An efficient parallel transparent BIST method for multiple embedded memory buffers

In this paper, we propose a new transparent built-in self-test (TBIST) method to test multiple embedded memory arrays with various sizes in parallel. First, a new transparent test interface is designed to perform testing in the normal mode and to cope with nested interrupts in a realtime manner. The circular scan test interface facilitates the processes of both test pattern generation and signature analysis. By tolerating redundant read/write/shift operations, we develop a new march algorithm called TRSMarch to achieve the goals of low hardware overhead, short test time, and high fault coverage