Abstract:
An integrated circuit comprises n storage elements, arranged to form a scan chain, that define m clock domains, wherein m≧2 and n≧m. A clock driver is adapted to provide m domain clock signals and m switching units, each adapted to provide one of the m domain clock signals to the storage elements in a respective one of the m clock domains in response to a first state of a scan mode signal, and to provide a single scan clock signal to the n storage elements in the m clock domains in response to a second state of the scan mode signal. The n storage elements are adapted to interconnect in series in response to a scan shift signal and to serially shift bits through the scan chain in response to the scan clock signal when the scan to mode signal is in the second state.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to testing integrated circuits. More particularly, the present invention relates to scan testing of integrated circuits. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Modern integrated circuits generally comprise a large number of circuit elements. It is desirable to test these circuit elements in order to ensure the proper operation of the integrated circuit. However, the number of test points (that is, locations where signals can be measured) is limited by the number of terminals of the integrated circuit, which are vastly outnumbered by the number of circuit elements to be tested. 
   Consequently, designers of modern integrated circuits often employ a test technique referred to herein as “scan testing.”  FIG. 1  shows a conventional integrated circuit  100  designed to permit scan testing. According to this technique, integrated circuit  100  includes a number of storage elements  102  that can be loaded with a test vector. The test vector is a binary number that includes bits to be loaded into storage elements  102 . Each storage element  102  comprises a flip-flop  118  and a switching unit such as a multiplexer  116 . Each multiplexer  116  is controlled by a scan shift signal  104 . When scan shift signal  104  is negated (for example, during normal operations), each multiplexer  116  gates signals from circuits such as optional logic circuits  120  to the flip-flop  118  in its storage element  102 . However, when scan shift signal  104  is asserted (for example, during scan testing), each multiplexer  116  gates signals from another storage element  102  to the flip-flop  118  in its storage element  102 , thereby causing the storage elements  102  to interconnect serially, forming a “scan chain.” 
   During scan test, scan shift signal  104  is asserted, thereby forming the scan chain. Then the test vector (also referred to as “scan data”) is shifted into the scan chain as scan data in signal  106  through the first storage element  102   aa  in the scan chain. Scan shift signal  104  is then negated, breaking the scan chain and restoring normal operational connections to storage elements  102 . A clock driver  114  then toggles the clock signals  108  of the integrated circuit one or more times to simulate actual operation. Scan shift signal  104  is then asserted again, forming the scan chain again. Then the data in the storage elements  102  are then shifted out of the scan chain as scan data out signal  110  through the last storage element  102   bn  in the scan chain, and compared to a predetermined result vector to obtain a test result. 
   Many modern integrated circuits employ multiple clock signals, referred to herein as “domain clock signals”  108 . The circuit elements driven by one clock signal  108  define a “clock domain”  112 . Owing to design constraints (for example, when there is a lack of scan pins for scan chains in the design), it is often necessary to include multiple clock domains within a single scan chain. Referring to  FIG. 1 , clock domain  112   a  comprises storage elements  102   aa  through  102   an , which are driven by domain clock signal  108   a ; and clock domain  112   b  comprises storage elements  102   ba  through  102   bn , which are driven by domain clock signal  108   b.    
   Within each clock domain  112 , it is necessary to ensure that the clock signal  108  reaches each of the clocked circuit elements at substantially the same time. In addition, clock driver  114  can directly drive only a few circuit elements. The number of circuit elements a clock driver can drive is referred to as the clock driver&#39;s “fan-out.” The number of circuit elements in a clock domain  112  that must be clocked by clock driver  114  generally far exceeds the fan-out of clock driver  114 . To solve both of these problems, designers employ a number of delay elements between the clock driver and the clocked circuit elements. The collection of interconnected delay elements is referred to as a “clock tree.” The process of determining the number and location of the delay elements for a clock domain  112  is referred to as generating a “clock tree” for the clock domain  112 . 
   When generating a clock tree for a clock domain  112 , a designer generally chooses the smallest number of delay elements that provide a common clock delay for each of the clocked circuit elements in the clock domain  112 . As a result, the total clock delays usually differ for different clock domains  112 . While this is not a problem during normal operation, it causes timing problems during scan test. One common solution is to isolate clock domains from each other by inserting a latch, referred to as a “lockup latch,” between storage elements  102  that are connected in the scan chain but belong to different clock domains  112 . Referring again to  FIG. 1 , a lockup latch (LUL)  122  is connected between storage elements  102   an  and  102   ba , thereby isolating clock domains  112   a  and  112   b  from each other. 
   One disadvantage of this approach is that the designer must correctly identify the locations where lockup latches are needed. Much of the layout process for modern integrated circuits is automated using software layout tools. However, even these sophisticated layout tools occasionally fail to insert lockup latches where needed, resulting in lost design and test time. This problem is exacerbated when more than two clock domains (and therefore more than one lock-up latch) are present in the scan chain. 
   SUMMARY 
   In general, in one aspect, the invention features an integrated circuit comprising n storage elements selectively arranged to form a scan chain, the n storage elements defining m clock domains, wherein m≧2 and n≧m; a clock driver adapted to provide m domain clock signals; and m switching units each adapted to provide one of the m domain clock signals to the storage elements in a respective one of the m clock domains in response to a first state of a scan mode signal, and to provide a single scan clock signal to the n storage elements in all of the m clock domains in response to a second state of the scan mode signal; and wherein the n storage elements in the scan chain are adapted to interconnect in series in response to a scan shift signal, and when the scan mode signal is in the second state, to serially shift bits through the scan chain in response to the scan clock signal. 
   Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. Each of the m clock domains comprises one or more delay elements that impose predetermined delays on the signal provided by a respective one of the m switching units, and wherein the integrated circuit further comprises a further delay element adapted to delay the scan clock signal provided to a first one of the m clock domains by a difference between the one of the predetermined delays imposed in the first one of the m clock domains and the one of the predetermined delays imposed in a second one of the m clock domains. At least one of the n storage elements comprises a flip-flop clocked by a respective one of the m domain clock signals; and a further switching unit adapted to provide to the flip-flop (a) an output of another one of the n storage elements in the scan chain in response to a first state of the scan shift signal, and (b) an output of a circuit element not belonging to the scan chain in response to a second state of the scan shift signal. 
   In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method for testing an integrated circuit comprising n storage elements defining m clock domains each associated with a respective one of m domain clock signals, wherein m≧2 and n≧m, the method comprising providing respective ones of m single clock signals to the ones of the n storage elements in corresponding ones of the m clock domains; when a test mode of the integrated circuit is selected, causing the n storage elements to be interconnected in series to form a scan chain, and providing a single scan clock signal as each of the m single clock signals; and when an operational mode of the integrated circuit is selected, causing the n storage elements to be disconnected from each other, and providing respective ones of the m domain clock signals as the corresponding ones of the m single clock signals. 
   Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. Implementations comprise, when the test mode is selected applying a test vector to a first one of the n storage elements in the scan chain, the test vector comprising a plurality of bits; and toggling the single scan clock signal one or more times; wherein the n storage elements shift the test vector into the scan chain in response to the toggling of the single scan clock signal, so that each of the bits in the test vector is stored in a respective one of a plurality of the n storage elements. Implementations comprise, when the test mode is selected toggling the single scan clock signal one or more times; and measuring the outputs of a last one of the n storage elements in the scan chain. Each of the m clock domains comprises one or more delay elements that impose predetermined delays on the corresponding one of the m single clock signals, and the method further comprises delaying the scan clock signal provided to a first one of the m clock domains by a difference between the one of the predetermined delays imposed in the first one of the m clock domains and the one of the predetermined delays imposed in a second one of the m clock domains. 
   In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method for designing an integrated circuit comprising providing a scan chain comprising n storage elements defining m clock domains, wherein m≧2 and n≧m; providing a clock driver adapted to provide m domain clock signals; and providing m switching units each adapted to provide one of the m domain clock signals to the storage elements in a respective one of the m clock domains in response to a first state of a scan mode signal, and to provide a single scan clock signal to the n storage elements in all of the m clock domains in response to a second state of the scan mode signal; and wherein the n storage elements in the scan chain are adapted to interconnect in series in response to a scan shift signal, and when the scan mode signal is in the second state, to serially shift bits through the scan chain in response to the scan clock signal. 
   Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. Implementations comprise providing in each of the m clock domains one or more delay elements that impose predetermined delays on the signal provided by a respective one of the m switching units; and providing a further delay element adapted to delay the scan clock signal provided to a first one of the m clock domains by a difference between the one of the predetermined delays imposed in the first one of the m clock domains and the one of the predetermined delays imposed in a second one of the m clock domains. Implementations comprise providing, in at least one of the n storage elements, a flip-flop clocked by a respective one of the m domain clock signals; and a further switching unit adapted to provide to the flip-flop (a) an output of another one of the n storage elements in the scan chain in response to a first state of the scan shift signal, and (b) an output of a circuit element not belonging to the scan chain in response to a second state of the scan shift signal. 
   The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a conventional integrated circuit designed to permit scan testing. 
       FIG. 2  shows an integrated circuit designed to employ scan testing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a scan test process of the integrated circuit of  FIG. 2  according to a preferred embodiment. 
   

   The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 2  shows an integrated circuit  200  designed to employ scan testing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Integrated circuit  200  comprises a plurality of clocked circuit elements including storage elements  102  that form a scan chain for integrated circuit  200 . The clocked circuit elements can comprise any of a number of digital electronic devices including logic circuits, microprocessors, memory devices, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the like. Storage elements  102  can comprise any of a number of digital electronic devices including registers, flip-flops, memory devices, and the like. 
   Storage elements  102  define multiple clock domains  112 . For clarity, an embodiment comprising only two clock domains  112   a  and  112   b  is described, although other embodiments can comprise greater numbers of clock domains, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts after reading this description. Referring to  FIG. 2 , clock domain  112   a  comprises storage elements  102   aa  through  102   an . Clock domain  112   b  comprises storage elements  102   ba  through  102   bn.    
   In one embodiment, each storage element  102  comprises a flip-flop  118  and a multiplexer  116 . Each multiplexer  116  is controlled by a scan shift signal  104 . When scan shift signal  104  is negated (for example, during normal operations), each multiplexer  116  gates signals from circuits such as optional logic circuits  120  to the flip-flop  118  in its storage element  102 . However, when scan shift signal  104  is asserted (for example, during scan test), each multiplexer  116  gates signals from another storage element  102  in the scan chain (or in the case of the first storage element in the scan chain, from the input to the scan chain) to the flip-flop  118  in its storage element  102 , thereby causing the storage elements  102  to interconnect serially, forming the scan chain. 
   In some embodiments, the maximum delay imposed by the clock trees differs from clock domain to clock domain. In these embodiments, one or more delay elements  204  can be employed to delay scan clock signal  208  by predetermined amounts, so that all of the storage elements  102  in all of the clock domains  112  are clocked simultaneously by scan clock signal  208  during scan test. 
   Delay elements  204  are selected so that scan clock signal  208  reaches all of the clocked circuit elements in all of clock domains  112  at substantially the same time. In other words, the delays imposed by delay elements  204  compensate for the different total clock delays imposed on the clock signals in the different clock domains  112 . In a scan chain comprising n clock domains  112 , n−1 delay elements are needed. Referring to  FIG. 2 , a delay element  204  delays the scan clock signal  208  provided to clock domain  112   a , thereby compensating for the difference in delays imposed by the clock trees in clock domains  112   a  and  112   b.    
   All of the flip-flops  118  in a clock domain  112  receive a single clock signal, which of course may be propagated through a clock tree comprising one or more delay elements (not shown) to eliminate race conditions and meet fan-out limitations. The clock signal within each clock domain  112  is provided by a multiplexer  202  that is controlled by a scan mode signal  206 , which has two states. 
   A first state of scan mode signal  206  (for example, when scan mode signal  206  is negated or a logic low) corresponds to the normal operation of integrated circuit  200 . When scan mode signal  206  is in the first state, each multiplexer  202  provides the corresponding domain clock signal  108  to the clocked circuit elements in its clock domain  112 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , when scan mode signal  206  is in the first state, flip-flops  118   aa  through  118   an  in clock domain  112   a  are clocked by domain clock signal  108   a , and flip-flops  118   ba  through  118   bn  in clock domain  112   b  are clocked by domain clock signal  108   b . The first state of scan mode signal  206  can also be used during scan testing, as described below. 
   A second state of scan mode signal  206  (for example, when scan mode signal  206  is asserted or a logic high) corresponds to a scan test operation of integrated circuit  200 . When scan mode signal  206  is in the second state, each multiplexer  202  provides scan clock signal  208  (delayed by one of delay elements  204 , if necessary) to the clocked circuit elements in its clock domain  112  as their clock signal. Referring to  FIG. 2 , when scan mode signal  206  is in the second state, flip-flops  118   aa  through  118   an  in clock domain  112   a  and flip-flops  118   ba  through  118   bn  in clock domain  112   b  are all clocked by scan clock signal  208 . 
     FIG. 3  depicts a scan test process  300  of integrated circuit  200  according to a preferred embodiment. Although the steps of process  300  are described in a particular order, the steps can be performed in other orders, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts after reading this description. 
   Process  300  asserts scan mode signal  206  (step  302 ). In a preferred embodiment, scan mode signal  206  is asserted by changing scan mode signal  206  from its first state (corresponding to the normal operation of integrated circuit  200 ) to its second state (corresponding to the scan test operation of integrated circuit  200 ). Scan mode signal  206  is preferably provided to integrated circuit  200  through an external pin used for this purpose (for example by a test bed device) or through a tap device included in integrated circuit  200   
   In response to the second state of scan mode signal, each multiplexer  202  gates scan clock signal  208  to the clock inputs of the storage elements  102  within the clock domain  112  corresponding to that multiplexer  202 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , in response to the second state of scan mode signal, multiplexer  202   a  gates scan clock signal  208  to the clock inputs of the storage devices  102   aa  through  102   an  within the clock domain  112   a , and multiplexer  202   b  gates scan clock signal  208  to the clock inputs of the storage devices  102   ba  through  102   bn  within the clock domain  112   b.    
   Process  300  loads the test vector (step  304 ). Referring to  FIG. 2 , process  300  loads the test vector in the following manner. Process  300  asserts scan shift signal  104 , thereby forming the scan chain. When scan shift signal  104  is asserted, multiplexer  116   aa  gates scan data in signal  106  to flip-flop  118   aa . The output of flip-flop  118   aa  is provided, possibly through other storage elements  102  within the scan chain, to multiplexer  116   an  which, under the control of scan shift signal  104 , gates the received signal to the last flip-flop  118   an  in the scan chain in clock domain  112   a . The output of flip-flop  118   an  is provided to the first storage element  102  in the scan chain in clock domain  112   b . While scan shift signal  104  is asserted, multiplexer  116   ba  gates the received signal to flip-flop  118   ba , and the output of flip-flop  118   ba  is provided, possibly through other storage elements  102  within the scan chain, to multiplexer  116   bn , which gates the received signal to flip-flop  118   bn . Of course, the progress of data through the scan chain is controlled by clocking storage elements  102 . 
   Process  300  applies the test vector as scan data in signal  106  to the first storage element  102   aa  in the scan chain. The test vector preferably includes a bit corresponding to each storage element  102  in the scan chain, and is preferably provided to integrated circuit  200  by an external test bed device configured to test integrated circuit  200 . 
   Process  300  toggles scan clock signal  208 . Scan clock signal  208  includes a plurality of clock transitions, and is preferably provided by the test bed device. As the flip-flops  118  within storage elements  102  are clocked by scan clock signal  208 , the test vector is shifted bit-wise through the scan chain until the bits of the test vector are stored in the desired storage elements  102  of the scan chain. 
   Process  300  negates scan shift signal  104  (step  306 ), thereby breaking the scan chain. In response, storage elements  102  resume their normal operational configuration. Referring to  FIG. 2 , in response to the negation of scan shift signal  104 , multiplexer  116   aa  gates the output of an optional logic circuit  120   aa  to flip-flop  118   aa , multiplexer  116   ba  gates the output of an optional logic circuit  120   ba  to flip-flop  118   ba , and so on. 
   Clock driver  114  then toggles scan clock signal  208  once to simulate the actual operation of integrated circuit  200  (step  308 ). 
   Process  300  then unloads the test vector (step  310 ), which has been modified by the operation of integrated circuit  200  in response to toggling scan clock signal  208 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , process  300  unloads the test vector in the following manner. Process  300  asserts scan shift signal  104 , forming the scan chain again. Process  300  toggles scan clock signal  208 , thereby shifting the contents of storage elements  102  out of integrated circuit  200  through the last storage element  102   bn  in the scan chain, and preferably into a test bed device for analysis, as scan data out signal  110 . If multiple scan tests are to be performed, the next test vector can be loaded while the previous test vector is unloaded. The contents of the scan chain can be measured during unloading. 
   The invention can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Apparatus of the invention can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps of the invention can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output. The invention can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computer will include one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). 
   A number of implementations of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. List any additional modifications or variations. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.