Title :
An ASIC library granular DRAM macro with built-in self test
Author :
Dreibelbis, J. ; Barth, J., Jr. ; Kho, R. ; Kalter, T.
Author_Institution :
IBM Microelectron., Essex Junction, VT, USA
Abstract :
System-on-a-chip architectures are generating increased interest as the level of integration is expanded by the arrival of 0.25 /spl mu/m processes. Many merged DRAM and logic applications use custom logic circuits that either surround or are embedded in a DRAM core. A more classic ASIC library approach where a DRAM macro family is used as a logic building block with the software tools associated with ASIC logic macros: i.e., timing analysis, place-and-route, logic simulation, and test generation. The macro operation is generic, yet versatile, allowing gate-array or standard-cell interface personalization. The design has a wide databit interface of 128 or 256 bits, separate databit-in and databit-out to ease bus contention, bit-write capability for multiplexing to narrower databit widths or partial databit-writes, and granular-density options from 0.5 Mb-8 Mb. Built-in self test (BIST) with two-dimensional redundancy calculation and allocation, along with in-situ burn-in capability, is also included. The DRAM macro design is architectured for reuse on future DRAM-generation sub-arrays and is adaptable to any number of address or databit-pin configurations. Its methodology and functionality have been verified in a 0.45 /spl mu/m trench DRAM technology.
Keywords :
DRAM chips; application specific integrated circuits; automatic testing; built-in self test; integrated circuit reliability; integrated circuit testing; isolation technology; memory architecture; redundancy; timing; 0.45 micron; 0.5 to 8 Mbit; 128 bit; 256 bit; ASIC library; DRAM-generation sub-arrays; bit-write capability; built-in self test; bus contention; databit interface; databit-pin configurations; granular DRAM macro; granular-density options; in-situ burn-in capability; interface personalization; logic simulation; place-and-route; software tools; test generation; timing analysis; trench DRAM technology; two-dimensional redundancy; Application software; Application specific integrated circuits; Automatic testing; Circuit testing; Logic circuits; Logic testing; Random access memory; Software libraries; Software tools; System-on-a-chip;
Conference_Titel :
Solid-State Circuits Conference, 1998. Digest of Technical Papers. 1998 IEEE International
Conference_Location :
San Francisco, CA, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-4344-1
DOI :
10.1109/ISSCC.1998.672381