Deterministic logic BIST cuts SoC test costs

Toshiba has taped out a high-performance digital image processor chip targeting consumer multimedia applications using Synopsys DFT Compiler SoCBIST's deterministic logic BIST capability.

Toshiba has taped out a high-performance digital image processor chip targeting consumer multimedia applications using Synopsys DFT Compiler SoCBIST's deterministic logic BIST capability.

This six-million-gate device was designed using Toshiba's advanced TC280 0.13-micron process.

By partnering with Synopsys to extend their design-for-test (DFT) flow for next-generation LSI designs, Toshiba reduced overall test cost by taking advantage of SoCBIST's ability to deliver a tenfold reduction in tester time and more than 100 times reduction in test data volume.

"We partnered with Synopsys on our DFT flow, and DFT Compiler SoCBIST enabled us to reduce tester time for our upcoming LSI design by 12 times and test data volume by 900 times as compared to traditional methodologies", said Seiichi Nishio, Senior Manager Design Methodology, Toshiba Corp Semiconductor Company.

"We are very pleased with the results we achieved with SoCBIST on our upcoming LSI design.

We expect to tape out multiple designs using SoCBIST before the end of the year, and will continue to work with Synopsys to develop advanced transition test and next-generation DFT methodologies".

In its design flow, Toshiba uses Design Compiler, DFT Compiler SoCBIST, Physical Compiler, PrimeTime, and TetraMAX ATPG from Synopsys' Galaxy Design Platform.

Because DFT Compiler SoCBIST is an integral part of Galaxy, Toshiba is able to achieve its overall design objectives and achieve DFT closure smoothly and efficiently within the same flow.

"We rely on Toshiba as one of our technology partners and driving customers in the area of manufacturing test", said Antun Domic, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Synopsys Implementation Group.

"Toshiba provided key guidance to Synopsys on their requirements in test quality, cost and diagnostics, and has built a very impressive production methodology and design flow that fully and effectively utilises SoCBIST's capabilities.

We look forward to our continued collaboration with Toshiba and to advancing robust and production-ready manufacturing test methods for their next-generation products".

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