A new built in self test pattern generator for low power dissipation and high fault coverage

The Built in Self Test (BIST) scheme proposed here is a combination of two test pattern generators. One is Low Transition Random Test Pattern Generator (LT-RTPG) and the other is Arithmetic based 3-weighted Random Test pattern Generator (A-3WRTPG). The LT-RTPG aims at detection of easy to detect faults which are prone to pseudo random patterns and reduction of power consumption during BIST activity. The LT-RTPG uses Bit-Swapping Linear Feedback Shift Register (BS-LFSR) for generation of pseudo random sequences. The BS-LFSR focuses on reducing the transitions in generated test pattern and there by reduces the power consumption during BIST activity. The A-3WRTPG aims at detection of pattern resistant faults that are left undetected by LT-RTPG and thereby increases the detection of fault probability. The A-3WRTPG uses flip flops and adders for carrying out arithmetic operations and modified form of weighted algorithm to achieve complete fault coverage. The weighted sets computed by A-3WRTPG comprising three weights, namely 0, 1, and 0.5 have been successfully utilized so far for test pattern generation, as a result in both low testing time and low consumed power. The proposed BIST can significantly reduce switching activity during BIST while achieving 100% fault coverage for all ISCAS'89 benchmark circuits.