How do you use built-in self-test (BIST) techniques for CMOS circuits?

The strategy for overall test control is the most difficult part of BIST design. Care must be taken so that the BIST circuitry, as well as the circuit-under-test, can be tested for stuck-at faults. The BIST circuitry that must operate correctly for BIST to work is referred to as the hard-core. Either the hard-core must be minimized, or it must be made testable. Some of the BIST pattern generating techniques are Store in ROM, Exhaustive, Pseudo-exhaustive, Pseudo-random (LFSR) Preferred method, Binary counters – use more hardware than LFSR, Modified counters. Some Test pattern augmentations are LFSR combined with a few patterns in ROM, Hardware diffractor which generates pattern cluster in neighborhood of pattern stored in ROM.

Built-in self-test (BIST) integrates testing mechanisms within CMOS circuits, enhancing their efficiency. Employing either hardware or software, BIST conducts multiple functions like generating test patterns, applying them to circuit inputs, and comparing outputs to expected values. This method operates at various abstraction levels, including logic, functional, or structural, ensuring thorough testing and accurate reporting of results.

Built-in self-test (BIST) techniques revolutionize CMOS circuit testing by enabling circuits to self-test without external equipment. This eliminates the need for costly test equipment and simplifies testing processes. BIST enhances test coverage by generating tailored test patterns, ensuring faster and more reliable testing. It also detects and corrects faults during operation, boosting circuit quality and reliability.

Test Pattern Generation Challenge: Generating effective test patterns that can thoroughly exercise the digital circuit is a significant challenge. Designing patterns that detect various faults, including those that may be intermittent or difficult to identify, requires careful consideration.

Designing and implementing Built-In Self-Test (BIST) techniques for CMOS circuits poses challenges. BIST increases circuit complexity, impacting area, power, speed, and cost. It may create conflicts between test logic and functional logic, necessitating careful partitioning. Moreover, BIST may not detect all faults, requiring complementary testing methods for comprehensive assessment.

Testing CMOS circuits utilizes various BIST techniques tailored to specific functions. Logic BIST (LBIST) tests logic gates and connections using pseudo-random or deterministic patterns. Memory BIST (MBIST) examines memory elements and arrays with specialized algorithms. Analog BIST (ABIST) validates analog components using converters or oscillators. Functional BIST (FBIST) assesses overall circuit performance with application-specific patterns. These techniques collectively ensure thorough testing for circuit reliability and performance evaluation.

Built-in self-test (BIST) techniques are vital for testing CMOS circuits. Examples of BIST applications include testing microprocessors' ALU, cache memory, and bus interface. Memory devices benefit from BIST for testing RAM, ROM, and memory controller. Sensors utilize BIST to evaluate sensor elements, ADCs, and communication interfaces. Wireless devices employ BIST for RF transceivers, modulation/demodulation, error correction, and encryption circuits. These applications showcase BIST's versatility and importance in ensuring CMOS circuit reliability.