Test Coverage Analysis for Designs with Timing Exceptions

Timing exceptions (e.g. false and multicycle paths) are commonly applied to optimize the performance and meet timing requirements. These timing exceptions are presented as extra constraints during test generation to ensure the correctness of the pattern set. Without considering the impact on test quality, timing exceptions often result in unpredictable test coverage impact. This paper proposes a systematic approach involving both the design and test phases to achieving high test quality while meeting the design timing requirements.