An efficient BIST method for distributed small buffers

Abstract

In this work, we propose a new built-in self-testing (BIST) method that is able to concurrently test a set of spatially distributed embedded-memory modules with different sizes. Using the concept of redundant read-write operations, we develop a new march method, called RSMarch, to efficiently test each memory module. The new method has the advantages of low hardware overhead, short test time, and high-fault coverage. The total test time is dominated by large-size modules. To further reduce the test time, we also propose a split-mode test method to virtually partition each large memory array into smaller modules, which can be tested simultaneously.