A design-for-testability expert system for silicon compilers

Abstract

This paper describes a design-for-testability expert system for the selection of the most appropriate test method for every macro within an IC. The interface with the system designer is user-friendly and together with an efficient search mechanism this expert system can be used as a framework for all types of macros. This tool will be used in a self-test compiler, which generates the layout of self-testable macros automatically. The self-test compiler can be part of a silicon compilation system and thus contribute to the integration of testability into the design process.<>