Patent ID: 6141790
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A computer implemented method for extracting instructions within a netlist, said netlist representing an integrated circuit, said method comprising the steps of:a) extracting, from said netlist, a set of frontier pins associated with decode circuitry that is coupled to an instruction register;b) determining a set of unique signatures, by traversing opcodes through said instruction register and examining said frontier pins, said step b) comprising the steps of:b1) traversing said opcodes sequentially to determine said set of unique signatures, provided said instruction register is less than a predetermined bit size; andb2) traversing said opcodes using one-hot instruction encoding to determine said set of unique signatures provided said instruction register is equal to or greater than said predetermined bit size; andc) extracting, from said netlist, a test data register selected by each unique signature of said set of unique signatures; andd) updating a design database with information obtained by steps b), and c).