A tri-template-based codes (TTBC) method is proposed to reduce test cost of intellectual property (IP) cores. In order to reduce test data volume (TDV), the approach utilizes three templates, i.e., all 0, all 1, and the previously applied test data, for generating the subsequent test data by flipping the inconsistent bits. The approach employs a small number of test channels I to supply a large number of internal scan chains 2I-3 such that it can achieve significant reduction in test application time (TAT). Furthermore, as a non-intrusive and automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) independent solution, the approach is suitable for IP core testing because it requires neither redesign of the core under test (CUT) nor running any additional ATPG for the encoding procedure. In addition, the decoder has low hardware overhead, and its design is independent of the CUT and the given test set. Theoretical analysis and experimental results for ISCAS 89 benchmark circuits have proven the efficiency of the proposed approach.

In this paper, we propose a new clustered reconfigurable interconnect network (CRIN) BIST that can improve the embedding probabilities of random-pattern-resistant-patterns. A simulated annealing based algorithm that maximizes the embedding probabilities of scan test cubes has been developed to reorder scan cells. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed CRIN BIST technique reduces test time by 35% and the storage requirement by 39% in comparison with previous work.

In the Reconfigurable System-On-a-Chip (RSOC), an FPGA core is embedded to improve the design flexibility of SOC. In this paper, we demonstrate that the embedded FPGA core is also feasible for use in implementing the proposed hybrid pattern Built-In Self-Test (BIST) in order to reduce the test cost of SOC. The hybrid pattern BIST, which combines Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) with the proposed on-chip Deterministic Test Pattern Generator (DTPG), can achieve not only complete Fault Coverage (FC) but also minimum test sequence by applying a selective number of pseudorandom patterns. Furthermore, the hybrid pattern BIST is designed under the resource constraint of target FPGA core so that it can be implemented on any size of FPGA core and take full advantage of the target FPGA resource to reduce test cost. Moreover, the reconfigurable core-based approach has minimum hardware overhead since the FPGA core can be reconfigured as normal mission logic after testing such that it eliminates the hardware overhead of BIST logic. Experimental results for ISCAS 89 benchmarks and a platform FPGA chip have proven the efficiency of the proposed approach.

We present a new technique for hierarchical intellectual property (IP) protection using partially-mergeable cores. The proposed core partitioning technique guarantees 100% protection of critical-IP, while simplifying test generation for the logic that is merged with the system. Since critical-IP is tested using BIST, the controllability and observability of internal lines in the core are enhanced, and test application time is reduced. Case studies using the ISIT-DLX and Picojava processor cores demonstrate the applicability of our technique.