Integrated testing of serializer/deserializer in FPGA
First Claim
1. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) comprising:
- input and output data communication connections;
a serializer/deserializer circuit coupled to the input and output data communication connections; and
a logic array programmed to generate a test data pattern coupled to the output data communication connection, the logic array is further programmed to check a data pattern received on the input data communication connection while performing a built in self test operation.
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Abstract
A field programmable gate array (FPGA) device includes a high-speed serializer/deserializer (SERDES). The field programmable gate array allows programmable built-in testing of the SERDES at operating speeds. A digital clock manager circuit allows clock signals coupled to the SERDES to be modified during the test operations to stress the SERDES circuit. The logic array of the FPGA can be programmed to generate test patterns and to analyze data received by the SERDES circuit. Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) characters, or other error checking characters, can also be generated using the logic array. During testing, the FPGA can perform extensive tests on the communication circuitry and store the results of the testing. An external tester can read the results of the test without substantial test time or complicated test equipment. After testing is complete, the device may be re-programmed to perform the end-user function, adding zero cost to the device for test implementation.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) comprising:
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input and output data communication connections;
a serializer/deserializer circuit coupled to the input and output data communication connections; and
a logic array programmed to generate a test data pattern coupled to the output data communication connection, the logic array is further programmed to check a data pattern received on the input data communication connection while performing a built in self test operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of testing a high speed interconnect circuit of a field programmable gate array (FPGA) comprising:
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generating a test pattern using programmed logic circuitry of the FPGA;
outputting the test pattern on an output connection;
coupling the test pattern to an input connection of the high speed interconnect circuit;
evaluating data received on the input connection using the programmed logic circuitry; and
storing data indicating a result of the evaluation. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. A test system comprising:
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a test circuit; and
a field programmable gate array (FPGA) coupled to the test circuit, wherein the FPGA comprises, input and output data communication connections coupled together through the test circuit, a serializer/deserializer (SERDES) circuit coupled to the input and output data communication connections, and a logic array programmed to generate a test data pattern coupled to the output data communication connection, the logic array is further programmed to check a data pattern received on the input connection while performing a built in self test operation. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A method of testing a serializer/deserializer (SERDES) circuit of a field programmable gate array (FPGA) comprising:
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programming a logic array of the FPGA;
generating a test pattern using the programmed logic array of the FPGA;
outputting the test pattern on an output connection of the SERDES circuit;
externally coupling the test pattern to an input connection of the SERDES circuit;
using the programmed logic array, evaluating data received on the input connection;
storing data indicating a result of the evaluation in a memory circuit of the FPGA; and
re-programming the logic array to perform an end user application. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification