loading...
 This Article 
   
 Share 
   
 Bibliographic References 
   
 Add to: 
 
Digg
Furl
Spurl
Blink
Simpy
Google
Del.icio.us
Y!MyWeb
 
 Search 
   
1999 IEEE International Conference on Computer Design (ICCD'99)
Using an Embedded Processor for Efficient Deterministic Testing of Systems-on-a-Chip
Austin, Texas
October 10-October 13
ISBN: 0-7695-0406-X
Abhijit Jas, University of Texas at Austin
Nur A. Touba, University of Texas at Austin
If a system-on-a-chip (SOC) contains an embedded processor, this paper presents a novel approach for using the processor to aid in testing the other components of the SOC. The basic idea is that the tester loads a program along with compressed test data into the processors on-chip memory. The processor executes the program which decompresses the test data and applies it to scan chains in the other components of the SOC to test them. This approach both reduces the amount of data that must be stored on the tester and reduces the test time. Moreover, it enables at-speed scan shifting even with a slow tester (i.e., a tester whose maximum clock rate is slower than the SOCs normal operating clock rate). A procedure is described for converting a set of test cubes (i.e., test vectors where unspecified inputs are left as Xs) into a compressed form. A program that can be run on an embedded processor is given for decompressing the test cubes and applying them to scan chains on the chip. Experimental results indicate significant amount of compression can be achieved.
Index Terms:
Test Vector Compression, System-on-a-Chip, Embedded Processor, Deterministic Testing, External Testing, Built-In Self-Test, Automatic Test Equipment, Scan Chains, At-Speed Testing
Citation:
Abhijit Jas, Nur A. Touba, "Using an Embedded Processor for Efficient Deterministic Testing of Systems-on-a-Chip," iccd, pp.418, 1999 IEEE International Conference on Computer Design (ICCD'99), 1999
Usage of this product signifies your acceptance of the Terms of Use.