Xilinx, Inc.

Barry Wong

Brian D Erickson

Patrick T Bever

A method for dynamically burn-in testing a PLD by either configuring or fabricating the PLD to implement a self-executing logic operation that automatically and repeatedly turns on and off selected transistors of the PLD using only static test signals. The self-executing logic operation implemented by the PLD includes a driving logic function (e.g., an oscillator) and a driven logic function (e.g., a counter). The PLD is placed on a conventional load board and heated in a conventional oven while static test signals are applied to selected terminals of the PLD through the load board, thereby causing the PLD to implement the self-executing logic operation.

Method for implementing dynamic burn-in testing using static test signals

A programmable logic device (PLD) including a non-volatile memory array for persistently storing configuration data, and a volatile memory array for temporarily storing the configuration data and controlling the various logic resources of the PLD to perform a user's logic operation. When the PLD is reset, an addressing circuit causes a column of non-volatile memory cells to transmit configuration data values to a corresponding column of volatile memory cells on a series of write lines. To verify that a configuration data value is successfully written from each non-volatile memory cell to a corresponding volatile memory cell, the data value transmitted on each write line is compared with the stored data value transmitted from each volatile memory cell on a corresponding read line. A control signal is generated when all of the data values transmitted on the write lines are equal to stored data values transmitted on corresponding read lines, thereby indicating that the configuration data values are successfully transferred to the column of volatile memory cells. The control signal is used to increment the address circuit, thereby addressing a next sequential column of non-volatile memory cells and associated volatile memory cells. Normal PLD operation is initiated when all configuration data is transferred.

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Barry Wong