A new algorithm for dynamic faults detection in RAMs

Abstract

Resistive bridges not only cause a static faulty behavior in CMOS memories, but also lead to several dynamic faulty behaviors which are timing related failures. This paper introduces a new realistic dynamic fault model for random access-memories: the delay coupling fault, which models resistive bridges in the memory array. We show that well-known march tests do not cover delay coupling faults at the memory array. To cover the delay coupling faults, a new and efficient test algorithm (DITEC+) is presented. We have performed inductive fault analysis to validate this novel algorithm and shown a significant improvement on fault coverage. Also, experiment on silicon is carried out to show the existence of such dynamic faults and their detection by implementing DITEC+.