A new methodology for improved tester utilization

Typically the DFT features are decided during the design and remain fixed after the design is completed. This makes a device testable only on ATEs, which can satisfy the test requirements for that chip. If such an ATE is not available then the IC either cannot be fully tested, or ATE resources are wasted when it is designed for less capabilities. This paper presents a methodology that builds on the tester retargetable pattern technology for testing ICs on testers with different pin capabilities. Such a capability would be an essential element in reduced pin-count (multi-site) testing. The interfacing needs between the Test Automation World and the Tester Environment are also developed in this paper.