×

Physically aware insertion of diagnostic circuit elements

  • US 9,557,381 B1
  • Filed: 01/05/2016
  • Issued: 01/31/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A computer-implemented method for inserting diagnostic circuit elements in a scan chain of a chip comprising:

  • creating, via a processor, a segment for each latch of a plurality of latches in the scan chain to create a plurality of adjacent and connected segments;

    merging, via the processor, the two adjacent and connected segments to form a super-segment comprising all latches contained in the two adjacent and connected segments based on an objective function, wherein the objective function comprises a predetermined rule;

    analyzing a placement of the segment to identify two adjacent segments that satisfy the objective function comprises;

    selecting, via the processor, at least one parameter from a plurality of parameters associated with the objective function;

    determining, via the processor, a weighted value for each of the at least one parameter;

    defining an aggregate parameter threshold value; and

    determining, via the processor, whether a sum of the weighted values for the at least one parameter is greater than the aggregate parameter threshold value; and

    inserting, via the processor, a logic circuit element between the super-segment and a segment that is adjacent and connected to the super-segment in the scan chain, wherein the logic circuit element allows diagnostic isolation of the scan chain super-segment.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×