On the design of multiple-input shift-registers for signature analysis testing

Exact expressions for the aliasing error probability in multiple-input shift register for signature analysis testing are derived and used to obtain criteria for the optimal synthesis of signature registers. The register behavior is modeled under the assumption of statistical independence of error vectors from the circuit under test (CUT). A general solution to the resulting Markov chain is presented on the basis of an original coding theory technique that clarifies the effect of the major register features, as well as of the correlations among the CUT output bits. It is then possible to analyze in detail the most important design issues, such as the choice of the feedback polynomial and of the register optimal structure