Redundant core testing on the cell BE microprocessor

Abstract

The Cell Broadband Engine chip, used in Sony's PS/3 console, contains 8 identical processing cores. As only 7 of these are used in the PS/3™ application, this provides an opportunity for yield enhancement through use of this “spare” core. We are able to enjoy an 11% to 17% yield increase with this scheme, but its implementation drives about 20% of our test time and significant design and test complexity.