Hardware-assisted Functional Testing of Embedded Processors in Idle Times

What is it about?

In this work we test embedded processors by use of small pieces of software routines similar to conventional SBST methods, but we exploit several number of hardware test components next to the processing cores in order to overcome existing SBST challenges. These test components facilitate quick testing of embedded cores by providing several mechanisms such as virtual fetch, virtual jump, fake load & store, and segmented test application.

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Why is it important?

Processors produced using today's technologies face serious reliability challenges. These processors may fail any time in the field and one time testing is not sufficient to guarantee their reliable operation. Software based self testing is one of the effective techniques for online or periodic testing of the processors to enhance the reliability of systems equipped with these processors. In fact, effective SBST techniques are a real need for today's embedded processors.