Faster processing for microprocessor functional ATPG

Abstract

In order to improve the quality of microprocessor tests, the use of instruction sets for testing is indispensable. This paper discusses how fault coverage can be improved with a short test pattern that repeatedly samples an R number of instructions as L sets from an S number of instructions and selects from amongst these L sets those for which the fault coverage can be improved. Continuing, it argues that the processing speed can be increased by selecting a certain number of sets containing an R number of instructions from an S number of instructions. This approach proved effective in tests using software created on these principles.