Programmable multi-mode built-in self-test and self-repair structure for embedded memory arrays

摘要

A built-in self-test and self-repair structure (BISR) of memory arrays embedded in an integrated device includes at least a test block (BIST) programmable to execute on a respective memory array of the device any of a certain number of test algorithms, and a self-repair block that includes a column address generator processing the faulty address information for allocating redundant resources of the tested memory array. The BISR may further include a redundancy register on which final redundancy information is loaded at each power-on of the device and control logic for managing data transfer from external circuitry to the built-in self-test and self-repair structure (BISR) and vice versa. The BIST structure serves any number of embedded memory arrays even of different types and sizes.