Patent ID: 6079038
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method of testing an integrated circuit (IC) with respect to various combinations of values of a first variable IC operating parameter (X) and a second variable IC operating parameter (Y) to rapidly determine a boundary of a two-dimensional range of combinations of values of the X and Y parameters for which the IC operates properly, the method comprising the steps of:a. setting a first combination of values of said X and Y parameters;b. performing a test of said IC operating under said first combination of values of said X and Y parameters;c. if said IC fails the test performed at step b, repeatedly altering the value of the X parameter monotonically in a first direction to provide a first succession of combinations of values of said X and Y parameters and performing the test on the IC operating under each combination of said first succession until said IC passes said test;d. if said IC passes the test performed at step b, repeatedly altering the value of the X parameter monotonically in a second direction opposite of said first direction to form a second succession of combinations of values of said X and Y parameters, and performing the test on the IC operating under each combination of said second succession until said IC fails said teste. altering the value of said Y parameter, and repeating steps b through d, andf. performing a plurality of repetitions of step e with the value of the Y parameter being monotonically altered during each repetition of step e.