TABLE OF CONTENTS Developing a digital algorithm to be implemented in hardware or software is the key task for many designers. If they develop the required digital logic or software program to run on an existing electronic circuit, the requirements for interfacing the algorithm to an external system commonly referred to as the real world for typical applications such as electronic circuit test, control, and instrumentation will have already been established. The necessary digital control and data signals to access the external system electronics will then need to be developed. In many other applications, however, the designer must develop and implement the digital algorithm in hardware or software, as well as the circuitry for interfacing the algorithm to an external system.
An example of interfacing a digital processor for electronic circuit test applications is in the testing of semiconductor devices during device production [1 3].
Aside: Consider the discussions in this section as an example of how electronic circuits and systems can be formed in order to create something useful. Consider in particular how the system is created, the different functions it is required to undertake, the variations on the basic idea of the semiconductor tester, and the need to carefully consider future as well as current requirements of the system. This discussion should be read along with Chapter 9, Testing the Electronic System.
The production testing of integrated circuits (ICs) is undertaken both at the wafer level (prior to die packaging, see Figure 8.1) and on the final packaged devices. The wafer...
