Dsp Based Testing Of Analog And Mixed Signal Circuits

Answers the commonly asked questions about how digital signal processing-based machines work and what role DSP plays in the process. It shows you how DSP performs in real-test situations and uses mathematical concepts rather than derivations. The text addresses difficult test problems and their solutions resulting from the union of automatic test equipment (ATE) and DSP. The author establishes a philosophy of DSP-based testing describing how to think, how to approach a problem, how to create a solution, and how to determine if it really works properly.

Test and Design-for-Testability in Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuits deals with test and design for test of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits. Especially in System-on-Chip (SoC), where different technologies are intertwined (analog, digital, sensors, RF); test is becoming a true bottleneck of present and future IC projects. Linking design and test in these heterogeneous systems will have a tremendous impact in terms of test time, cost and proficiency. Although it is recognized as a key issue for developing complex ICs, there is still a lack of structured references presenting the major topics in this area. The aim of this book is to present basic concepts and new ideas in a manner understandable for both professionals and students. Since this is an active research field, a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview is very valuable, introducing the main problems as well as the ways of solution that seem promising, emphasizing their basis, strengths and weaknesses. In essence, several topics are presented in detail. First of all, techniques for the efficient use of DSP-based test and CAD test tools. Standardization is another topic considered in the book, with focus on the IEEE 1149.4. Also addressed in depth is the connecting design and test by means of using high-level (behavioural) description techniques, specific examples are given. Another issue is related to test techniques for well-defined classes of integrated blocks, like data converters and phase-locked-loops. Besides these specification-driven testing techniques, fault-driven approaches are described as they offer potential solutions which are more similar to digital test methods. Finally, in Design-for-Testability and Built-In-Self-Test, two other concepts that were taken from digital design, are introduced in an analog context and illustrated for the case of integrated filters. In summary, the purpose of this book is to provide a glimpse on recent research results in the area of testing mixed-signal integrated circuits, specifically in the topics mentioned above. Much of the work reported herein has been performed within cooperative European Research Projects, in which the authors of the different chapters have actively collaborated. It is a representative snapshot of the current state-of-the-art in this emergent field.

Integrated circuits incorporating both digital and analog functions have become increasingly prevalent in the semiconductor industry. Mixed-signal IC test and measurement has grown into a highly specialized field of electrical engineering. It has become harder to hire and train new engineers to become skilled mixed-signal test engineers. The slow learning curve for mixed-signal test engineers is largely due to the shortage of written materials and university-level courses on the subject of mixed-signal testing. While many books have been devoted to the subject of digital test and testability, the same cannot be said for analog and mixed-signal automated test and measurement. This book was written in response ot the shortage of basic course material for mixed-signal test and measurement. The book assumes a solid background in analog and digital circuits as well as a working knowledge of computers and computer programming. A background in digital signal processing and statistical analysis is also helpful, though not absolutely necessary. This material is designed to be useful as both a university textbook and as a reference manual for the beginning professional test engineer. The prerequisite for this book is a junior level course in linear continuous-time and discrete-time systems, as well as exposure ot elementary probability and statistical concepts. Chapter 1 presents an introduction to the context in which mixed-singal testing is performed and why it is necessary. Chapter 2 examines the process by which test programs are generated, from device data sheet to test plan to test code. Test program structure and functionality are also discussed in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 introduces basic DC measurement definitions, including continuity, leakage, offset, gain, DC power supply rejection ratio, and many other types of fundamental DC measurements. Chapter 4 covers the basics of absolute accuracy, resolution, software calibration, standards traceability, and measurement repeatability. In addition, basic data analysis is presented in Chapter 4. A more thorough treatment of data analysis and statistical analysis is delayed until Chapter 15. Chapter 5 takes a closer look at the architecture of a generic mixed-signal ATE tester. The generic tester includes instruments such as DC sources, meters, waveform digitizers, arbitrary waveform generators, and digital pattern generators with source and capture functionality. Chapter 6 presents an introduction to both ADC and DAC sampling theory. DAC sampling theory is applicable to both DAC circuits in the device under test and to the arbitrary waveform generators in a mixed-signal tester. ADC sampling theory is applicable to both ADC circuits in the device under test and to waveform digitizers in a mixed-signal tester. Coherent multi-tone sample sets are also introduced as an introduction to DSP based testing. Chapter 7 further develops sampling theory concepts and DSP-based testing methodologies, which are at the core of many mixed-signal test and measurement techniques. FFT fundamentals, windowing, frequency domain filtering, and other DSP-based testing fundamentals are covered in Chapter 6 and 7. Chapter 8 shows how basic AC channel tests can be performed economicaly using DSP-based testing. This chapter covers only non-sampled channels, consisting of combinations of op-amps, analog filters, PGAs and other continuous-time circuits. Chapter 9 explores many of these same tests as they are applied to sampled channels, which include DACs, ADCs, sample and hold (S/H) amplifiers, etc. Chapter 10 explains how the basic accuracy of ATE test equipment can be extended using specialized software routines. This subject is not necessarily taught in formal ATE tester classes, yet it is critical in the accurate measurement of many DUT performance parameters. Testing of DACs is covered in Chapter 11. Several kinds of DACs are studied, including traditional binary-weighted, resistive ladder, pulse with modulation (PWM), and sigma delta architectures. Traditional measurements like INL, DNL and absolute error are discussed. Chapter 12 builds upon the concepts in Chapter 11 to show how ADCs are commonly tested. Again, several different kinds of ADC's are studied, including binary-weighted, dual-slope, flash, semi-flash, and sigma-delta architectures. The weaknesses of each design are expalined, as well as the common methodologies used to probe their weaknesses. Chapter 13 explores the gray art of mixed-signal DIB design. Topics of interest include component selection, power and ground layout, crosstalk, shielding, transmission lines, and tester loading. Chapter 13 also illustrates several common DIB circuits and their use in mixed-signal testing. Chapter 14 gives a brief introduction to some of the techniques for analog and mixed-signal design for test. There are fewer structured approaches for mixed-signal DfT than for purely digital DfT. The more common ad-hoc methods are explained, as well as some of the industry standards such as IEEE Std. 1149.1 and 1149.4. A brief review of statistical analysis and Gaussian distributions is presented in Chapter 15. This chapter also shows how measurement results can be analyzed and viewed using a variety of software tools and display formats. Datalogs, shmoo plots, and histograms are discussed. Also, statistical process control (SPC) is explained, including a discussion of process control metrics such as Cp and Cpk. Chapter 16 examines the economis of production testing, The economics of testing are affected by many factors such as equipment purchase price, test floor overhead costs, test time, dual-head testing, multi-site testing, and time to market. A test engineer's debugging skills heavily impacts time to market. Chapter 16 examines the test debugging process to attempt to set down some general guidelines for debugging mixed-signal test programs. Finally, emerging trends that affect test economics and test development time are presented in Chapter 16. Some or all these trends will shape the future course of mixed-siganl test and measurement.

More and more chips are being designed with both analog and digital circuitry next to each other, which makes testing analog circuitry even more challenging. This comprehensive guide reviews all the potential testing options, helping designers, engineers, CAD developers, and researchers choose the most cost-effective, accurate solutions for both mixed-signal and analog-only testing.

The modern electronic testing has a forty year history. Test professionals hold some fairly large conferences and numerous workshops, have a journal, and there are over one hundred books on testing. Still, a full course on testing is offered only at a few universities, mostly by professors who have a research interest in this area. Apparently, most professors would not have taken a course on electronic testing when they were students. Other than the computer engineering curriculum being too crowded, the major reason cited for the absence of a course on electronic testing is the lack of a suitable textbook. For VLSI the foundation was provided by semiconductor device techn- ogy, circuit design, and electronic testing. In a computer engineering curriculum, therefore, it is necessary that foundations should be taught before applications. The field of VLSI has expanded to systems-on-a-chip, which include digital, memory, and mixed-signalsubsystems. To our knowledge this is the first textbook to cover all three types of electronic circuits. We have written this textbook for an undergraduate “foundations” course on electronic testing. Obviously, it is too voluminous for a one-semester course and a teacher will have to select from the topics. We did not restrict such freedom because the selection may depend upon the individual expertise and interests. Besides, there is merit in having a larger book that will retain its usefulness for the owner even after the completion of the course. With equal tenacity, we address the needs of three other groups of readers.

This book provides a comprehensive discussion of automatic testing, diagnosis and tuning of analogue, mixed-signal and RF integrated circuits, and systems in a single source. As well as fundamental concepts and techniques, the book reports systematically the state of the arts and future research directions of those areas. A complete range of circuit components are covered and test issues from the SoC perspective. An essential reference for researchers and engineers in mixed signal testing, postgraduate and senior undergraduate students.

The modern electronic testing has a forty year history. Test professionals hold some fairly large conferences and numerous workshops, have a journal, and there are over one hundred books on testing. Still, a full course on testing is offered only at a few universities, mostly by professors who have a research interest in this area. Apparently, most professors would not have taken a course on electronic testing when they were students. Other than the computer engineering curriculum being too crowded, the major reason cited for the absence of a course on electronic testing is the lack of a suitable textbook. For VLSI the foundation was provided by semiconductor device techn- ogy, circuit design, and electronic testing. In a computer engineering curriculum, therefore, it is necessary that foundations should be taught before applications. The field of VLSI has expanded to systems-on-a-chip, which include digital, memory, and mixed-signalsubsystems. To our knowledge this is the first textbook to cover all three types of electronic circuits. We have written this textbook for an undergraduate “foundations” course on electronic testing. Obviously, it is too voluminous for a one-semester course and a teacher will have to select from the topics. We did not restrict such freedom because the selection may depend upon the individual expertise and interests. Besides, there is merit in having a larger book that will retain its usefulness for the owner even after the completion of the course. With equal tenacity, we address the needs of three other groups of readers.