Generating pattern sequences for the pseudo-exhaustive test of MOS-circuits

Abstract

A method based on linear feedback shift registers over finite fields is presented to generate for a natural number n a pattern sequence with minimal length detecting each m-multiple stuck-open faults for M≤n. A hardware architecture is discussed generating this sequence, and for n=1 a built-in self-test (BIST) approach is presented that detects all combinations of multiple combinational and single stuck-open faults. The sequences are of minimum length, and can be produced either by software, by an external chip, or be a BIST-structure. Using the latter, the hardware overhead would be of the same magnitude as a conventional pseudorandom architecture.