This paper addresses the problem of locating error sources in an erroneous
combinational or sequential circuit. We use a fault simulation-based techni
que to approximate each internal signal's correcting power. The correcting
power of a particular signal is measured in terms of the signal's correctab
le set, namely, the maximum set of erroneous input vectors or sequences tha
t can be corrected by resynthesizing the signal. Only the signals that can
correct every given erroneous input vector or sequence are considered as a
potential error source. Our algorithm offers three major advantages over ex
isting methods. First, unlike symbolic approaches, it is applicable for lar
ge circuits, Second, it delivers more accurate results than other simulatio
n-based approaches because it is based on a more stringent condition for id
entifying potential error sources. Third, it can be generalized to identify
multiple errors theoretically. Experimental results on diagnosing combinat
ional and sequential circuits with one and two random errors are presented
to show the effectiveness and efficiency of this nem approach.