4.7. Best Practices in Industry

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is one advantage of using proven IP blocks?

   Hint

   Think about the reliability of components.

2. 2.

   Define Design-for-Test.

   Hint

   It involves techniques built into the design.

3. 3.

   What is a benefit of using proven IP blocks in a design?

   • Higher risk
   • Reduced integration issues
   • Increased costs

   Hint

   Think about reliability.

4. 4.

   True or False: Iterative validation is only necessary in the final stages of design.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider early detection of issues.

5. 5.

   Given a scenario where a new team is developing a mixed-signal system but lacks proper DFT strategies, predict potential issues they may encounter during testing and their impacts on project timelines and costs.

   Hint

   Consider the workflow of testing and validation.

6. 6.

   Design a simple validation strategy for a hypothetical mixed-signal circuit that includes at least two DFT techniques and explain how they would help ensure reliability.

   Hint

   Think about what DFT techniques enable in terms of testing.