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Built-in self-test (BiST)

On-chip logic to test a design.
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Description

Built-in self-test, or BIST, is a structural test method that adds logic to an IC which allows the IC to periodically test its own operation. Two major types are memory BIST and logic BIST.

Memory BIST, or MBIST, generates patterns to the memory and reads them to log any defects. Memory BIST also consists of a repair and redundancy capability. In this technology, each die has spare circuits. If a circuit is bad, the defective circuit is disconnected and replaced with a good one. Memory BIST is also used to obtain known good memory stacks for 2.5D/3D devices.

Logic BIST, or LBIST, uses a Pseudo-Random Pattern Generator to generate input patterns that are applied to internal scan chains. The results are compressed into a signature. Then, a Multi-Input Signature Register determines whether the signature is correct or not to tell if all tests passed.

LBIST is most often used for safety-critical and high-reliability applications such as automotive. However, LBIST requires a very clean design with no unknown states, as this would corrupt operation. This means much more stringent design and test rules and insertion of LBIST is more complex than scan. LBIST also incurs significant overhead in timing, area, and power.