Patent ID: 7379836

Claim:
A method for identifying test devices having excessive leakage current, the method comprising: a) obtaining background test data by using a test routine to measure leakage current as a function of test operating frequency for a set of test devices such that the testing is performed on a test set of device lots having a known range of device speeds, the testing being performed at a range of test operating frequencies to define a relationship between leakage current and the test operating frequency; b) determining, from the test data, a leakage threshold function that correlates with test operating frequency wherein leakage defines a measured leakage cunent and the leakage threshold function defines a leakage current value above which the device under test is determined to have failed the test wherein said process of determining the leakage threshold function comprises statistically evaluating the results of the testing performing on the test set of device lots to define a leakage threshold function that defines an acceptable leakage current over a range of test operating frequencies; c) inputting the test routine and the leakage threshold function into an automated testing apparatus configured to execute testing on devices; d) testing a device to determine its leakage current over a range of parameter values associated with device speed; and e) screening the device using the leakage threshold function to determine the status of the device.