and executing a logic built-in self test configured to test a logic block located downstream of a transmission path of the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Chad A. Adams, Derick G. Behrends, Todd A. Christensen, Travis R. Hebig
  • Publication number: 20090235120
    Abstract: Systems and methods for testing a peripheral in accordance with a MIPI protocol are provided. A test system can test a peripheral by providing user-specified control over a test processor (which is substantially the same processor the peripheral will interface with when installed) to test, calibrate, or both test and calibrate the peripheral. The test processor can communicate with the peripheral according to the MIPI protocol, thereby effectively providing an actual “in-device” environment for testing and/or calibrating the peripheral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Shawn Gettemy, Wei Yao, Ahmad Al-Dahle
  • Publication number: 20090222652
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a microcontroller (30) that has an embedded memory (46), a programmable processor (32), and a test interface (34). The memory (46) is accessible through the test interface (34). In response to resetting this microcontroller (30), a counter is started and the test interface (34) is initially set to a disabled state while an initiation program is executed. The test interface (34) is changed to an enabled state—such that access to the embedded memory (46) is permitted through it—when the counter reaches a predefined value unless the microcontroller (30) executes programming code before the predefined value is reached to provide the disabled state during subsequent microcontroller (30) operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Ata Khan, Greg Goodhue, Pankaj Shrivastava, Bas Van Der Veer, Rick Varney, Prithm Nagaraj
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20090187788
    Abstract: A method of automatic regression testing includes loading binary code representing a first version of a program, extracting a second version of the program embedded within the binary code of the first version of the program, executing a standalone model of the second version of the program based on the extracted second version, wherein executing includes executing a set of instructions to identify at least one error, determining if the standalone model causes the at least one error, and storing results based on the determining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charulatha Dhuvur, Eli M. Dow, Marie R. Laser, Jassie Yu
  • Publication number: 20090183044
    Abstract: A method and circuit implement testing of a circuit path including a memory array and logic including Logic Built in Self Test (LBIST) diagnostics, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. Testing of the circuit path includes initializing the memory array in the circuit path with an initialization pattern, switching to Logic Built in Self Test (LBIST) mode and providing a read only mode for the memory array, and running Logic Built in Self Test (LBIST) testing of the circuit path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Louis Bernard Bushard, Todd Alan Christensen, Jesse Daniel Smith
  • Publication number: 20090172483
    Abstract: An on-chip failure analysis circuit for analyzing a memory comprises a memory in which data is stored, a built-in self test unit which tests the memory, an failure detection unit which detects an failure of output of the memory, an fail data storage unit in which fail data is stored, the fail data including a location of the failure, an failure analysis unit which performs failure analysis using the number of failures detected by the failure detection unit and the location of the failure, the failure analysis unit writing fail data including the analysis result in the fail data storage unit, and an analysis result output unit which outputs the analysis result of the failure analysis unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Kenichi Anzou, Chikako Tokunaga
  • Publication number: 20090172487
    Abstract: A system on a single integrated circuit chip (SoC) includes a plurality of operational circuits to be tested. A plurality of programmable built-in self-test (pBIST) controllers is connected to respective ones of the plurality of operational circuits in a manner that allows the pBIST controllers to test the respective operation circuits in parallel. An interface is connected to each of the plurality of pBIST controllers for connection to an external tester to facilitate programming of each of the plurality of pBIST controllers by the external tester, such that the plurality of pBIST controllers are operable to test the plurality of operational circuits in parallel and report the results of the parallel tests to the external tester, thereby reducing test time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Raguram Damodaran, Umang Bharatkumar Thakkar, John David Sayre
  • Publication number: 20090158107
    Abstract: A System-on-Chip (SOC) integrated circuit (IC) debugging system includes a plurality of SOC ICs connected to a shared debug bus. One of the plurality of SOC ICs is a master SOC IC having a master/slave debug interface and a user interface. The master/slave debug interface on the master SOC IC is a bidirectional debug interface operable to send and receive debug data between the SOC ICs and an external host system. The host system is connected to the at least one of the plurality of SOC ICs via the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: ALBRECHT MAYER
  • Publication number: 20090144595
    Abstract: A field programmable object array integrated circuit has built-in self-testing capability. The integrated circuit comprises an array of programmable objects, a plurality of interfaces, and a controller. The array of objects is designed to operate at an operational clock speed during non-testing operation, wherein the design of the objects is not constrained to require within an object extra circuitry not essential to non-testing operation to facilitate built-in self-testing. The interfaces are connected to the objects to enable communication with the objects and to thereby facilitate built-in self-testing of the objects. The controller causes a selected subset of the objects to be activated and configured for testing, to stimulate the selected subset for some time with an input test pattern delivered via the interfaces while the selected subset of objects operates at the operational clock speed, and to observe a response of the selected subset of objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: MathStar, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Reohr, JR., Matthew F. Barr, Richard David Wiita
  • Publication number: 20090083592
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a logic circuit and a test circuit is provided which comprises: a logic signal terminal that supplies a signal to the logic circuit; a latch circuit that latches a signal based on a synchronization signal from the test circuit; a first selection circuit that supplies an external signal from the logic signal terminal to one of the logic circuit and the latch circuit selectively based on a test mode signal; and a second selection circuit that supplies one of the external signal and a signal from the test circuit selectively to a memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU MICROELECTRONICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TANAKA, Yuji NAKAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20090083598
    Abstract: A method for testing an integrated circuit implemented in an electronic system. The method includes placing an integrated circuit (or portion thereof) that is implemented in an operational system (e.g., in a computer system) in an offline status. An electrical parameter of the integrated system (e.g., a voltage, clock frequency, etc.) is set, and a built-in self-test (BIST) is conducted. Any failures that occur during the BIST are recorded. Testing is then repeated for each of a plurality of predetermined values of the electrical parameter, recording any failures that occur. Once testing is complete a failure rate/range is determined for each of the predetermined values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Anand Dixit, Raymond A. Heald, Steven R. Boyle
  • Publication number: 20090070646
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing ordered capture clocks to detect or locate faults within N clock domains and faults crossing any two clock domains in a scan-based integrated circuit or circuit assembly in self-test or scan-test mode, where N>1 and each domain has a plurality of scan cells. The method and apparatus will apply an ordered sequence of capture clocks to all scan cells within N clock domains where one or more capture clocks must contain one or more shift clock pulses during the capture operation. A computer-aided design (CAD) method is further developed to realize the method and synthesize the apparatus. In order to further improve the circuit's fault coverage, a CAD method and apparatus are further developed to minimize the memory usage and generate scan patterns for full-scan and feed-forward partial-scan designs containing transparent storage cells, asynchronous set/reset signals, tri-state busses, and low-power gated clocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Laung-Terng (L.T.) Wang, Meng-Chyi Lin, Xiaoqing Wen, Hsin-Po Wang, Chi-Chan Hsu, Shih-Chia Kao, Fei-Sheng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090063921
    Abstract: A method, device and system for performing on-chip testing are presented. In particular, the present invention provides a method, device and system for reducing noise due to large changes in current that occur during logical built-in self testing (LBIST) operations in integrated circuits. The method includes executing a first logical built-in self test sequence for a first logic region within an integrated circuit, subsequently executing a second logical built-in self test sequence for a second logic region within the integrated circuit, wherein the second test sequence is offset from the first test sequence by one or more clock cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony Gus Aipperspach, Louis Bernard Bushard, Dennis Thomas Cox
  • Publication number: 20090063917
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a memory collars including: a memory cell; a fetch register that is configured to fetch data as a first fetch data; a comparing unit that is configured to compare the first fetch data with an expected value; a failure detecting signal output unit that is configured to receive the compared result and output a failure detecting signal; and a BIST circuit including: a BIST control unit that is configured to output an instruction and output a BIST status; a shift controller that is configured to receive a first clock signal, the BIST status signal, and the failure detecting signal and output sift enable signal; a shift counter that counts the number of clock pulses on the first clock signal; a first storage register that is configured to receive the first clock signal and the shift enable signal, and a second storage register that is configured to receive a second clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Chikako Tokunaga, Kenichi Anzou
  • Publication number: 20090024889
    Abstract: An integrated circuit and a method of built-in self test in the integrated circuit employ an offset control node and offset capabilities with the integrated circuit in order to communicate and distribute a built-in self-test signal. The built-in self-test signal can emulate signals internal to the integrated circuit during normal operation, and/or the built-in self-test signal can have other signal characteristics representative of signals other than those signals internal to the integrated circuit during normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Glenn A. Forrest, Washington Lamar
  • Publication number: 20090024885
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit has a memory collar including a memory cell configured to store a written data pattern and read and output the data pattern, and a register configured to store a failed data pattern, and a built-in self test circuit configured to write the data pattern in the memory cell, output expected value data, and decide whether to continue a test or suspend the test to output failure information to outside, based on a comparison result of the data pattern outputted from the memory cell and the expected value data and a comparison result of the data pattern and the failed data pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Kenichi Anzou, Chikako Tokunaga
  • Publication number: 20090019331
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated circuit for a data transmission system comprising a) a plurality of functional units, b) a TAP controller, according to IEEE 1149, having a JTAG interface, and c) a test unit for testing the functionality of the functional units, whereby the test unit has at least two operating modes and at least one gate terminal for switching between the operating modes and is designed to connect circuit points, assigned to a specific operating mode, of the functional units to terminals of the integrated circuit, when the test unit is operated in the specific operating mode. According to the invention, the at least one gate terminal of the test unit is connected to the TAP controller and the integrated circuit is designed to switch between the operating modes depending on the internal states of the TAP controller. The invention relates furthermore to a receiving device of a data transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Geissler
  • Publication number: 20090019329
    Abstract: An integrated circuit 2 includes a plurality of circuit blocks 38, 40, 44 each having an associated serial scan chain loop 32, 34, 36 which extends from a converter 10, to the circuit block 38, 42, 44 in question and then back to the converter 10. Multiplexing circuitry 50, 52 associated with each serial scan chain loop 32, 34, 36 is used to either include that serial scan chain loop 32, 34, 36 in a combined serial scan chain or to bypass that serial scan chain loop 32, 34, 36. The circuit blocks 38, 42, 44 may be bypassed in this way if they are defective or if they are powered-down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ARM Limited
    Inventors: Robert Campbell Aitken, Dipesh Ishwerbhai Patel, Gary Robert Waggoner
  • Publication number: 20090013228
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for self-testing a DDR memory interface are disclosed. In one aspect, a built-in-self-test (BIST) memory interface circuit comprises a signal multiplier for receiving a first clock signal from a tester and outputs a multiplied clock signal. A first multiplexer is used for selecting between a test mode and a normal operating mode and provides an output signal. A delay magnitude generator is coupled to the signal multiplier to receive the multiplied clock signal and provides a second clock signal and a phase control signal. A plurality of digitally controlled delay line blocks are used for each receiving the second clock signal and the phase control signal and outputting a plurality of sequential input/output bit-pair signals corresponding to an internal data strobe input signal and a phase shifted data strobe output signal respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: JAMES MICHAEL JARBOE, JR., Sukanta Kishore Panigrahi, Vinay Agrawal, Neeraj P. Nayak
  • Publication number: 20080313512
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided to utilize built-in self test (BIST) latches for multiple purposes. Conventionally, BIST latches are single purpose. Hence, separate latches are utilized for array built-in self test (ABIST) and logic built-in self test (LBIST) operations. By having the separate latches, though, a substantial amount area is lost. Therefore, to better utilize the latches and the area, ABIST latches are reconfigured to utilize some previously unused ports to allow for multiple uses for the latches, such as for LBIST.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Ross Ferguson, Garrett Stephen Koch, Osamu Takahashi, Michael Brian White
  • Publication number: 20080313515
    Abstract: A system-on-chip (SOC) having built-in-self-test (BIST) circuits and a self-test method of the SOC are provided. The SOC having the BIST circuits includes intellectual property (IP) blocks having BIST logic circuits and a BIST control unit. The BIST logic circuit operates in a normal or a test mode in response to control data received through a system bus, and outputs test result data in the test mode. The BIST control unit tests the IP blocks by transferring the control data, a command signal, test pattern data, and test address signals to the BIST logic circuit through the system bus, and compresses and stores the test result data received through the system bus in the test mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jong-Chul Shin, Jong-Ho Kim, Hae-Young Rha, Kee-Won Joe
  • Publication number: 20080307261
    Abstract: Provided are a method and system for activating a design test mode in a graphics card having multiple execution units. A design test mode is activated in a graphics module comprising multiple execution units coupled to a cache on a bus. The bus is configured to return test instructions from the cache to the execution units in response to a request from one execution unit for the test instructions from the cache in the design test mode. The execution units execute the test instructions during the design test mode. Interrupts are prevented during the design test mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony BABELLA, Allan WONG, Lance CHENEY, Brian D. RAUCHFUSS
  • Publication number: 20080301507
    Abstract: A method and system for repairing a memory. A test and repair wrapper is operable to be integrated with input/output (I/O) circuitry of a memory instance to form a wrapper I/O (WIO) block that is operable to receive test and repair information from a built-in self-test and repair (BISTR) processor. Logic circuitry associated with the WIO block is operable generate a current error signal that is used locally by the BISTR processor for providing a repair enable control signal in order to repair a faulty memory portion using a redundant memory portion without having to access a post-processing environment for repair signature generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Virage Logic Corp.
    Inventors: Niranjan Behera, Bruce L. Prickett, JR., Yervant Zorian
  • Publication number: 20080301511
    Abstract: A method of continuous testing of repetitive functional blocks provided on an integrated circuit (IC) which includes selecting one of the repetitive functional blocks at a time for testing, substituting a test repetitive functional block for a selected repetitive functional block, and testing the selected repetitive functional block during normal functional mode of the IC. An IC which includes repetitive functional blocks for performing corresponding functional block operations during normal functional mode of the IC, and a test system which performs continuous testing of each repetitive functional block while the functional block operations are performed during normal functional mode of the IC. One block may be tested during normal operation for each IC reset event without transferring or copying state information. Multiple blocks may be tested one at a time during normal operation by transferring state information between a selected block and a test block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Gary L. Miller, Hugo Mauro V D C Cavalcanti
  • Publication number: 20080282119
    Abstract: A memory device including, a nonvolatile memory which stores a step item, a parameter start address, and a parameter which has an address corresponding to the parameter start address and defines the step item, and a controller which performs, on the nonvolatile memory, a test step corresponding to the step item defined by the parameter, the controller being formed in the same chip as the nonvolatile memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Takahiro Suzuki, Shinya Fujisawa, Shoichiro Hashimoto, Tokumasa Hara
  • Publication number: 20080276145
    Abstract: Special test circuitry in an IC for wafer level testing selectively connects the specialized test circuitry to the functional circuitry during wafer test. Following wafer test the special test circuitry is electrically isolated from the functional circuitry and power supplies such that it does not load functional circuit signals nor consume power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard L. Antley, Lee D. Whetsel