Multi-die Testing In The Field Must Build On Established Test Methodologies


Key Takeaways:  In-system testing is the very best way to ensure the longevity of data center and automotive hardware.  A 2-die monitor, test, and repair strategy requires a modified test strategy and new physical-aware bump repair.  Microbumps are too small to probe directly, so sacrificial pads enable probing.  The AI revolution is significantly outpacing the IC indust... » read more

AI Accelerator Testing Depends On DFT Innovations


Key Takeaways: I/O and lane repair capabilities are becoming critical to improving yield. System-level testing catches marginal defects and rare defects such as silent data corruption errors. Synopsys and TSMC developed a multi-die demo vehicle capable of full test, monitor, debug, and repair capability across the system’s lifecycle. The proliferation of accelerators in AI... » read more

Enhancing Silicon Reliability With In-System Test And SLM Data


Innovation in semiconductor development and manufacturing shows no signs of slowing down. Ever-larger chips at ever-smaller geometries create new challenges all the time. At the same time, competitive pressures are shrinking time to market (TTM) and putting enormous pressure on project teams. Furthermore, the wide use of electronics in safety-critical applications demands better reliability, av... » read more

Are You Using Structural Patterns In An SLT Environment?


Extending the in‑field life of your silicon is essential for long‑term success and for staying ahead of your competitors in today’s rapidly evolving digital world of data centers, automotive and cellular chipsets, and AI applications. For those reasons, it’s increasingly important to test your silicon in a System Level Test (SLT) environment. Testing in an SLT environment offers many be... » read more

Integrating Design Verification To Approach Zero Defects


As semiconductor applications in automotive, data center, and high-performance computing grow increasingly mission-critical, the industry faces mounting pressure to achieve near-perfect manufacturing test coverage—often exceeding 99%. Yet, meeting stringent zero-defect defective parts per million (DPPM) targets remains a formidable challenge. Traditional structural testing methods frequently ... » read more

Revolutionizing Chip Testing: Navigating Bottlenecks


In today's rapidly evolving semiconductor landscape, System-on-Chips (SoCs) are becoming increasingly complex, integrating multiple processing cores, specialized accelerators and vast memory arrays. This escalating complexity, while enabling incredible functionality, presents significant challenges for Design-for-Test (DFT) engineers. Ensuring the thorough and efficient testing of these intrica... » read more

In-System/In-Field Testing Using High-Quality Deterministic Test Patterns


The amount of electronic content in passenger cars is growing rapidly, primarily due to the integration of advanced safety features. The shift towards fully autonomous vehicles, which must comply with stringent safety standards, will further increase the number of electronic components required. Testing efforts must be of exceptional quality. The target test time is often limited to less than 1... » read more

Can Your ATPG Do This? Cut Defects Escaping Detection With ML


Chipmakers worldwide consider Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG) their go-to method for achieving high test coverage in production. ATPG generates test patterns designed to detect faults in the silicon and ensures they are applied effectively using the chip’s Design-for-Test (DFT) infrastructure. This combination enhances fault detection while optimizing test efficiency. These patter... » read more

A Lightweight Scan Instrumentation For Enhancing The Post-Silicon Test Efficiency in ICs (U. of Florida)


A technical paper titled "Enhancing Test Efficiency through Automated ATPG-Aware Lightweight Scan Instrumentation" was published by researchers at University of Florida. Abstract "Scan-based Design-for-Testability (DFT) measures are prevalent in modern digital integrated circuits to achieve high test quality at low hardware cost. With the advent of 3D heterogeneous integration and chiplet-b... » read more

Better ATPG To Minimize Chip Test Time And Cost


As chips get ever bigger and more complex, the electronic design automation (EDA) industry must innovate constantly to keep up. Engineers expect every new generation of silicon to be modeled, simulated, laid out, and checked in about the same time with the same effort, despite the growth in die size and density. One area of particular focus is manufacturing test. Any effort expended to reduce t... » read more

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