Built-in Self-test
A built-in self-test (BIST) or built-in test (BIT) is a mechanism that permits a machine to test itself. Engineers design BISTs to meet requirements such as:
- high reliability
- lower repair cycle times
or constraints such as:
- limited technician accessibility
- cost of testing during manufacture
The main purpose of BIST is to reduce the complexity, and thereby decrease the cost and reduce reliance upon external (pattern-programmed) test equipment. BIST reduces cost in two ways:
- reduces test-cycle duration
- reduces the complexity of the test/probe setup, by reducing the number of I/O signals that must be driven/examined under tester control.
Both lead to a reduction in hourly charges for automated test equipment (ATE) service.
Read more about Built-in Self-test: Naming, Applications, Specializations
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