Hierarchical Communication Chain for IC Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex integrated circuits with multiple clock and power domains pose challenges in testing and error reporting, as existing communication chains struggle to consistently communicate test information across different domains, leading to impractical and error-prone verification processes.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical communication chain structure is implemented, using a master memory controller and slave memory controllers with chain bridges to manage communication across different clock and power domains, enabling centralized error reporting and simplifying verification by decoupling command topology from specific device types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single communication chain is used to test all devices, then the testing structure is simple, but it cannot consistently communicate test information across different clock and power domains
Solution Approach 1:
The communication chain is segmented into multiple independent chains, each operating within a specific clock and power domain. Chain bridges connect these segments, allowing test information to be communicated reliably across domain boundaries while maintaining simplicity within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Chain bridges act as intermediary devices between different communication chains. These bridges translate and forward test information between chains operating in different clock and power domains, ensuring consistent communication without requiring a completely complex unified structure.
2Reliability
If multiple communication chains are used to cover different clock and power domains, then communication reliability improves, but logic and routing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the testing system into segmented chains that align with clock and power domain boundaries, each chain can operate independently with minimal overhead. The segmentation reduces the complexity of routing and logic within each chain while maintaining reliable communication across domains through the bridge connections.
3Ease of operation
If communication chains are tightly coupled to specific device types, then device control is precise, but adaptability to different IC designs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication chains and chain bridges are designed as universal interfaces that can work with different types of devices and IC designs. The standardized chain structure provides consistent control mechanisms while adapting to various device types, eliminating the need for tightly coupled device-specific communication paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A master controller includes: an interface to a CPU, an input port configured to receive a digital signal, and an output port configured to transmit a digital signal. Slave controllers each include: an interface to a device, an input port configured to receive a digital signal, and an output port configured to transmit a digital signal. A first chain bridge includes: a first set of input and output ports that couple the first chain bridge to a first chain of nodes each coupled to neighboring nodes by conductor paths in a closed loop, where the nodes of the first chain include the master controller, and a second set of input and output ports that couple the first chain bridge to a second chain of nodes each coupled to neighboring nodes by conductor paths in a closed loop, where the nodes of the second chain include multiple slave controllers.