This paper presents simulation evidence supporting the use of bit transition maximization techniques in the design of hardware test pattern generators TPGs. Bit transition maximization is a heuristic technique that involves increasing the probability that a bit will change values going from one test pattern to the next. For most of the ISCAS-85 benchmarks and many of the ISCAS89 benchmarks bit transition maximization enhances the fault coverage of two-pattern faults such as gate delay faults and CMOS transistor stuck-open faults. It achieves these bene ts without reducing the fault coverage with respect to classical stuck-at faults.
Bruce F. Cockburn, Albert L.-C. Kwong