6.4.4. Minimizing Area and Complexity

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the primary purpose of minimizing area in scan chain design?

   Hint

   Think about manufacturing costs.

2. 2.

   Name one technique for optimizing scan chain topology.

   Hint

   Consider the arrangement of components.

3. 3.

   What is one goal of minimizing area in scan chain design?

   • Increase cost
   • Decrease performance
   • Reduce area

   Hint

   Think about the benefits of design optimization.

4. 4.

   True or False: Multiplexer optimization leads to increased area in design.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the purpose of optimization.

5. 5.

   Design a scan chain layout for a circuit with the requirement to minimize both area and complexity while ensuring high testability. Describe your rationale.

   Hint

   Think about how parallel structures affect area.

6. 6.

   Given a design with 20 flip-flops and 5 multiplexers, propose how you would alter the design to improve area efficiency.

   Hint

   Consider how grouping can reduce multiplexing needs.