Patent · US Expired

Method and means for testing integrated circuits

US4546472A · kind A · utility

15Cited by
5References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 27, 1983
Grant dateOct 8, 1985
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 27, 2003

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R31/31701
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Data processing logic (10) is fabricated on an integrated circuit device and is outputted to a plurality of output pins (1-N). A number of these pins (34, 36, 38) which are normally function outputs, and a reset pin (24), are used to invoke a test state on the integrated circuit device. Test control logic generates two test flags (TA, TB) in response to test signals on two of these pins (34, 36). These two test flags are decoded (14, 18, 20, 22) to control all signal output pins (1-N) from the integrated circuit device by forcing a high-level, low-level, or high-impedance condition, as selected by external stimulus at the output pins, regardless of the condition of the internal circuitry on the integrated circuit device. A test flag TC (60) is generated in response to a test signal on pin (38). This TC flag is used to signal the data processing logic (10) to initiate a functional self-check operation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.