Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/370,700 filed Apr. 9, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND 
   In this specification, the term integrated circuit is used to describe a chip or MCM (multi-chip module) embedded with DFT (design-for-test) techniques. 
   The scan-based DFT technique in either a scan-test or a self-test environment is the most widely used method for producing high quality integrated circuits. The scan-based DFT technique requires that all storage elements existing in an integrated circuit, such as D flip-flops, be replaced with their scan-equivalent storage elements, such as Scan D flip-flops, otherwise known as scan cells. These scan cells are then connected to form one or more scan chains each controlled by one or more scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) each belonging to a separate clock or frequency domain. 
   The testing of a scan-based integrated circuit proceeds in a sequence of shift and capture cycles, which are repeated for the desired number of test patterns. In order to distinguish between shift and capture cycles, a scan enable (SE) signal local to all scan cells in a clock domain is used to select either the shift path or the functional path as the path to provide a new value to update such a scan cell. In the shift cycle, the shift path is selected in order to shift in the desired test stimuli into scan cells belonging to all the different scan chains. In the capture cycle, the functional path is selected in order to update the scan cells with the test response from the combinational part of the integrated circuit. 
   Typically, in the scan-test environment, all test control signals including scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) as well as test stimuli are provided externally from an ATE (automatic test equipment), and test responses are also collected and compared by an ATE. In the self-test environment, on the other hand, all test control signals are generated internally using a BIST (Built-In Self-Test) controller, which also includes the circuitry for internal generation and compaction of test stimuli and test responses using PRPGs (pseudo-random pattern generators) and MISRs (multiple-input signature registers), respectively. Related prior-art information can be found in books written by Abromovici et al. (1990), Nadeau-Dostie (2000), and Crouch (2000). 
   An added level of complexity arises when at-speed test is attempted to be performed on a scan-based integrated circuit. At-speed test can be implemented with either the last-shift launch methodology or the capture launch (double capture) methodology. When this is attempted in either a scan-test or a self-test environment, a new form of synchronization and timing waveforms are required for test controls and data signals in order for the test to be performed correctly. An additional level of complexity arises due to the numerous different implementations that have been used to implement at-speed test. 
   The following are examples of some of the prior-art solutions for testing or diagnosing an scan-based integrated circuit and their associated problems: 
   Prior-art scan-test solutions, documented in the book by Abromovici et al. (1990), suffer from the following problems: First, an ATE may need to provide many high-frequency scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) to a scan-based integrated circuit in order to conduct at-speed test. In addition, to realize real at-speed test and to avoid clock-skew issues crossing clock domains, each clock domain may need to be provided with individual scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs). This will make the ATE complicated and expensive, which results in higher test costs. Second, even for reduced-speed scan-test or debug, it is not easy to conduct with simple hardware such as a low-cost DFT tester or debugger, because an ATE still needs to provide most of the test controls. Third, since different waveforms need to be generated for shift and capture cycles in order to address the test power issues and to target various fault types, the test controls needed from an ATE often become complicated. Therefore, it is clear that, if the interface between an ATE and a scan-based integrated circuit can be simplified, low-cost DFT testers or debuggers can be used. In addition, DFT design costs will also be reduced. 
   Prior-art self-test solutions, documented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,587 issued to Nadeau-Dostie (1994), U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,543 issued to Bhawmik (1997), U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,684 issued to Nadeau-Dostie (2001), and the paper co-authored by Hetherington et al. (2000), suffer from the following problem: a BIST controller often needs to be re-designed once different requirements arise related to the test power and test type issues. This will complicate the BIST design flow and design costs will also increase. 
   From the previous discussion, it is also clear that, while there has been extensive work done on implementing the numerous flavors of scan-based tests, there has not been enough work done on implementing these tests in a way that they can co-exist together in the same circuit for both scan-test and self-test. In fact, most of the current implementations require adopting a design methodology that is completely aware of the type of the specific scan-based test implementation, and precludes other implementations from being easily implemented in the same circuit. This is also a reason for escalating test design costs. 
   Thus, there is a need to implement an improved method and apparatus for unifying self-test with scan-test that allows designers to implement reduced-speed test as well as different flavors of at-speed test by generating the necessary test control signals for shift and capture cycles. The basic idea is to implement the test control functions common to both scan-test and self-test with a special piece of circuitry to be embedded in a scan-based integrated circuit. This way, the test interface with an ATE or a BIST controller can be greatly simplified. The method and apparatus devised based on this idea not only unifies scan-test and self-test but also allows a low-cost DFT tester or a low-cost DFT debugger to be used for testing or diagnosing a scan-based integrated circuit. 
   SUMMARY 
   Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is to provide an improved DFT (design-for-test) system for unifying self-test and scan-test using a unified test controller. Such a DFT system comprises a method and apparatus for using a unified test controller to ease prototype debug and production test. The present invention further comprises a computer-aided design (CAD) system that synthesizes such a DFT system and generates desired HDL (hardware description language) test benches and ATE (automatic test equipment) test programs. The unified test controller technique specified in the present invention is summarized as follows: 
   The unified test controller contains a capture clock generator, a capture phase selector, a test type selector, and a plurality of domain clock generators each embedded in a clock domain for generating scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) to perform either self-test or scan-test. 
   (1) Capture Clock Generator 
   The capture clock generator has three sets of inputs: a global scan enable (GSE) signal, a test clock, and a plurality of capture phase selection signals. The GSE signal can be provided externally from an ATE or generated internally by a TAP (test access port) controller as specified by a Boundary-scan Standard such as the IEEE 1149.1 Std. It is used to define the boundary between shift and capture cycles for all clock domains. The test clock is provided from an ATE, either as a TCK clock in a Boundary-scan design or as a direct external test clock. The desired test clock can be selected by a clock type selector. The capture phase selection signals are used to determine the capture order for the clock domains. 
   The capture clock generator generates a plurality of capture clocks (CCKs) in response to the GSE signal, the test clock, and a plurality of capture phase selection signals. These capture clocks (CCKs) are used to guide at-speed or reduced-speed self-test (or scan-test) within each clock domain. The frequency of these capture clocks (CCKs) can be totally unrelated to those of system clocks controlling the clock domains. 
   (2) Capture Phase Selector 
   The capture phase selector can be a shift register, which is chained together with the test type selector to form one single shift register. This shift register can be accessed through the TDI (Test data in) port in a Boundary-scan design. The values shifted into the capture phase selector are used to generate a plurality of capture phase selection signals, which are used to determine the capture order for the clock domains. 
   (3) Test Type Selector 
   The test type selector can be a shift register, which is chained together with the capture phase selector to form one single shift register. This shift register can be accessed through the TDI (Test data in) port in a Boundary-scan design. The values shifted into the test type selector are used to generate a plurality of test type selection signals, which are used to determine the type of faults, either stuck-type or non-stuck-type, to be targeted. 
   (4) Domain Clock Generator 
   There are a plurality of domain clock generators, each embedded in one clock domain. A domain clock generator has four sets of inputs: a global scan enable (GSE) signal, a capture clock (CCK), a system clock, and a test type selection signal. The GSE signal can be provided externally from an ATE or generated internally by a TAP controller. It is used to define the boundary between shift and capture cycles for all clock domains. The capture clock (CCK) is provided from the capture clock generator. The test type selection signal is used to determine the type of faults, either stuck-type or non-stuck-type, to be targeted. 
   The domain clock generator generates a scan enable (SE) signal as well as a scan clock (SCK) for the corresponding clock domain. This generation is guided by the GSE signal and the capture clock (CCK). The generated scan enable (SE) signal and the scan clock (SCK) can be used to perform shift cycles with either non-overlapping or overlapping waveforms. In addition, the generated scan enable (SE) signal and the scan clock (SCK) can be used to detect or locate either stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults in scan-test or self-test. Stuck-type faults include stuck-at faults, bridging faults, and IDDQ (IDD Quiescent) faults; while non-stuck-type faults include transition faults using last-shift launch, transition faults using capture launch (double capture), path-delay faults using last-shift launch, path-delay faults using capture launch (double capture), multiple-cycle delay faults using last-shift launch, and multiple-cycle delay faults using capture launch (double capture). In addition, both at-speed test and reduced-speed (slow-speed) test can be conducted. 
   The advantages of using a unified test controller in scan-test and self-test are as follows: 
   First, a unified test controller is general in the sense that it can be used for both scan-test and self-test. It implements the test control tasks common to both scan-test and self-test. Once a unified test controller is designed, it will be easy to use it in implementing either scan-test or self-test. 
   Second, using a unified test controller greatly reduces the DFT design efforts in order to accommodate various test requirements. Basically, the function of a unified test controller can be programmable with some shift registers used to select test clock types, capture phase types, and test types. With a unified test controller, it becomes unnecessary to re-design test controls either on an ATE or in a BIST (Built-In Self-Test) controller. 
   Third, a unified test controller implements the test control tasks common to both scan-test and self-test as hardware means embedded in a scan-based integrated circuits. This greatly simplifies the function and performance required on an ATE. As a result, a low-cost DFT tester or DFT debugger can be easily implemented. 
   To summarize, the present invention uses a unified test controller technique. The unified test controller comprises a capture clock generator and a plurality of domain clock generators each embedded in a clock domain to perform self-test or scan-test. The capture clocks (CCKs) generated by the capture clock generator are used to guide at-speed or reduced-speed self-test (or scan-test) within each clock domain by providing proper scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs). The frequency of these capture clocks (CCKs) can be totally unrelated to those of system clocks controlling the clock domains. The present invention unifies scan-test and self-test and makes it possible to test or diagnose both stuck-type and non-stuck-type faults with an ATE, a low-cost DFT tester, or a low-cost DFT debugger. The present invention also includes a computer-aided design (CAD) method developed to realize the method and synthesize the unified test controller. 

   
     THE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent when considered with the following specification and accompanying drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  shows a prior-art example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit with three clock domains and three system clocks, where a conventional ATE (automatic test equipment) is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults in scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 2  shows an example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit with three clock domains and three system clocks, where a unified test controller, in accordance with the present invention and controlled directly by an ATE (automatic test equipment), is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults in scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 3  shows an example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit with three clock domains and three system clocks, where a unified test controller, in accordance with the present invention and controlled by an ATE (automatic test equipment) through a TAP (test access port) controller, is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults in scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 4  shows a prior-art example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit with three clock domains and three system clocks, where a conventional BIST (Built-In Self-Test) controller, controlled directly by an ATE (automatic test equipment), is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults in self-test mode; 
       FIG. 5  shows an example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit with three clock domains and three system clocks, where a unified test controller, in accordance with the present invention and controlled directly by an ATE (automatic test equipment), is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults at reduced-speed or at-speed in self-test mode; 
       FIG. 6  shows an example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit with three clock domains and three system clocks, where a unified test controller, in accordance with the present invention and controlled by an ATE (automatic test equipment) through a TAP (test access port) controller, is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults at reduced-speed or at-speed in self-test mode; 
       FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of a unified test controller, in accordance with the present invention, consisting of a capture clock generator, a capture phase selector, a test type selector, and three domain clock generators, each for generating the scan enable (SE) signal and the scan clock (SCK) for each of the three clock domains; 
       FIG. 8  shows a block diagram of a global scan enable generator of one embodiment of the present invention to generate a global scan enable (GSE) signal; 
       FIG. 9  shows a block diagram of a test clock generator and a clock type selector of one embodiment of the present invention to generate a test clock; 
       FIG. 10A  shows the waveforms of three capture clocks (CCKs), non-overlapping in both shift and capture cycles, generated by the capture clock generator shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 10B  shows the waveforms of three capture clocks (CCKs), overlapping in the shift cycle but non-overlapping in the capture cycle, generated by the capture clock generator shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 11A  shows the waveforms of three scan clocks (SCKs), non-overlapping in both shift and capture cycles, generated by the domain clock generators shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention, to detect or locate stuck-type faults in self-test or scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 11B  shows the waveforms of three scan clocks (SCKs), overlapping in the shift cycle but non-overlapping in the capture cycle, generated by the domain clock generators shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention, to detect or locate stuck-type faults in self-test or scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 12A  shows the waveforms of three scan clocks (SCKs), non-overlapping in both shift and capture cycles, generated by the domain clock generators shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention, to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults at-speed with the capture launch (double capture) scheme in self-test or scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 12B  shows the waveforms of three scan clocks (SCKs), overlapping in the shift cycle but non-overlapping in the capture cycle, generated by the domain clock generators shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention, to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults at-speed with the capture launch (double capture) scheme in self-test or scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 12C  shows the waveforms of three scan clocks (SCKs), overlapping in the shift cycle but non-overlapping in the capture cycle, generated by the domain clock generators shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention, to detect or locate 2-cycle delay faults at-speed with the capture launch (double capture) scheme in self-test or scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 13A  shows the waveforms of three scan clocks (SCKs), non-overlapping in both shift and capture cycles, generated by the domain clock generators shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention, to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults at-speed with the last-shift launch scheme in self-test or scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 13B  shows the waveforms of three scan clocks (SCKs), overlapping in the shift cycle but non-overlapping in the capture cycle, generated by the domain clock generators shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention, to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults at-speed with the last-shift launch scheme in self-test or scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 13C  shows the waveforms of three scan clocks (SCKs), overlapping in the shift cycle but non-overlapping in the capture cycle, generated by the domain clock generators shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present invention, to detect or locate 2-cycle delay faults at-speed with the last-shift launch scheme in self-test or scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 14A  shows a block diagram of a unified test controller and three pairs of PRPGs (pseudo-random pattern generators) and MISRs (multiple-input signature registers), in accordance with the present invention, which are used to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit with three clock domains in self-test mode; 
       FIG. 14B  shows a block diagram of a unified test controller and two pairs of PRPGs (pseudo-random pattern generators) and MISRs (multiple-input signature registers), in accordance with the present invention, which are used to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit with three clock domains in self-test mode; 
       FIG. 14C  shows a block diagram of a unified test controller and one pair of PRPG (pseudo-random pattern generator) and MISR (multiple-input signature register), in accordance with the present invention, which are used to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit with three clock domains in self-test mode; 
       FIG. 14D  shows a block diagram of a unified test controller and one decompressor-compressor pair, in accordance with the present invention, which are used to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit with three clock domains in scan-test mode; 
       FIG. 15  shows the flow diagram of a computer-readable program in a computer-readable memory, in accordance with the present invention, to cause a computer system to perform a method for synthesizing a unified test controller for testing or diagnosing a plurality of clock domains in a scan-based integrated circuit in self-test or scan-test mode; and 
       FIG. 16  shows an electronic design automation system, where a computer-readable program, in accordance with the present invention, performs a method for synthesizing a unified test controller for testing or diagnosing a plurality of clock domains in a scan-based integrated circuit in self-test or scan-test mode. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The following description is presently contemplated as the best mode of carrying out the present invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing the principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined by referring to the appended claims. 
     FIG. 1  shows a prior-art example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  102  with three clock domains, CD 1   103  to CD 3   105 , and three system clocks, sys_CK 1   117  to sys_CK 3   119 . Each system clock controls one clock domain. Furthermore, CD 1   103  and CD 2   104  interact with each other through the crossing clock-domain logic block CCD 1   106 . CD 2   104  and CD 3   105  interact with each other through the crossing clock-domain logic block CCD 2   107 . In addition, the CUT  102  is a scan-based integrated circuit. That is, all or part of its storage cells are replaced with scan cells SC and all scan cells SC are connected into one or more scan chains SCN. 
   A conventional ATE (automatic test equipment)  101  is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults in scan-test mode. The ATE  101  provides both scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   108  to SE 3   110 , as well as scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   117  to SCK 3   119 , to the CUT  102 . During the shift cycle, stimuli,  111  to  113 , will be shifted into all scan cells SC through all scan chains SCN within the three clock domains CD 1   103  to CD 3   105  simultaneously. Note that the shift cycle can operate either at its rated clock speed (at-speed) or at any reduced clock speed (reduced-speed). After the shift cycle is completed, functional clocks are applied to all or part of the three clock domains to capture test responses into scan cells SC. During the capture cycle, each clock can operate either at-speed or at reduced-speed. After the capture cycle is completed, the test responses,  114  to  116 , captured by all scan cells SC are shifted out through scan chains SCN for direct comparison at the ATE  101 . 
   The three clock domains, CD 1   103  to CD 3   105 , are originally designed to operate at 100 MHz, 50 MHz, and 66 MHz, respectively. During self-test or scan-test, the ATE  101  will take over the control of all system clocks. Based on power management requirements and target test types, the ATE  101  will provide proper clock waveforms for scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   117  to SCK 3   119 . 
   Note that a conventional ATE should provide all test control signals including scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks. In addition, the ATE should also provide test stimuli and analyze test responses. This is the key reason why a conventional ATE is complicated and expensive. 
     FIG. 2  shows an example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  205  with three clock domains, CD 1   206  to CD 3   208 , and three system clocks, sys_CK 1   246  to sys_CK 3   248 , where a unified test controller  202 , in accordance with the present invention and controlled directly by an ATE (automatic test equipment)  201 , is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults in scan-test mode. 
   The ATE  201  provides test stimuli  217  to the CUT  205  and compares test responses  216  from the CUT  205  with expected values to determine if the CUT  205  is faulty or not. The ATE  201  also provides a scan mode signal Scan_Mode  211 , a global scan enable signal GSE  212 , and a test clock Test_Clock  213  to the unified test controller  202 . 
   The unified test controller  202  passes the scan mode signal from the ATE  201  to the CUT  205 . In addition, it generates three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   224  to SE 3   226 , and three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   228  to SCK 3   230 , for the three clock domains, CD 1   206  to CD 3   208 , respectively. These scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) are generated in response to the global scan enable signal GSE  219 , the test clock Test_Clock  220 , and system clocks, sys_CK 1   221  to sys_CK 3   223 . The unified test controller  202  also has two shift registers: a capture phase selector  203  and a test type selector  204 . These two shift registers are chained together and can be accessed from the ATE  201  through the TDI (Test data in)  214  and TDO (Test data out)  215  ports. Depending on the value of the capture phase selector  203 , the capture order determined by the phases of the scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   228  to SCK 3   230 , can be selected. Depending on the value of the test type selector  204 , waveforms for scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   228  to SCK 3   230 , can be generated to detect or locate either stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults. 
   With the use of the unified test controller  202 , the function of the ATE  201  can be dramatically simplified since scan test control signals, including scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) for all clock domains, can now be generated by the unified test controller  202  instead of the ATE  201 . This makes it possible to use a low-cost DFT (design-for-test) tester or a low-cost DFT debugger to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit with large size and high complexity. 
     FIG. 3  shows an example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  307  with three clock domains, CD 1   308  to CD 3   310 , and three system clocks, sys_CK 1   367  to sys_CK 3   369 , where a unified test controller  303 , in accordance with the present invention and controlled by an ATE (automatic test equipment)  301  through a TAP (test access port) controller  302 , is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults in scan-test mode. 
   The ATE  301  provides test stimuli  320  to the CUT  307  and compares test responses  319  from the CUT  307  with expected values to determine if the CUT  307  is faulty or not. The ATE  301  also provides an external test clock Ext_Test_Clock  318  as well as a standard five-pin TAP interface, TMS (Test mode select)  313 , TDI (Test data in)  314 , TDO (Test data out)  315 , TCK (Test clock)  317 , and optionally TRSTB (Test reset)  316 , to the unified test controller  303 . 
   The TAP controller  302  generates a scan mode signal Scan_Mode  331  for the CUT  307  from the values shifted-in from the ATE  301  through the TDI  322  port. In addition, it generates Shift_DR  326 , Capture_DR  327 , Update_DR  328 , and Clock_DR  329  signals for the unified test controller  303 . These signals are used to generate an internal global scan enable (GSE) signal for the unified test controller  303 . 
   The unified test controller  303  generates three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   345  to SE 3   347 , and three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   348  to SCK 3   350 , for the three clock domains, CD 1   308  to CD 3   310 , respectively. These scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKS) are generated in response to an internal global scan enable (GSE) signal, the TCK clock  339 , the external test clock Ext_Test_Clock  341 , and system clocks, sys_CK 1   342  to sys_CK 3   344 . The unified test controller  303  also has three shift registers: a clock type selector  304 , a capture phase selector  305 , and a test type selector  306 . These three shift registers are chained together and can be accessed from the TAP controller  302  through the TDI  333  and TDO  334  ports. Depending on the value of the clock type selector  304 , either the TCK clock  339  or the external test clock Ext_Test_Clock  341  can be selected as an internal test clock. Depending on the value of the capture phase selector  305 , the capture order determined by the phases of the scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   348  to SCK 3   350 , can be selected. Depending on the value of the test type selector  306 , waveforms for scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   348  to SCK 3   350 , can be generated to detect or locate either stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults. 
   With the use of the unified test controller  303  together with the TAP controller  302 , the function of the ATE  301  can be further simplified since scan test control signals, including scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) for all clock domains, can now be generated by the unified test controller  303  instead of the ATE  301 . The ATE  301  only needs to provide some initial control values and a TCK clock through a standard TAP interface. This makes it possible to use a low-cost DFT (design-for-test) tester or a low-cost DFT debugger to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit with large size and high complexity. 
     FIG. 4  shows a prior-art example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  403  with three clock domains, CD 1   404  to CD 3   406 , and three system clocks, sys_CK 1   414  to sys_CK 3   416 , where a conventional BIST (Built-In Self-Test) controller  402 , connected directly to an ATE (automatic test equipment)  401 , is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults in self-test mode. 
   The conventional BIST controller  402  usually contains PRPGs (pseudo-random pattern generators) to generate pseudo-random patterns as test stimuli  455  for the CUT  403  to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults. Test responses  456  from the CUT  403  are compressed by MISRs (multiple-input signature registers) into test signatures. The signatures are then compared with corresponding expected values, and a Pass/Fail signal  428  will be set to indicate if the CUT  403  is faulty or not. 
     FIG. 5  shows an example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  507  with three clock domains, CD 1   508  to CD 3   510 , and three system clocks, sys_CK 1   561  to sys_CK 3   563 , where a unified test controller  502 , in accordance with the present invention and controlled directly by an ATE  501 , is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults at reduced-speed or at-speed in self-test mode. 
   The ATE  501  provides a scan mode signal Scan_Mode  515 , a BIST (Built-In Self-Test) mode signal BIST_Mode  516 , a global scan enable signal GSE  513 , and a test clock Test_Clock  514  to the unified test controller  502 . 
   The unified test controller  502  passes the scan mode signal and the BIST mode signal from the ATE  501  to the CUT  507 . In addition, it generates three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   525  to SE 3   527 , and three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   528  to SCK 3   530 , for the three clock domains, CD 1   508  to CD 3   510 , respectively. These scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) are generated in response to the global scan enable signal GSE  521 , the test clock Test_Clock  522 , and system clocks, sys_CK 1   533  to sys_CK 3   535 . The unified test controller  502  also has two shift registers: a capture phase selector  503  and a test type selector  504 . These two shift registers are chained together and can be accessed from the ATE  501  through the TDI  517  and TDO  518  ports. Depending on the value of the capture phase selector  503 , the capture order determined by the phases of the scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   528  to SCK 3   530 , can be selected. Depending on the value of the test type selector  504 , waveforms for scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   528  to SCK 3   530 , can be generated to detect or locate either stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults. 
   The new BIST controller  505  now contains PRPGs (pseudo-random pattern generators) to generate pseudo-random patterns as test stimuli  566  for the CUT  507  to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults. Test responses  567  from the CUT  507  are compressed by MISRs (multiple-input signature registers) into test signatures. The signatures are then compared with corresponding expected values, and a Pass/Fail signal  536  will be set to indicate if the CUT  507  is faulty or not. This Pass/Fail value is stored in the error indicator  506 , which is also chained together with the capture phase selector  503  and the test type selector  504 . This means that proper set-up values can be shifted into the capture phase selector  503  and the test type selector  504  while the Pass/Fail signal value can be shifted out for observation through the TDI  517  and TDO  518  ports. 
   With the use of the unified test controller  502 , the function of the ATE  501  and the BIST controller  505  can be dramatically simplified since scan test control signals, including scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) for all clock domains, can now be generated by the unified test controller  502 . In addition, such a unified test controller is common to both self-test and scan-test. This makes it possible to a low-cost DFT (design-for-test) tester or a low-cost DFT debugger to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit with large size and high complexity. The DFT design flow will also be simplified. 
     FIG. 6  shows an example full-scan or partial-scan integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  609  with three clock domains, CD 1   610  to CD 3   612 , and three system clocks sys_CK 1   682  to sys_CK 3   684 , where a unified test controller  603 , in accordance with the present invention and controlled by an ATE (automatic test equipment)  601  through a TAP (Test access port) controller  602 , is used to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults at reduced-speed or at-speed in self-test mode. 
   The ATE  601  provides an external test clock Ext_Test_Clock  615  as well as a standard five-pin TAP interface, TMS (Test mode selection)  617 , TDI (Test data in)  618 , TDO (Test data out),  619 , TCK (Test clock)  616 , and optionally TRSTB (Test reset)  620 , to the unified test controller  603 . 
   The TAP controller  602  generates a scan mode signal Scan_Mode  634  and a BIST (Built-In Self-Test) mode signal BIST_Mode  635  for the CUT  609  from the values shifted-in from the ATE  601  through the TDI  625  port. In addition, it generates Shift_DR  628 , Capture_DR  630 , Update_DR  629 , and Clock_DR  631  signals for the unified test controller  603 . These signals are used to generate an internal global scan enable (GSE) signal for the unified test controller  603 . 
   The unified test controller  603  generates three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   646  to SE 3   648 , and three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   649  to SCK 3   651 , for the three clock domains, CD 1   610  to CD 3   612 , respectively. These scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) are generated in response to a global scan enable (GSE) signal, the TCK clock  642 , the external test clock Ext_Test_Clock  643 , and system clocks, sys_CK 1   654  to sys_CK 3   656 . The unified test controller  603  also has three shift registers: a clock type selector  604 , a capture phase selector  605 , and a test type selector  606 . These three shift registers are chained together and can be accessed from the TAP controller  602  through the TDI  636  and TDO  637  ports. Depending on the value of the clock type selector  604 , either the TCK clock  642  or the external test clock Ext_Test_Clock  643  can be selected as an internal test clock. Depending on the value of the capture phase selector  605 , the capture order determined by the phases of the scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   649  to SCK 3   651 , can be selected. Depending on the value of the test type selector  606 , waveforms for scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   649  to SCK 3   651 , can be generated to detect or locate either stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults. 
   The new BIST controller  607  now contains PRPGs (pseudo-random pattern generators) to generate pseudo-random patterns as test stimuli  687  for the CUT  609  to detect or locate stuck-type or non-stuck-type faults. Test responses  688  from the CUT  609  are compressed by MISRs (multiple-input signature registers) into test signatures. The signatures are then compared with corresponding expected values, and a Pass/Fail signal  665  will be set to indicate if the CUT  609  is faulty or not. This Pass/Fail value is stored in the error indicator  608 , which is also chained together with the clock type selector  604 , the capture phase selector  605 , and the test type selector  606 . This means that proper set-up values can be shifted into the clock type selector  604 , the capture phase selector  605 , and the test type selector  606  while the Pass/Fail signal value can be shifted out for observation through the TDI  636  and TDO  637  ports. 
   With the use of the unified test controller  603  together with the TAP controller  602 , the function of the ATE  601  and the BIST controller  607  can be further simplified since scan test control signals, including scan enable (SE) signals and scan clocks (SCKs) for all clock domains, can now be generated by the unified test controller  603  instead of the ATE  601  and the BIST controller  607 . The ATE  601  only needs to provide some initial control values and a TCK clock through a standard TAP interface. This makes it possible to use a low-cost DFT (design-for-test) tester or a low-cost DFT debugger to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit with large size and high complexity. The DFT design flow will also be simplified. 
     FIG. 7  shows a block diagram  700  of a unified test controller  701 , in accordance with the present invention, consisting of a capture clock generator  703 , a capture phase selector  702 , a test type selector  704 , and three domain clock generators,  705  to  707 , each for generating the scan enable (SE) signal and the scan clock (SCK) for each of three clock domains. 
   The global scan enable signal GSE  708  can be provided externally from an ATE (automatic test equipment) or generated internally by a TAP (test access port) controller. It is used to define the boundary between shift and capture cycles for all clock domains. 
   The test clock Test_Clock  709  is provided from an ATE either as a TCK clock in a Boundary-scan design or as a direct external test clock. A clock type selector can be used to select a desired one. 
   The TDI (Test data in)  710  and TDO (Test data out)  711  ports are used to set proper values into the capture phase selector  702  and the test type selector  704 . Three capture phase selection signals, Capture_Phase_Select 1   712  to Capture_Phase_Select 3   714 , are generated based on the set-up values stored in the capture phase selector  702 . In addition, three test type selection signals, Test_Type_Select 1   721  to Test_Type_Select 3   723 , are generated based on the set-up values stored in the test type selector  704 . 
   The capture clock generator  703  generates three capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   715  to CCK 3   717 , in response to the global scan enable GSE  708 , the test clock Test_Clock  709 , and the three capture phase selection signals, Capture_Phase_Select 1   712  to Capture_Phase_Select 3   714 . Furthermore, three domain clock generators,  705  to  707 , generate scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   724  and SE 3   726 , as well as scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   727  and SCK 3   729 , for all clock domains, in response to the capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   715  to CCK 3   717 , system clocks, sys_CK 1   718  to sys_CK 3   720 , and test type selection signals, Test_Type_Select 1   721  to Test_Type_Select 3   723 . 
   Note that the function of a unified test controller is general in the sense that it can be used for both self-test and scan-test. By using a unified test controller, the DFT (design-for-test) design flow will be greatly simplified. In addition, it makes it easy to use a low-cost DFT tester, a low-cost DFT debugger, or a BIST (Built-In Self-Test) solution in testing or diagnosing a scan-based integrated circuit with large size and high complexity. 
     FIG. 8  shows a block diagram  800  of a global scan enable generator  801  of one embodiment of the present invention to generate a global scan enable (GSE) signal. The global scan enable generator  801  contains one D flip-flop  802  with both asynchronous set and reset pins. The Shift_DR signal  803  and the Update_DR signal  804  are used to control the asynchronous set pin and the asynchronous set pin of the D flip-flop  802 , respectively. The output of the D flip-flop  802  becomes the global scan enable GSE  805 . Note that both the Shift_DR signal  803  and the Update_DR signal  804  are from a TAP (Test access port) controller that is constructed according to a selected Boundary-scan Standard such as the IEEE 1149.1 Std. 
     FIG. 9  shows a block diagram  900  of a test clock generator  901  and a clock type selector  902  of one embodiment of the present invention. The clock type selector  902  is a shift register, and proper set-up values can be shifted into it through the TDI (Test data in)  905  and TDO (Test data out)  906  ports. The set-up values are used to generate the clock type selection signal Clock_Type_Select  907 . If Clock_Type_Select  907  is logic value “0”, the test clock generator  901  will select the external test clock Ext_Test_Clock  904  as the test clock Test_Clock  908 . If Clock_Type_Select  907  is logic value “1”, the test clock generator  901  will select the TCK clock  903  as the test clock Test_Clock  908 . Note that the test clock Test_Clock  908  is selectively synchronized to either the TCK clock  903  or the external test clock Ext_Test_Clock  904 . 
     FIG. 10A  shows the waveforms  1000  of three capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1006  to CCK 3   1008 , as well as a global scan enable signal GSE  1003  and a free-running test clock Test_Clock  1001 . The test clock serves as a reference clock and the global scan enable (GSE) signal serves for timing controls. In response to the test clock Test_Clock  1001  and the global scan enable signal GSE  1003 , the capture clock generator  703  shown in  FIG. 7  generates the waveforms,  1015  to  1017 , for the three capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1006  to CCK 3   1008 , respectively. Note that non-overlapping capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1006  to CCK 3   1008 , are generated for both shift (GSE=1) and capture (GSE=0) cycles. These capture clocks (CCKs) will then be used to guide the generation of clock-domain based scan clocks (SCKs) by the domain clock generators,  705  to  707 , shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     FIG. 10B  shows the waveforms  1050  of three capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1056  to CCK 3   1058 , as well as a global scan enable signal GSE  1053  and a free-running test clock Test_Clock  1051 . The test clock serves as a reference clock and the global scan enable (GSE) signal serves for timing controls. In response to the test clock Test_Clock  1051  and the global scan enable signal GSE  1053 , the capture clock generator  703  shown in  FIG. 7  generates the waveforms,  1065  to  1067 , for the three capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1056  to CCK 3   1058 , respectively. Note that capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1056  to CCK 3   1058 , are generated as overlapping waveforms for the shift cycle (GSE=1) but as non-overlapping waveforms for the capture (GSE=0) cycle. These capture clocks (CCKs) will then be used to guide the generation of clock-domain based scan clocks (SCKs) by the domain clock generators,  705  to  707 , shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     FIG. 11A  shows the waveforms  1100  of three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1113  to SCK 3   1115 , as well as various scan enable (SE) signals  1110  including one global scan enable signal GSE and three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , for three clock domains. Waveforms for the three corresponding capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1101  to CCK 3   1103 , are also shown. 
   The waveforms of the three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1113  to SCK 3   1115 , are generated in response to the global scan enable signal GSE  1110  and the capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1101  to CCK 3   1103 , and they are used to detect or locate stuck-type faults in self-test or scan-test mode, in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the waveforms of the three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , are the same as that of the global scan enable signal GSE  1110 . 
   Note that non-overlapping scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1113  to SCK 3   1115 , are generated for both shift (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =1) and capture (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =0) cycles. As illustrated by pulses,  1116  to  1118 , this clocking scheme can reduce both peak power consumption and average power dissipation in the shift cycle. In the capture cycle, clock-domain based capture pulses,  1119  to  1121 , are applied to detect or locate all stuck-at faults, bridging faults, and IDDQ (IDD quiescent current) faults within all three clock domains, such as CD 1   206  to CD 3   208  shown in  FIG. 2 , and within crossing clock-domain logic blocks, such as CCD 1   209  and CCD 2   210  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 11B  shows the waveforms  1150  of three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1163  to SCK 3   1165 , as well as various scan enable signals  1160  including one global scan enable signal GSE and three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , for three clock domains. Waveforms for the three corresponding capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1151  to CCK 3   1153 , are also shown. 
   The waveforms of the three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1163  to SCK 3   1165 , are generated in response to the global scan enable signal GSE  1160  and the capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1151  to CCK 3   1153 , and they are used to detect or locate stuck-type faults in self-test or scan-test mode, in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the waveforms of the three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , are the same as that of the global scan enable signal GSE  1160 . 
   Note that scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1163  to SCK 3   1165 , are generated as overlapping waveforms for the shift cycle (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =1) but as non-overlapping waveforms for the capture cycle (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =0). As illustrated by pulses,  1166  to  1168 , this clocking scheme can reduce the time needed for the shift cycle. In the capture cycle, clock-domain based capture pulses,  1169  to  1171 , are applied to detect or locate all stuck-at faults, bridging faults, and IDDQ (IDD quiescent current) faults within all three clock domains, such as CD 1   206  to CD 3   208  shown in  FIG. 2 , and within crossing clock-domain logic blocks, such as CCD 1   209  and CCD 2   210  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 12A  shows the waveforms  1200  of three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1213  to SCK 3   1215 , as well as various scan enable (SE) signals  1210  including one global scan enable signal GSE and three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , for three clock domains. Waveforms for the three corresponding capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1201  to CCK 3   1203 , are also shown. 
   The waveforms of the three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1213  to SCK 3   1215 , are generated in response to the global scan enable signal GSE  1210  and the capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1201  to CCK 3   1203 , and they are used to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults at-speed with the capture launch (double capture) scheme in self-test or scan-test mode, in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the waveforms of the three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , are the same as that of the global scan enable signal GSE  1210 . 
   Note that non-overlapping scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1213  to SCK 3   1215 , are generated for both shift (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =1) and capture (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =0) cycles. As illustrated by pulses,  1216  to  1218 , this clocking scheme can reduce both peak power consumption and average power dissipation in the shift cycle. In the capture cycle, clock-domain based at-speed double-capture pulses, &lt; 1219 ,  1220 &gt;, &lt; 1221 ,  1222 &gt;, and &lt; 1223 ,  1224 &gt;, are applied to detect or locate all transition and path delay faults at-speed within all three clock domains, such as CD 1   206  to CD 3   208  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 12B  shows the waveforms  1230  of three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1243  to SCK 3   1245 , as well as various scan enable signals  1240  including one global scan enable signal GSE and three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , for three clock domains. Waveforms for the three corresponding capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1231  to CCK 3   1233 , are also shown. 
   The waveforms of the three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1243  to SCK 3   1245 , are generated in response to the global scan enable signal GSE  1240  and the capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1231  to CCK 3   1233 , and they are used to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults at-speed with the capture launch (double capture) scheme in self-test or scan-test mode, in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the waveforms of the three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , are the same as that of the global scan enable signal GSE  1240 . 
   Note that scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1243  to SCK 3   1245 , are generated as overlapping waveforms for the shift cycle (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =1) but as non-overlapping waveforms for the capture cycle (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =0). As illustrated by pulses,  1246  to  1248 , this clocking scheme can reduce the time needed for the shift cycle. In the capture cycle, clock-domain based at-speed double-capture pulses, &lt; 1249 ,  1250 &gt;, &lt; 1251 ,  1252 &gt;, and &lt; 1253 ,  1254 &gt;, are applied to detect or locate all transition and path delay faults at-speed within all three clock domains, such as CD 1   206  to CD 3   208  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 12C  shows the waveforms  1260  of three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1273  to SCK 3   1275 , as well as various scan enable signals  1270  including one global scan enable signal GSE and three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , for three clock domains. Waveforms for the three corresponding capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1261  to CCK 3   1263 , are also shown. 
   The waveforms of the three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1273  to SCK 3   1275 , are generated in response to the global scan enable signal GSE  1270  and the capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1261  to CCK 3   1263 , and they are used to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults, including 2-cycle delay faults, at-speed with the capture launch (double capture) scheme in self-test or scan-test mode, in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the waveforms of the three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1  to SE 3 , are the same as that of the global scan enable signal GSE  1270 . 
   Note that scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1273  to SCK 3   1275 , are generated as overlapping waveforms for the shift cycle (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =1) but as non-overlapping waveforms for the capture cycle (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =0). As illustrated by pulses,  1276  to  1278 , this clocking scheme can reduce the time needed for the shift cycle. In the capture cycle, at-speed double-capture pulses, &lt; 1281 ,  1282 &gt; and &lt; 1283 ,  1284 &gt;, are applied to detect or locate all transition and path delay faults at-speed within the corresponding clock domains, such as CD 2   207  and CD 3   208  shown in  FIG. 2 . On the other hand, half-reduced-speed double-capture pulses, &lt; 1279 ,  1280 &gt;, are applied to detect or locate all 2-cycle delay faults at-speed in the corresponding clock domain, such as CD 1   206  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 13A  shows the waveforms  1300  of three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1319  to SCK 3   1321 , as well as three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1310  to SE 3   1312 , for three clock domains. Waveforms for the three corresponding capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1301  to CCK 3   1303 , are also shown. 
   The waveforms of the three scan clocks (SCKs), CK 1   1319  to SCK 3   1321 , are generated in response to a global scan enable (GSE) signal and the capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1301  to CCK 3   1303 , and they are used to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults at-speed with the last-shift launch scheme in self-test or scan-test mode, in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1310  to SE 3   1312 , have different waveforms. 
   Note that non-overlapping scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1319  to SCK 3   1321 , are generated for both shift (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =1) and capture (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =0) cycles. As illustrated by pulses,  1322  to  1324 , this clocking scheme can reduce both peak power consumption and average power dissipation in the shift cycle. In the capture cycle, clock-domain based at-speed last-shift launch pulses,  1326 ,  1328 , and  1330 , are applied to detect or locate all transition and path delay faults at-speed within all three clock domains, such as CD 1   206  to CD 3   208  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 13B  shows the waveforms  1335  of three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1354  to SCK 3   1356 , as well as three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1345  to SE 3   1347 , for three clock domains. Waveforms for the three corresponding capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1336  to CCK 3   1338 , are also shown. 
   The waveforms of the three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1354  to SCK 3   1356 , are generated in response to a global scan enable (GSE) signal and the capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1336  to CCK 3   1338 , and they are used to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults at-speed with the last-shift launch scheme in self-test or scan-test mode, in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1345  to SE 3   1347 , have different waveforms. 
   Note that scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1354  to SCK 3   1356 , are generated as overlapping waveforms for the shift cycle (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =1) but as non-overlapping waveforms for the capture cycle (GSE, SE 1 , SE 2 , SE 3 =0). As illustrated by pulses,  1357  to  1359 , this clocking scheme can reduce the time needed for the shift cycle. In the capture cycle, clock-domain based at-speed last-shift launch pulses,  1361 ,  1363 , and  1365 , are applied to detect or locate all transition and path delay faults at-speed within all three clock domains, such as CD 1   206  to CD 3   208  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 13C  shows the waveforms  1366  of three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1385  to SCK 3   1387 , as well as three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1376  to SE 3   1378 , for three clock domains. Waveforms for the three corresponding capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1367  to CCK 3   1369 , are also shown. 
   The waveforms of the three scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1385  to SCK 3   1387 , are generated in response to a global scan enable (GSE) signal and the capture clocks (CCKs), CCK 1   1367  to CCK 3   1369 , and they are used to detect or locate non-stuck-type faults, including 2-cycle delay faults, at-speed with the last-shift launch scheme in self-test or scan-test mode, in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the three scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1376  to SE 3   1378 , have different waveforms. 
   Note that scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1385  to SCK 3   1387 , are generated as overlapping waveforms for the shift cycle (GSE, SE, SE 2 , SE 3 =1) but as non-overlapping waveforms for the capture cycle (GSE, SE, SE 2 , SE 3 =0). As illustrated by pulses,  1388  to  1390 , this clocking scheme can reduce the time needed for the shift cycle. In the capture cycle, at-speed last-shift launch pulses  1394  and  1396  are applied to detect or locate all transition and path delay faults at-speed within the corresponding clock domains, such as CD 2   207  and CD 3   208  shown in  FIG. 2 . On the other hand, half-reduced-speed last-shift launch pulse  1392  is applied to detect or locate all 2-cycle delay faults at-speed in the corresponding clock domain, such as CD 1   206  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 14A  shows a block diagram  1400   a  of a unified test controller  1401   a  connected to a BIST (Built-In Self-Test) controller with three pairs of PRPGs (pseudo-random pattern generators) and MISRs (multiple-input signature registers), &lt; 1408   a ,  1417   a &gt;, &lt; 1409   a ,  1418   a &gt;, and &lt; 1410   a ,  1419   a &gt;, in accordance with the present invention, which are used to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  1402   a  with three clock domains, CD 1   1403   a  to CD 3   1405   a , in self-test mode. 
   Three PRPGs,  1408   a  to  1410   a , are used to generate pseudo-random patterns for the three clock domains, CD 1   1403   a  to CD 3   1405   a , one PRPG for each clock domain. Phase shifters,  1411   a  to  1413   a , are used to break the dependency between different outputs of the PRPGs. The bit streams coming from the phase shifters become test stimuli,  1446   a  to  1448   a.    
   Three MISRs,  1417   a  to  1419   a , are used to generate signatures for the three clock domains, CD 1   1403   a  to CD 3   1405   a , one MISR for each clock domain. Space compactors,  1414   a  to  1416   a , are used to reduce the number of bit streams in test responses,  1457   a  to  1459   a . Space compactors are optional and are only used when the overhead of a MISR becomes a concern. The outputs of the space compactors are compressed by MISRs,  1417   a  to  1419   a . The contents of the MISRs,  1417   a  to  1419   a , after all test stimuli are applied become signatures,  1463   a  to  1465   a , respectively. 
   The signatures are then compared by comparators,  1420   a  to  1422   a , with corresponding expected values. The error indicator  1423   a  is used to combine the individual pass/fail signals,  1466   a  to  1468   a , to a global pass/fail signal  1469   a.    
   The unified test controller  1401   a  controls the whole BIST test process by providing scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1427   a  to SE 3   1429   a , and scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1430   a  to SCK 3   1432   a . Some additional data and control signals  1433   a  are also provided to conduct other control tasks. 
   All storage cells in PRPGs,  1408   a  to  1410   a , and MISRs,  1417   a  to  1419   a , can be connected into a scan chain from which predetermined patterns can be shifted in for reseeding and computed signatures can be shifted out for analysis. This configuration helps in increasing fault coverage and in facilitating fault diagnosis. 
   Generally, a plurality of PRPG-MISR pairs can be used in a flexible manner. In addition, any PRPG-MISR pair can be further split into two or more smaller PRPG-MISR pairs. Furthermore, two or more PRPG-MISR pairs can be further merged into a larger PRPG-MISR pair. 
     FIG. 14B  shows a block diagram  1400   b  of a unified test controller  1401   b  connected to a BIST (Built-In Self-Test) controller with two pairs of PRPGs (pseudo-random pattern generators) and MISRs (multiple-input signature registers), &lt; 1408   b ,  1416   b &gt; and &lt; 1409   b ,  1417   b &gt;, in accordance with the present invention, which are used to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  1402   b  with three clock domains, CD 1   1403   b  to CD 3   1405   b , in self-test mode. 
   Two PRPGs,  1408   b  and  1409   b , are used to generate pseudo-random patterns for the three clock domains, CD 1   1403   b  to CD 3   1405   b . Two clock domains, CD 1   1403   b  and CD 2 ,  1404   b , share the same PRPG  1408   b . This will reduce the PRPG overhead. Phase shifters,  1410   b  to  1412   b , are used to break the dependency between different outputs of the PRPGs. The bit streams coming from the phase shifters become test stimuli,  1444   b  to  1446   b.    
   Two MISRs,  1416   b  to  1417   b , are used to generate signatures for the three clock domains, CD 1   1403   b  to CD 3   1405   b . Two clock domains, CD 1   1403   b  and CD 2   1404   b , share the same MISR  1416   b . This will reduce the MISR overhead. Space compactors,  1413   b  to  1415   b , are used to reduce the number of bit streams in test responses,  1455   b  to  1457   b . Space compactors are optional and are only used when the overhead of a MISR becomes a concern. The outputs of the space compactors are compressed by the MISRs,  1416   b  and  1417   b . The contents of the MISRs,  1416   b  and  1417   b , after all test stimuli are applied become signatures,  1461   b  to  1463   b , respectively. 
   The signatures are then compared by comparators,  1418   b  to  1420   b , with corresponding expected values. The error indicator  1421   b  is used to combine the individual pass/fail signals,  1464   b  to  1466   b , into a global pass/fail signal  1467   b.    
   The unified test controller  1401   b  controls the whole BIST test process by providing scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1425   b  to SE 3   1427   b , and scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1428   b  to SCK 3   1430   b . Some additional data and control signals  1431   b  are also provided to conduct other control tasks. 
   All storage cells in PRPGs,  1408   b  and  1409   b , as well as MISRs,  1416   b  and  1417   b , can be connected into a scan chain from which predetermined patterns can be shifted in for reseeding and computed signatures can be shifted out for analysis. This configuration helps in increasing fault coverage and in facilitating fault diagnosis. 
     FIG. 14C  shows a block diagram  1400   c  of a unified test controller  1401   c  connected to a BIST (Built-In Self-Test) controller with one pair of PRPG (pseudo-random pattern generator) and MISR (multiple-input signature register) &lt; 1408   c ,  1415   c &gt; in accordance with the present invention, which are used to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  1402   c  with three clock domains, CD 1   1403   c  to CD 3   1405   c , in self-test mode. 
   One PRPG  1408   c  is used to generate pseudo-random patterns for the three clock domains, CD 1   1403   c  to CD 3   1405   c . Three clock domains, CD 1   1403   c  to CD 3   1405   c , share the same PRPG  1408   c . This will further reduce the PRPG overhead. Phase shifters,  1409   c  to  1411   c , are used to break the dependency between different outputs of the PRPGs. The bit streams coming from the phase shifters become test stimuli,  1442   c  to  1444   c.    
   One MISR  1415   c  is used to generate signatures for the three clock domains, CD 1   1403   c  to CD 3   1405   c . Three clock domains, CD 1   1403   c  to CD 3   1405   c , share the same MISR  1415   c . This will further reduce the MISR overhead. Space compactors,  1412   c  to  1414   c , are used to reduce the number of bit streams in test responses,  1453   c  to  1455   c . Space compactors are optional and are only used when the overhead of a MISR becomes a concern. The outputs of the space compactors are compressed by the MISR  1415   c . The content of the MISR  1415   c  after all test stimuli are applied becomes the signatures,  1459   c  to  1461   c.    
   The signature is then compared by the comparators,  1416   c  to  1418   c , with corresponding expected values. The error indicator  1419   c  is used to combine the individual pass/fail signals,  1462   c  to  1464   c , to a global pass/fail signal  1465   c.    
   The unified test controller  1401   c  controls the whole BIST test process by providing scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1423   c  to SE 3   1425   c , and scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1426   c  to SCK 3   1428   c . Some additional data and control signals  1429   c  are also provided to conduct other control tasks. 
   All storage cells in the PRPG  1408   c  and the MISR  1415   c  can be connected into a scan chain from which predetermined patterns can be shifted in for reseeding and computed signatures can be shifted out for analysis. This configuration helps in increasing fault coverage and in facilitating fault diagnosis. 
     FIG. 14D  shows a block diagram  1400   d  of a unified test controller  1401   d  and one decompressor-compressor pair &lt; 1408   d ,  1409   d &gt;, in accordance with the present invention, which are used to test or diagnose a scan-based integrated circuit or circuit under test (CUT)  1402   d  with three clock domains CD 1 ,  1403   d  to CD 3   1405   d , in scan-test mode. 
   The decompressor  1408   d  can be a reconfigurable PRPG (pseudo-random pattern generator) or a broadcaster. It serves the purpose of expanding compressed test stimulus data applied from external pins to test the internal circuit core  1402   d . This will reduce the test data storage requirements and simplify the external test interface, which results in lower test costs. 
   The compressor  1409   d  can be MISR (multiple-input signature register) or a compactor. It serves the purpose of compressing test responses from the internal circuit core  1402   d  as compressed test response data for external observation or comparison at the ATE (automatic test equipment)  1413   d . This will reduce the test data storage requirements and simplify the external test interface, which results in lower test costs. 
   The unified test controller  1401   d  controls the whole test process by providing scan enable (SE) signals, SE 1   1414   d  to SE 3   1416   d , and scan clocks (SCKs), SCK 1   1417   d  to SCK 3   1419   d . Some additional data and control signals  1420   d  are also provided to conduct other control tasks. 
   Generally, a plurality of decompressor-compressor pairs can be used in a flexible manner. In addition, any decompressor-compressor pair can be further split into two or more smaller decompressor-compressor pairs. Furthermore, two or more decompressor-compressor pairs can be further merged into a larger decompressor-compressor pair. 
     FIG. 15  shows the flow diagram  1500  of a computer-readable program in a computer-readable memory, in accordance with the present invention, to cause a computer system to perform a method for synthesizing a unified test controller for testing or diagnosing a plurality of clock domains in a scan-based integrated circuit in self-test or scan-test mode. 
   The computer-readable program accepts the user-supplied HDL (hardware description language) code at RTL (register-transfer level) or netlist at gate-level  1502  together with the user-supplied test constraint files  1501  as well as the chosen foundry library  1503 . The test constraint files  1501  contain all set-up information and scripts required for compilation  1504 , unified test controller synthesis  1506 , and unified test controller integration  1507 , so that the computer-readable program can produce the final synthesized HDL code or netlist  1509  with the unified test controller. The HDL test benches and ATE (automatic test equipment) test programs  1508  are also generated in order to verify the correctness of the unified test controller in the scan-based integrated circuit in self-test or scan-test mode. All results and errors are saved in the report files  1510 . 
     FIG. 16  shows an electronic design automation system  1600 , which includes a processor  1602 , a bus  1605  coupled to the processor, a computer-readable memory  1601  coupled to the bus, an input device  1603 , and an output device  1604 . The computer-readable memory  1601  contains a computer-readable program, in accordance with the present invention and described in  FIG. 15 , to cause the electronic design automation system  1600  to perform a method for synthesizing a unified test controller for testing or diagnosing a plurality of clock domains in a scan-based integrated circuit in self-test or scan-test mode. 
   The processor  1602  may represent a central processing unit of a personal computer, workstation, mainframe computer or other suitable digital processing device. The memory  1601  can be an electronic memory or a magnetic or optical disk-based memory, or various combinations thereof. A designer interacts with the broadcast scan test design software run by the processor  1602  to provide appropriate inputs via an input device  1603 , which may be a keyboard, disk drive or other suitable source of design information. The processor  1602  provides outputs to the designer via an output device  1604 , which may be a display, a printer, a disk drive or various combinations of these and other elements. 
   Having thus described presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, it can now be appreciated that the objectives of the invention have been fully achieved. And it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many changes in construction &amp; circuitry, and widely differing embodiments &amp; applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The disclosures and the description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limitation of the invention, more preferably defined in scope by the following claims.

Technology Category: 3