SCRIPT: a critical path tracing algorithm for synchronous sequential circuits

The basic critical path tracing method for combinational circuits is outlined, and it is shown how it can produce pessimistic results in certain cases where fault effects propagate along multiple paths. The problem of extending the critical path tracing method to sequential circuits is considered. It is shown that the pessimistic nature of critical path tracing in combinational circuits may lead to optimistic results in sequential circuits, and a modification of the critical path tracing method to make it exact for combinational circuits is proposed. Based on this modification, a critical path tracing algorithm for synchronous sequential circuits is developed which is also exact.<
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