Built-in self test circuit for segmented static random access memory (sram) array input/output

Abstract

An array of a memory includes sub-arrays with memory cells arranged in a row-column matrix where each row includes a word line and each sub-array column includes a local bit line. A row decoder supports two modes of memory operation: a first mode where only one word line in the memory array is actuated during a read and a second mode where one word line per sub-array are simultaneously actuated during the read. An input/output circuit for each column includes inputs to the local bit lines of the sub-arrays, a column data output coupled to the bit line inputs, and a sub-array data output coupled to each bit line input. BIST testing of the input/output circuit is supported through data at both the column data output and the sub-array data outputs in order to confirm proper memory operation in support of both the first and second modes of operation.