iSTART-TEK announced the launch of an industry-first innovation—the MBIST Algorithm Recommendation Tool (MART)—which integrates AI technology into the existing UDA (User-Defined Algorithm) framework. With MART, users simply answer a set of interactive questions to quickly receive tailored recommendations for MBIST (Memory Built-In Self-Test) algorithms. The tool then automatically generates optimized BFL configuration files that can be directly applied to design and test flows, significantly enhancing both efficiency and accuracy.
Traditionally, when engineers develop test plans, it is usually just simple rule matching, which lacks flexibility; at the same time, they must rely on cumbersome table lookups and experiential judgment to select suitable test algorithms. However, as process nodes continue to evolve, application scenarios diversify, and requirements for quality and delivery schedules become stricter, these traditional methods can no longer meet the dual demands of speed and precision.
To address these challenges, iSTART-TEK has introduced the concept of AI-driven weighting. Each design factor—such as power, area, and yield—is assigned a weight, and AI dynamically adjusts these weights based on historical cases and its built-in knowledge base. The resulting algorithm recommendations are therefore not merely “rule matches,” but optimal solutions derived from multi-factor weighted analysis.
The core values of MART include:
- Reduced decision cost: No more manual table lookups—AI automatically performs weighted analysis based on conditions.
- Smarter recommendations: Algorithm choices that better reflect the customer’s real-world needs.
- Flexibility and control: Customers make the final decision, balancing AI insights with engineering expertise.
By leveraging AI weighting, MART not only improves MBIST efficiency but also helps customers strike a better balance between quality and performance in both design and production. It shortens early decision-making cycles and reduces DPPM (Defective Parts Per Million).
iSTART-TEK further stated that future expansions of MART will cover additional SRAM test modes and extend to logic testing, MBISR (Memory Built-In Self-Repair), and on-chip reliability analyzers—building a comprehensive, intelligent DFT (Design for Test) ecosystem.