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A structure and technique for pseudorandom-based testing of sequential circuits

  • Self-test Systems
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Abstract

Presented is a register structure and generator design which enables non-scan sequential testing using parallel pseudorandom-based patterns applied to the circuit's primary inputs. The proposed register structure and register control strategy uses the circuit under test's (CUT's) natural sequential activity to periodically alter a register's output bias to a value near 0.5 (i.e. alter the spread of 1's in the output stream). Thus, over time, it is possible to introduce a larger spread circuit states than that normally reachable when parallel pseudorandom-based test patterns are applied to the input lines of a CUT. Using the register modification, a simple hardware generation system can be designed and is suitable for both on-chip and external testing. Experiments indicate that high fault coverage is attainable in a relatively short test time.

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Muradali, F., Nishida, T. & Shimizu, T. A structure and technique for pseudorandom-based testing of sequential circuits. J Electron Test 6, 107–115 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00993133

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00993133

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