Texas Instruments Corporation

Eric Gregory Moore

Glenn R Fitzgerald

Lowell Boggs

Randy L Williams

Stephanie Luhring Smith

Michael Allen Walsh

Don L Simpson

Amy Dessert

A method of using a processor-based integrated circuit (IC) tester (12) to automatically invoke diagnostic testing. A diagnostic schedule (30) is user-defined (FIG. 3), and checked by the tester (12) at various times, such as before and after the tester 12 tests an IC lot (FIGS. 6, 7, 8). The schedule (30) has various scheduling parameters that permit diagnostic testing to be scheduled to occur at certain times, at the expiration of intervals, or upon certain events. The schedule (30) also permits different levels of diagnostic testing, each level with its own schedule. The tester (12) is programmed to run an appropriate level of diagnostic testing if more than one level is due to occur.

Scheduling diagnostic testing of automated equipment for testing

A test system (10) is provided that comprises a controller (14) which controls a test head (12) which comprises a pattern sequence controller (16). An integrated circuit (20) is tested through pin cards (18a) through (18n). A test program (32) operating in controller (14) operates to perform both functional and scanning tests on the integrated circuit (20). Scanning tests are provided for set-up, hold, pulse width, and maximum frequency.

Method of identifying the point at which an integrated circuit fails a

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Eric Gregory Moore