Differential thermal testing: An approach to its feasibility

Testing techniques based on the functional behaviour, the propagation delay and the levels of quiescent current have been used with great success for the last two decade technologies. However, the efficiency of such technique s is dubious for future technologies, characterised by huge mixed-mode comp lex circuits and very low supply voltage levels. In this paper the feasibil ity of using internal thermal sensors to detect heat sources provoked by st ructural defects are considered and evaluated.