SRAM transparent testing methodology using dynamic power supply current

Abstract

A new transparent testing methodology using dynamic power supply current is proposed which is much simpler than traditional transparent testing algorithms. It employs the dynamic power supply current instead of making signatures so that it does not need the extra steps and hardware to generate a signature. The paper describes how to convert a March algorithm to a transparent one and how to cover the fault models considered. The transformed algorithm is much simpler and test time can be greatly reduced. In addition, it can detect extra faults that the original algorithm cannot. The whole BIST architecture is described, together with a new peak current detector.