On-chip analog signal generation for mixed-signal built-in self-test

A new method for generating analog signals with very low complexity and har dware requirements has recently been introduced. It consists of periodicall y reproducing short optimized bitstreams recorded from the output of a sigm a-delta modulator, In this paper, various types of signals generated using the bitstream approach are discussed, Tno different silicon implementations are presented, and their performance is analyzed through experimental resu lts. Various ways in which the generators can be used are also demonstrated , Emphasis is placed on the simplicity of the design process and its compac t implementation, which are crucial considerations when implementing a buil t-in self-test strategy.