MONITORING POWER DISSIPATION FOR FAULT-DETECTION

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.