Defect isolation methods and systems

Abstract

A test system and method for testing integrated circuits with improved defect localization is disclosed. A laser is used to perturb a device under test (DUT) at a test location. A tester tests the DUT with a test pattern and compares test results with compare vectors in a prior failure log. When a failure signature is matched, a failure signal is generated, indicating that the test location is a failed location. Comparing the test results with the compare vectors in the prior failure log and generating the failure signal when the failure signature is detected reduces artifacts from testing, shortening debug turnaround time.