Low-power multi-core ATPG to target concurrency

  • Authors:
  • Arkan Abdulrahman;Spyros Tragoudas

  • Affiliations:
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA

  • Venue:
  • Integration, the VLSI Journal
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

A function-based automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) tool for embedded core testing is presented that reduces test cost and considers test power dissipation of system-on-chip (SoC). Cores are tested concurrently with the use of test functions, as opposed to simple patterns, and by I/O pin allocation on the test access mechanism (TAM) during a compact ATPG process. Turnaround time benefits from pre-existing test vectors, or test functions supplied by the provider of each core. The presented method also targets low-power dissipation by considering the switching activity on the SoC inputs. Experimental results show a significant reduction in the test application time due to the achieved level of concurrency.