Constraints for using IDDQ testing to detect CMOS bridging faults

Abstract

Detecting CMOS bridging faults (BFs) using IDDQ testing, or the current supply monitoring method (CSM), has recently received much attention. One fundamental question that needs to be answered for this technique is 'what circuits does it apply to'. Previously the authors presented a set of constraints on circuits and their test environment that formed a sufficient condition for using CSM to detect all single and multiple irredundant BFs. In this paper they show that if any of these constraints are removed then circuits exist for which CSM cannot give correct results. Two special classes of circuits, domino logic and synchronous sequential circuits, are discussed in detail.<>