Method for scanning a memory array

Abstract

A method is disclosed for scanning an array of memory cells arranged in rows and columns, where the array includes a scan chain partitioned into multiple sections. Each section includes a first scan multiplexer, a section buffer cell, and multiple memory cells. The method includes determining whether a scan shift mode is entered, asserting a scan enable signal to select second inputs of each first scan multiplexer when the scan shift mode is entered, coupling the scan input with the input of the section buffer cell of the first section, and coupling the output of the memory cell in the previous section with the input of the section buffer cell in the next section. The method further includes updating the contents of the section buffer cell and the memory cells using clock signals and scan word line pulses.