An efficient BIST method for 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. By allowing some redundant read/write operations for small modules, we develop a new march algorithm, called RSMarch, that can concurrently test all memory modules with the same fault coverage as if each module is tested individually. We also show that this method requires only one simple BIST controller and one test data line for all modules. Thus the new method has the advantages of short test time, high fault coverage and low area overhead.