Marvell International Technology Ltd

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Melvin D Bodily

Mark David Montierth

Gary D Zimmerman

Richard David Taylor

John David Marshall

Elizabeth A Leonard

A test method for an ASIC uses an embedded processor in the ASIC to execute test routines from an embedded memory or an external memory. During ASIC production, the test routines can comprehensively test of the blocks of the ASIC without a complicated test pattern from test equipment. The test routines can also perform power-up tests in systems or end products containing the ASIC. Test selection, activation, and result output can be implemented using a few terminals of the ASIC.

Built-in-self-test using embedded memory and processor in an application specific intergrated circuit

A test method for an ASIC uses an embedded processor in the ASIC to execute test routines from an embedded memory or an external memory. During ASIC production, the test routines can comprehensively test of the blocks of the ASIC without a complicated test pattern from test equipment. The test routines can also perform power-up tests in systems or end products containing the ASIC. Test selection, activation, and result output can be implement using a few terminals of the ASIC.

Built-in-self-test using embedded memory and processor in an application specific integrated circuit

Built-in self-test using embedded memory and processor in an application specific integrated circuit

Managing volatile storage of information, such as executable code within dynamic random access memory (DRAM) embedded within an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), includes systematically checking the contents of the volatile memory during periods of extended inactivity. Volatile memory checking routines may be initiated on the basis of time, on the basis of a specific event, or on a combination of timing and event occurrences. If a specific error condition is detected, the device in which the volatile memory resides may be automatically reinitialized, so that the corrupt executable code is not used. The information management techniques may be extended to other types of semi-permanent memory i.e., memory that is susceptible to losses in the form of soft errors.

System and method of recovering from soft memory errors

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Melvin D Bodily