An automatic test generation method for chip-level circuit descriptions

An automatic method generates tests for circuits described in a hardware description language (HDL). The input description is in a non-procedural subset of VHDL, with a simplified period-oriented timing model. The fault model, based on previous research, includes micro-operation and control statement faults. The test method uses path-tracing, working directly from the circuit description, not a derived graph or table. Artificial intelligence problem-solving techniques of goals and goal solving are used to represent and manipulate sensitization, justification, and propagation requirements. Backtracking is used to recover from incorrect choices. The method is implemented in ProLog, an artificial intelligence language. Results of this experimental ProLog implementation are summarized and analyzed for strengths and weaknesses of the test method. Suggestions are included to counter the weaknesses. A user's manual is included for the experimental implementation.