Controller Architecture for Memory BIST Algorithms

Abstract

Design for testability (DFT) help in simplifying the ‘manufacturing tests’ used to detect post fabrication manufacturing defects in an integrated circuits (IC). The embedded memory tests in an integrated circuits utilize Built In Self Test (BIST) strategy. In this paper we have shown BIST technique and several algorithms used in BIST to test embedded memory. Such memory BIST technique comprises of address generator, controller, comparator and memory. The work presents the three different algorithms for implementing controller used in the memory BIST. The modeling of the memory BIST controller is performed using Verilog HDL to verify correctness of these memory controllers which are then synthesized using RTL compiler utilizing TSMC 90 nm and ARM 7 nm technology library. The paper shows the comparisons of area, power and timing results obtained from RTL compiler for these controller.