Intel Corp (INTC)

[Elmer Phud]

Adding a new frequency to a test tape used to be as simple as changing one variable and recompiling. Example:

Period = 10ns (100MHz)
Clock edge = Period/2
Drive edge = Clock edge - setup
Strobe = Clock edge + delay


Just change Period and you can have any frequency you want.


Today, the frequency is a function of the clock multiplier ratio. Just change a bit or two someplace and you have another frequency, however things get complicated there. The results do not appear at the same time anymore, so new patterns are necessary which match the new output behavior.

However, ATE testing is no longer sufficient to guarantee the quality levels being shipped today. It takes more and I probably shouldn't talk about it.