Patent · US Active

Methods and apparatus for margin testing integrated circuits using asynchronously timed varied supply voltage and test patterns

US8854073B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
11References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 20, 2011
Grant dateOct 7, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 1, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R31/3004
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Method and apparatus for margin testing integrated circuits. The method includes selecting a clock frequency, an operating temperature range and a power supply voltage level for margin testing an integrated circuit wherein one or more of the clock frequency, the operating temperature range and the power supply voltage level is outside of the normal operating conditions of the integrated circuit; applying an asynchronously time varying power supply voltage set to the selected power supply voltage level to the integrated circuit; running the integrated circuit chip at the selected clock frequency and maintaining the integrated circuit within the selected temperature range; applying a continuous test pattern to the integrated circuit; and monitoring the integrated circuit for fails.

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