Automated scan insertion flow for control block design
US5983376A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R31/318583
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a control block design methodology, control block design proceeds without the inclusion of scan functionality until the functional design specifications are met. After meeting the functional design specifications, a scan insertion tool is executed to automatically insert scan functionality. The insertion is performed in such a manner that the functional cells within the control block are not perturbed. Therefore, functional timing may be minimally affected, if at all. In one embodiment, a scan enable buffer is inserted at the end of each row in the control block. Flops (or other scannable storage devices) within the row are connected to the scan enable line provided by the scan enable buffer within the row. Additionally, flops are connected into a scan chain on a row-by-row basis, minimizing the length of the wires connecting the scan chain. If a particular scan chain wire exceeds a length which will meet scan timing requirements, a scan chain buffer can be inserted as well (e.g. at the end of the row).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.