Verifying properties using sequential ATPG [IC design]

This paper develops a novel approach for formally verifying both safety and liveness properties of designs using sequential ATPG tools. The properties are automatically mapped into a monitor circuit with a target fault so that finding a test for the fault corresponds to formally establishing the property. The mapping of the properties to the monitor circuit is described in detail and the process is shown to be sound and complete. Experimental results show that the ATPG-based approach performs better than existing verification techniques, especially for large designs.