Method and system for alternating between programs for execution by cells of an integrated circuit

A method for data processing in an integrated circuit having cells, the cells adapted for executing programs, comprising:

• loading a first data onto the cells;
• running a first program on the cells with the first data;
• during one of a wait cycle and an IDLE cycle, removing the first data from the cells;
• subsequent to removing the first data, loading a second data onto the cells;
• running a second program on the cells with the second data;
• subsequent to running the second program, removing the second data from the cells;
• and
• subsequent to removing the second data, reloading the first data onto the cells;
• wherein the second program tests the cells to detect a defective cell.

An integrated circuit, comprising:

• a plurality of cells configured to execute programs;
• and
• a memory for storing data,
• wherein:
• the plurality of cells is configured to save the data to the memory when a first program enters a waiting condition, to execute a second program after the data is saved, and to retrieve the data after the second program is executed;
• and
• the second program tests the cells to detect a defective cell.