SSN Questions

SSN Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible for an SSN datapath to have a branch that is narrower than the main
datapath?
Tessent SSN does support this, but it is not recommended. IPs with narrower
bus widths than the parent design are supported, but the IP is should be rebuilt with
the proper width. Use the SSN multiplexer node to isolate the narrower branch of the
bus from the parent design.
When an SSH on the narrower bus is active, the effective bus width is scaled
down to the narrower bus width. An IP with a wider bus than the parent design is not
supported.
2. Can I have multiple independent active datapaths?
SSN supports multiple SSN datapaths operating concurrently at different

frequencies for retargeting.
During top-level ATPG, the effective bus width is scaled down to the
narrower datapath width. The two datapaths are capture-aligned, with padding added
to the packet to ensure capture alignment.
3. Can I change the SSN bus_clock and shift_capture_clock frequencies during

retargeting?
You can change the bus_clock and shift_capture_clock frequencies during
retargeting after the patterns have already been created at the block level.
During retargeting, set the set_current_physical_block command to the scope
of the physical block that you want to change either frequency. Use the
set_load_unload_timing_options command to change the frequencies.
4. How do I exclude a physical block from top-level ATPG with SSN?

Do not add the core instance for the EDT inside the physical block that you
want to exclude. Without the core instance of the EDT added, the SSH is disabled and
behaves as a two-stage pipeline.
5. What design view of my physical blocks should I use during pattern retargeting?
Use the graybox design view of the physical block whose patterns you want to
retarget.
6. How do I program my SSN multiplexer nodes?
Use the generated PDL to write the select of the SSN multiplexer using the
set_test_setup_icall
command. set_test_setup_icall \
"chip_top_ssh_insertion_tessent_ssn_mux_returnPath_inst.setup
select_secondary_bus 1" -append
7. How is the negative edge of scan_en synchronized across all SSH during top-level
ATPG?
During top-level ATPG, one SSH may enter the capture state before another
SSH in the same active datapath. This may happen with certain bus configurations
and is normal behavior.
During top-level ATPG, all active SSH nodes are capture-aligned. Each
SSH receives the same number of packets before entering or leaving the capture state.
This guarantees that each physical block does not miss any capture clock pulses.
8. Can I use a custom test_setup sequence with “pulse TCK” and “force TMS” to
initialize an analog IP and still use SSN?
Yes, add your custom test_setup sequence using the set_procfile_name command, and
the SSN initialization is appended at the end of your custom sequence.
9. How do I enable Streaming-Through-IJTAG?
Use the set_ssn_options command to enable the Streaming-Through-IJTAG mode.
set_ssn_options -streaming_interface ijtag
10. How do I decide the width of my SSN bus?
Reuse the same number of GPIO used for scan in/out without SSN. The SSN
data_in and data_out ports should be symmetrical.
11. How fast can I run my SSN bus?
The default SSN bus_clock frequency is 400 MHz. A wide high-speed bus
requires physical resources. Consult with your physical implementation team to work
within the physical design budget.
12. Do all my physical blocks have to shift at the same frequency?
No, each physical block can shift at an independent frequency.
13. Can I change the shift frequency of one of my partitions during retargeting?
You can lower the shift frequency of a physical block after the patterns have been
created. Set the set_current_physical_block command to the physical block to change the
frequency and use the “set_load_unload_timing_options -shift_clock_period” command to
change the shift clock frequency.
You can see the changed frequency using the report_load_unload_timing_options or
get_load_unload_timing_options commands.
14. Do I have to insert SSH, EDT, and OCC in the same DFT insertion step?
The SSH, EDT, and OCC do not have to be created or inserted at the same time.
However, if you do not insert them at the same time in one DFT insertion step, you are
responsible for making the physical connections between them and for the multiplexing logic
that shares the path back to the SSH between external and internal test EDT channels

SSN Questions

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SSN Questions

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

SSN Questions

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SSN Frequently Asked Questions

2. Can I have multiple independent active datapaths?

SSN supports multiple SSN datapaths operating concurrently at different

3. Can I change the SSN bus_clock and shift_capture_clock frequencies during

4. How do I exclude a physical block from top-level ATPG with SSN?

You might also like