An efficient and well-controlled IC system development flow: design approved specification and design guided test plan

The basic theory and concepts of an efficient and well-controlled SoC development flow is introduced. This flow is currently being developed and implemented in the Wireless Analog Technology Center, at Texas Instruments (TI). The flow is based on design, test, and characterization data, and synchronizing all three groups to be able to use the same specification compliance matrix (SCM) in a SoC project. The ultimate goal is to make sure that all information from the three groups is being collected in one database as a uniform SCM. This flow is intended to reduce the traditional redundant work and bring consistency across organizations. The SCM software package developed to accomplish this task is described with an example.