On the efficiency of the transition fault model for delay faults

Abstract

A study is presented concerning the efficiency of test pattern sets generated with the transition fault model applied to fine grained delay fault models. The authors have developed the delay fault simulator DELFI-a program which is capable of simulating timing failures of combinational circuits using different delay fault models. For the computer experiments the authors selected transition fault test pattern sets because they are very cost-effective to generate. The simulations of benchmark circuits demonstrate that the transition fault test patterns detect gross delay faults even at nodes with redundant stuck-at faults. Furthermore the results show that the transition fault test patterns are not sufficient for small delay faults in the range of a few gate delays. In order to receive a satisfactory coverage for these delay faults, the transition fault test sets must be extended.<>