ISSN:
1573-0727
Keywords:
fault simulation
;
sequential circuits
;
test generation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Electrical Engineering, Measurement and Control Technology
Notes:
Abstract A new fast fault simulation algorithm called differential fault simulation, DSIM, for synchronous sequential circuits is described. Unlike concurrent fault simulation, for every test vector, DSIM simulates the good machine and each faulty machine separately, one after another, rather than simultaneously simulating all machines. Therefore, DSIM dramatically reduces the memory requirement and the overhead in the memory management in concurrent fault simulation. Also, unlike serial fault simulation, DSIM simulates each machine by reprocessing its differences from the previously simulated machine. In this manner, DSIM is more efficient than serial fault simulation. Experiments have shown that DSIM runs 3 to 12 times faster than an existing concurrent fault simulator. In addition, owing to the simplicity of this algorithm, DSIM is very easy to implement and maintain. An implementation consists of only about 300 lines of “C” language statements added to the event-driven true-value simulator in an existing sequential circuit test generator program, STG3. Currently DSIM uses the zero-delay timing model. The addition of alternative delay models is under development.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00134011
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