A DfT architecture for 3D-SICs based on a standardizable die wrapper

Process technology developments enable the creation of three-dimensional stacked ICs (3D-SICs) interconnected by means of Through-Silicon Vias (TSVs). This paper presents a 3D Design-for-Test (DfT) architecture for such 3D-SICs that allows prebond die testing as well as mid-bond and post-bond stack testing. The architecture enables a modular test approach, in which the various dies, their embedded IP cores, the inter-die TSV-based interconnects, and the external I/Os can be tested as separate units, which allows flexible optimization of the 3D-SIC test flow and provides yield monitoring and first-order fault diagnosis. The architecture builds on and reuses existing DfT hardware at the core, die, and product level. Its main new component is a die-level wrapper, which can be based on either IEEE Std 1149.1 or IEEE Std 1500. The paper presents a conceptual overview of the architecture, as well as implementation aspects. Experimental results show that the implementation costs are negligible for medium to large dies
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science