International Business Machines Corporation

William R Corbin

Erik A Nelson

Donald Lawrence Wheater

Thomas E Obremski

Jeffrey H Dreibelbis

Laura S Chadwick

Toshiharu Saitoh

Steven William Tomashot

David G Chapman

Timothy E Fiscus

Alan D Norris

David P Monty

Brian Robert Kessler

A system for testing a DRAM includes DRAM blocks, the system further includes a processor based built-in self test system for generating a test data pattern, for each DRAM block, performing a write of the test data pattern into the DRAM block, performing a pause for a predetermined period of time, and performing a read of a resulting data pattern from the DRAM block. For each DRAM block, the performing the write of the test pattern into the DRAM block is performed before the performing the pause for the predetermined period of time, and the performing the read of the resulting data pattern from the DRAM block is performed after the performing the pause for the predetermined period of time, and at least a portion of the pause for the predetermined period of time of two or more the DRAM blocks overlap in time.

Method for testing embedded DRAM arrays

Technique to perform logic and embedded memory tests using logic scan chain testing procedures in parallel with memory built in self test (BIST). This is accomplished with a combination of voltage isolation between memory and logic segments, and isolation between logic and memory test clocks. A test algorithm is introduced to enable and disable the scan chain operation during BIST operation.

Testing logic and embedded memory in parallel

A method and system for testing an embedded DRAM that includes DRAM blocks. The method including: generating a test data pattern in a processor based BIST system, for each DRAM block, performing a write of the test data pattern into the DRAM block, performing a pause for a predetermined period of time, and performing a read of a resulting data pattern from the DRAM block; where for each DRAM block, the write of the test data pattern into the DRAM block is performed before the pause, and the read of the resulting data pattern from each DRAM block is performed after the pause; where at least a portion of the pause of two or more of the DRAM blocks overlap in time; and for each DRAM block comparing the test data pattern to the resulting data pattern.

To overcome these problems, the present invention generates two window strobes and uses the two window strobes to determine if skew between two signals meets predetermined criteria. One of the window strobes is used to test one of the signals, and the other window strobe is generated relative to the first window strobe. The second window strobe tests the other signal (or signals, if they are data signals). From the tests of the two window strobes, it can be determined if the skew between the first and second signals meets predetermined criteria. In particular, the two window strobes are placed relative to each other and to the signals being tested in such a way that when both window strobes indicate passing conditions, skew between the two signals is guaranteed.

Method for testing and guaranteeing that skew between two signals meets predetermined criteria

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Underhill, VT, United States of America

William R Corbin