Efficient built-In self-test for video coding cores: A case study on motion estimation computing array

Motion estimation algorithms are used in various video coding systems. With the advent of VLSI technology, a large collection of processing elements can be assembled to achieve high-speed computation economically. Rather, the problem of testing a VLSI chip begins with introduction of a defect during the design or implementation phases. Therefore, this paper describes a novel testing scheme of motion estimation. The key part of this scheme is to offer high reliability for motion estimation architecture. The experimental result shows the design achieve 100% fault coverage. And, the main advantages of this scheme are minimal performance degradation, small cost of hardware overhead and the benefit of at-speed testing.