An algebraic approach to test generation for sequential circuits

Abstract

The authors describe an algebraic algorithm for automatic test pattern generation for sequential circuits. Three innovative concepts have been introduced in order to reduce the computational time required for pattern generation. These are: firstly, circuit partitioning in fanout-free regions; then, computation of observability and excitability functions for state propagation and justification; and finally, assignment of an observability and an excitability order to each node of the decision tree, for fast test pattern detection of each fault.<>