Pattern generator card, emulation, and debug

Details a pattern generator card used in a high speed VLSI test system, a software emulation of that card, and card debug procedure. The Advanced Test System built at IBM East Fishkill contains primarily pin electronics cards, pattern generator cards, and power and clock distribution cards. The software emulator, called PGEM, for pattern generator emulation, serves two major purposes: it facilitates off-line debug of pattern generator cards; and, when used with a waveform tool, it permits verification of test programs without wasting system time. The simplification of off-line debug is important in terms of time savings and reduction of expensive incorrect diagnoses.<>