A review paper on memory fault models and test algorithms

Testing embedded memories in a chip can be very challenging due to their high-density nature and manufactured using very deep submicron (VDSM) technologies. In this review paper, functional fault models which may exist in the memory are described, in terms of their definition and detection requirement. Several memory testing algorithms that are used in memory built-in self-test (BIST) are discussed, in terms of test operation sequences, fault detection ability, and also test complexity. From the studies, it shows that tests with 22 N of complexity such as March SS and March AB are needed to detect all static unlinked or simple faults within the memory cells. The N in the algorithm complexity refers to Nx*Ny*Nz whereby Nx represents the number of rows, Ny represents the number of columns and Nz represents the number of banks. This paper also looks into optimization and further improvement that can be achieved on existing March test algorithms to increase the fault coverage or to reduce the test complexity.

Finite State Machine based Programmable Memory Built-in Self-Test

We propose a methodology to design a Finite State Machine(FSM)-based Programmable Memory Built-In Self Test (PMBIST) which includes a planned procedure for Memory BIST which has a controller to select a test algorithm from a fixed set of algorithms that are built in the memory BIST. In general, it is not possible to test all the different memory modules present in System-on-Chip (SoC) with a single Test algorithm. Subsequently it is desirable to have a programmable Memory BIST controller which can execute multiple test algorithms. The proposed Memory BIST controller is designed as a FSM (Finite State Machine) written in Verilog HDL and this scheme greatly simplifies the testing process and it achieves a good flexibility with smaller circuit size compared with Individual Testing designs. We have used March test algorithms like MATS+, March X, March C- to build the project.

Construction and application of march tests for pattern sensitive memory faults detection

The urgency of the problem of testing storage devices of modern computer systems is shown. The mathematical models of their faults and the methods used for testing the most complex cases by classical march tests are investigated. Passive pattern sensitive faults (PNPSFk) are allocated, in which arbitrary k from N memory cells participate, where k << N, and N is the memory capacity in bits. For these faults, analytical expressions are given for the minimum and maximum fault coverage that is achievable within the march tests. The concept of a primitive is defined, which describes in terms of march test elements the conditions for activation and fault detection of PNPSFk of storage devices. Examples of march tests with maximum fault coverage, as well as march tests with a minimum time complexity equal to 18N are given. The efficiency of a single application of tests such as MATS ++, March C− and March PS is investigated for different number of k ≤ 9 memory cells involved in PNPSFk fault. The applicability of multiple testing with variable address sequences is substantiated, when the use of random sequences of addresses is proposed. Analytical expressions are given for the fault coverage of complex PNPSFk faults depending on the multiplicity of the test. In addition, the estimates of the mean value of the multiplicity of the MATS++, March C− and March PS tests, obtained on the basis of a mathematical model describing the problem of the coupon collector, and ensuring the detection of all k2k PNPSFk faults are given. The validity of analytical estimates is experimentally shown and the high efficiency of PNPSFk fault detection is confirmed by tests of the March PS type.