In this paper, we suggest that the dynamic power dissipation of a circ
uit can be used for fault detection. Even those faults which do not af
fect static power dissipation can be detected by monitoring dynamic po
wer dissipation. We discuss how stuck-at, stuck-open, and redundant fa
ults may be detected by monitoring dynamic power dissipation. In many
cases, the Fourier spectra of the supply currents in the good and faul
ty circuits will also be very different. Further, specific tests can b
e applied so as to improve fault coverage. Power monitoring is verifie
d using simulation, and also experimentally, for example circuits.