MBIST architecture framework based on orthogonal constructs

Abstract

The observation that memory test algorithms have at most one type of complex march operation has resulted in a framework of orthogonal constructs for a novel Memory BIST (MBIST) architecture. It allows for a simple specification of a complete March Element (ME). Because all timingcritical information is available for pre-decoding prior to the application of the ME, high speed implementation is simplified considerably. A ME can specify any kind of operations, including nested operations and hammer operations, such that almost all algorithms and stresses are supported in a simple way.