Abstract :
In an MOS transistor network information can propagate through transistors and connections in both directions. Sometimes, however, it is intended to propagate in one direction only. Propagation in the wrong direction, causing a so called sneak path, could result in a functional error. We present an almost linear algorithm for detecting such sneak paths. Only consistent sneak paths, i.e., only paths that can possibly conduct, can cause a functional error; therefore, the algorithm allows inconsistent sneak paths to be left in the network. It does so without actually examining any paths, which would be too inefficient.