Weak Cell Detection in Deep-Submicron SRAMs: A Programmable Detection Technique

A. Pavlov, M. Sachdev, J. Pineda de Gyvez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)
280 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Embedded SRAM bit count is constantly growing limiting yield in systems-on-chip (SoCs). As technology scales into deep sub-100-nm feature sizes, the increased defect density and process spreads make stability of embedded SRAMs a major concern. This paper introduces a digitally programmable detection technique, which enables detection of SRAM cells with compromised stability [with data retention faults (DRFs) being a subset]. The technique utilizes a set of cells to modify the bitline voltage, which is applied to a cell under test (CUT). The bitline voltage is digitally programmable and can be varied in wide range, modifying the pass/fail threshold of the technique. Programmability of the detection threshold allows tracking process variations and maintaining the optimal tradeoff between test quality and test yield. The measurement results of a test chip presented in the paper demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2334-2343
JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits
Volume41
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

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