Selecting a PRPG: randomness, primitiveness, or sheer luck?

The ability of randomness to constitute a quality measure in PRPG selection for logic BIST is investigated. Extensive correlation analyses performed on a rich set of pattern generators and benchmark circuits indicate that higher randomness is no guarantee of improved fault coverage in LFSM-based pseudo-random pattern generators. Further evaluation of fault coverage data indicates that the performance of PRPGs is dependent on both circuit particularities and the number of test patterns employed.