Method for optimally connecting scan segments in two-dimensional compression chains

A method, implemented by a computer, for performing scan chain connection of an integrated circuit by optimally balancing and connecting scan segments in a 2-dimensional compression chain architecture, the method comprising:

• identifying an imbalance of scan elements that cannot be redistributed into a number of respective spatial partitions of a testable logic area of the integrated circuit each with a respective scan length equal to a target scan chain length;
• padding imbalanced scan elements with padding scan elements to extend the respective scan length of the identified imbalanced scan element to the target scan chain length;
• dividing testable logic into a 2-dimensional grid according to a bisecting distribution scheme;
• redistributing scan elements between respective partitions that have an absolute difference between a total scan length of the respective partition and the target scan chain length greater than zero to optimally reduce the absolute difference;
• and
• connecting the scan elements within each respective partition to configure a 2-dimensional compression chain for the target scan chain length.

A design system, comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• a processor configured to generate an integrated circuit design that:
• identifies an imbalance of scan elements that cannot be redistributed into a number of respective spatial partitions of a testable logic area of the integrated circuit design each with a respective scan length equal to a target scan chain length;
• pads the imbalanced scan elements with padding scan elements to extend the respective scan length of the identified imbalanced scan element to the target scan chain length;
• redistributes scan elements between respective partitions that have an absolute difference between a total scan length of the respective partition and the target scan chain length greater than zero to optimally reduce the absolute difference;
• and
• connects the scan elements within each respective partition to configure a 2-dimensional compression chain for the target scan chain length.