Xijiang Lin

Bio: Xijiang Lin is an academic researcher from Mentor Graphics. The author has contributed to research in topics: Automatic test pattern generation & Fault coverage. The author has an hindex of 22, co-authored 64 publications receiving 1430 citations. Previous affiliations of Xijiang Lin include Siemens & University of Iowa.

Preferred Fill: A Scalable Method to Reduce Capture Power for Scan Based Designs

Abstract: When the response to a test vector is captured by state elements in scan based tests, the switching activity of the circuit may be large resulting in abnormal power dissipation and supply current demand High supply current may cause excessive supply voltage droops leading to larger gate delays which may cause good chips to fail tests This paper presents a scalable approach called Preferred Fill to reduce average and peak power dissipation during capture cycles of launch off capture delay fault tests Experimental results presented for benchmark and industrial circuits demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method

Timing-Aware ATPG for High Quality At-speed Testing of Small Delay Defects

Abstract: In this paper, a new ATPG methodology is proposed to improve the quality of test sets generated for detecting delay defects. This is achieved by integrating timing information, e.g. from Standard Delay Format (SDF) files, into the ATPG tool. The timing information is used to guide the test generator to detect faults through the longest paths in order to improve the ability to detect small delay detects. To avoid propagating faults through similar paths repeatedly, a weighted random method is proposed to improve the path coverage during test generation. During fault simulation, a new fault-dropping criterion, named Dropping based on Slack Margin (DSM), is proposed to facilitate the trade-off between the test set quality and the test pattern count. The quality of the generated test set is measured by two metrics: delay test coverage and SDQL. The experimental results show that significant test quality improvement is achieved when applying timing-aware ATPG with DSM to industrial designs.

Low power scan testing techniques and apparatus

Abstract: Disclosed below are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to reduce power consumption during integrated circuit testing. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used to provide a low power test scheme and can be integrated with a variety of compression hardware architectures (e.g., an embedded deterministic test (“EDT”) architecture). Among the disclosed embodiments are integrated circuits having programmable test stimuli selectors, programmable scan enable circuits, programmable clock enable circuits, programmable shift enable circuits, and/or programmable reset enable circuits. Exemplary test pattern generation methods that can be used to generate test patterns for use with any of the disclosed embodiments are also disclosed.

Low-Power Scan Operation in Test Compression Environment

Abstract: This paper presents a new and comprehensive low-power test scheme compatible with a test compression environment. The key contribution of this paper is a flexible test-application framework that achieves significant reductions in switching activity during all phases of scan test: loading, capture, and unloading. In particular, we introduce a new on-chip continuous-flow decompressor. Its synergistic use with a power-aware scan controller allows a significant reduction of toggling rates when feeding scan chains with decompressed test patterns. While the proposed solution requires minimal modifications of the existing design for test logic, experiments indicate that its use results in a low switching activity which reduces power consumption to or below a level of a functional mode. It resolves problems related to power dissipation, voltage drop, and increased temperature. Our approach integrates seamlessly with test logic synthesis flow, and it does not compromise compression ratios. It fits well into various design paradigms, including modular design flow where blocks come with individual decompressors and compactors.

On static test compaction and test pattern ordering for scan designs

Abstract: A static compaction procedure to reduce test set size for scan designs and a procedure to order test patterns in order to steepen the fault coverage curve are presented. The computational effort for both procedures is linearly proportional to the computational effort required for standard fault simulation with fault dropping. Experimental results on large industrial circuits demonstrate both the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed procedures.

VLSI Test Principles and Architectures: Design for Testability

Abstract: This book is a comprehensive guide to new DFT methods that will show the readers how to design a testable and quality product, drive down test cost, improve product quality and yield, and speed up time-to-market and time-to-volume. · Most up-to-date coverage of design for testability. · Coverage of industry practices commonly found in commercial DFT tools but not discussed in other books. · Numerous, practical examples in each chapter illustrating basic VLSI test principles and DFT architectures. · Lecture slides and exercise solutions for all chapters are now available. · Instructors are also eligible for downloading PPT slide files and MSWORD solutions files from the manual website. Table of Contents Chapter 1 - Introduction Chapter 2 - Design for Testability Chapter 3 - Logic and Fault Simulation Chapter 4 - Test Generation Chapter 5 - Logic Built-In Self-Test Chapter 6 - Test Compression Chapter 7 - Logic Diagnosis Chapter 8 - Memory Testing and Built-In Self-Test Chapter 9 - Memory Diagnosis and Built-In Self-Repair Chapter 10 - Boundary Scan and Core-Based Testing Chapter 11 - Analog and Mixed-Signal Testing Chapter 12 - Test Technology Trends in the Nanometer Age

Survey of low power testing of VLSI circuits

Abstract: The System-On-Chip (SoC) revolution challenges both design and test engineers, especially in the area of power dissipation. Generally, a circuit or system consumes more power in test mode than in normal mode. This extra power consumption can give rise to severe hazards in circuit reliability or, in some cases, can provoke instant circuit damage. Moreover, it can create problems such as increased product cost, difficulty in performance verification, reduced autonomy of portable systems, and decrease of overall yield. Low power dissipation during test application is becoming increasingly important in today's VLSI systems design and is a major goal in the future development of VLSI design.

Electronic Design Automation: Synthesis, Verification, and Test

Abstract: This book provides broad and comprehensive coverage of the entire EDA flow. EDA/VLSI practitioners and researchers in need of fluency in an "adjacent" field will find this an invaluable reference to the basic EDA concepts, principles, data structures, algorithms, and architectures for the design, verification, and test of VLSI circuits. Anyone who needs to learn the concepts, principles, data structures, algorithms, and architectures of the EDA flow will benefit from this book. Covers complete spectrum of the EDA flow, from ESL design modeling to logic/test synthesis, verification, physical design, and test - helps EDA newcomers to get "up-and-running" quickly Includes comprehensive coverage of EDA concepts, principles, data structures, algorithms, and architectures - helps all readers improve their VLSI design competence Contains latest advancements not yet available in other books, including Test compression, ESL design modeling, large-scale floorplanning, placement, routing, synthesis of clock and power/ground networks - helps readers to design/develop testable chips or products Includes industry best-practices wherever appropriate in most chapters - helps readers avoid costly mistakes Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Fundamentals of CMOS Design Chapter 3: Design for Testability Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Algorithms Chapter 5: Electronic System-Level Design and High-Level Synthesis Chapter 6: Logic Synthesis in a Nutshell Chapter 7: Test Synthesis Chapter 8: Logic and Circuit Simulation Chapter 9:?Functional Verification Chapter 10: Floorplanning Chapter 11: Placement Chapter 12: Global and Detailed Routing Chapter 13: Synthesis of Clock and Power/Ground Networks Chapter 14: Fault Simulation and Test Generation.