Abstract:
The invention provides a method of test pattern generation for an integrated circuit (IC) design simulation system, comprising merging at least 2 test vectors into a merged vector, wherein each test defines a set of test behaviors, and compiling and linking the merged vector using the IC design simulation system to generate a merged test pattern able to perform each set of test behaviors independently.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   The invention is related to an integrated circuit (IC) design simulation and, more particularly, to a method of test pattern generation for an integrated circuit (IC) design simulation system. 
   Conventionally, when designing an IC, an IC design simulation system can be utilized to test the design. A test vector is composed for each set of test operations to test IC behavior. Each test vector is then compiled and linked for generation of a test pattern. The test pattern is executed to generate simulated results according to the set of test operations. The IC design simulation system comprises a test model for function simulation of the IC, and a plurality of device models for function simulation of the devices the IC are designed to connect thereto. The interactions of the IC and the devices can be simulated to verify the function of the IC. 
     FIG. 1  is a flowchart of a conventional method for IC design simulation. Test vectors  1 ˜M are composed for different sets of operations, respectively. Each test vector can comprise test configuration and test behavior. The test configuration comprises settings of the test model and device models according to the test behavior. 
   As shown, test vectors  1 ˜M are composed for different sets of operations. Test vectors  1 ˜M are then compiled and linked to generate test pattern  1 ˜M. Test pattern  1 ˜M is then executed, comprising configuring the test model and device models as defined by test configuration and performing the test operations defined by the test behavior. Corresponding operation record file and error log file will be generated after test pattern  1 ˜M execution. M times of compiling, linking and configuration time will be consumed. 
   Conventionally, a set of test operations requires compiling and linking time for generate a test pattern from a test vector, and configuration and execution time for performing a simulation. Multiple test operations may required when designing an IC, thus the time consumed on the compiling, linking, configuration and execution is significant. 
   SUMMARY 
   The invention provides a method of test pattern generation for an IC design simulation system, comprising merging at least 2 test vectors into a merged vector, wherein each test defines a set of test behaviors, and compiling and linking the merged vector using the IC design simulation system to generate a merged test pattern capable of simulating each set of test behaviors independently. 
   The invention further provides a machine-readable storage medium for storing a computer program providing a method of test pattern generation for an IC design simulation system, the method comprising merging at least 2 test vectors into a merged vector, wherein each test defines a set of test behaviors, and compiling and linking the merged vector using the IC design simulation system to generate a merged test pattern capable of simulating each set of test behaviors independently. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, incorporated in and constituting a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the features, advantages, and principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a flowchart of a conventional method for an IC design simulation system. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a format arrangement of test vector according to the invention. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a format of a merged vector from test vectors of  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart of generating a merged test pattern by merging test patterns. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   By analyzing format of test vector, duplicate settings in test configuration among test vectors are significant, i.e. duplicate configuration operations are performed when simulating each set of test operation, since, when simulating in design stage, function tests are emphasized such that the configuration of the devices is mostly unchanged. 
   Even when functions corresponding to settings are being tested, the settings of initial test configuration can remain the same. As described, the IC design simulation system comprises a test model for function simulation of the IC, and a plurality of device models for function simulation of the devices to which the IC is designed to connect. The interactions of the IC and the devices can be simulated to verify the function of the IC. Since duplicate settings in test configuration among test vectors are significant, a method of composing test vectors may provide defining a common configuration for all test vectors, and when different configuration is required, defining configuration modification in the test behavior. 
     FIG. 2A  illustrates a format arrangement of test vector according to the invention. Test vectors  1 ˜M comprise test configurations  11 ˜M 1  and test behavior  12 ˜M 2 , respectively. As shown, a common configuration is composed for all test configurations  11 ˜M 1 . In this embodiment, test behaviors  12 ˜M 2  comprise operations to modify configurations, such as setting register values of test model or device models, to set different configurations for certain operations. For example, if test vector  1  requires configurations other than the common configuration, operations for setting register values of test model or device models are defined in test behavior  12 . 
     FIG. 2B  illustrates a format of a merged vector from test vectors of  FIG. 2A . Merged vector A 0  comprises the common configuration A 01  and test behaviors  12 ˜M 2 , wherein the common configuration A 01  is generated by comparing the test configurations  11 ˜M 1  for similarity to extract configuration constituents, and test behaviors  12 ˜M 2  comprise behavior vectors, each stored sequentially after common configuration as a macro. 
     FIG. 3  is a flowchart of generating a merged test pattern by merging test patterns. A plurality of test patterns are generated (Step S 0 ) and merged into a merged vector (Step S 1 ), as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The merged vector is the compiled and linked (Step S 2  and S 3 ). A configuration function is generated corresponding to the common configuration, and a behavior function is generated corresponding to each behavior vector macro. 
   The configuration function is executed first to configure the test system (Step S 4 ), and can be saved as a merged test pattern (Step S 5 ). The merged test pattern comprises a test parameter indicating behavior functions to be executed, when executing the merged test pattern (step S 6 ). And than, the specified behavior function(s) can be executed (Step S 7 ). 
   By implementing embodiments of the invention, a plurality of operation set can be defined in a single test vector, and a corresponding test pattern can be generated through one set of compiling, linking and configuration operation. Comparing  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , for execution of the same M sets of test operations, (M- 1 ) times of compiling, linking and configuration operation (and time) are saved. 
   The method of the invention, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard disks, or others, wherein when the program code is uploaded to and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. 
   While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the technology can still make various alterations and modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention shall be defined and protected by the following claims and their equivalents.