Introduction to Logic Debugging

Abstract

In this chapter we review a number of representative algorithms for error diagnosis and correction. For error diagnosis, we discuss methods of locating the error sources in an incorrect combinational implementation using BDD techniques or logic simulation. For error correction, we illustrate the techniques of rectifying the circuit by re-synthesizing a number of signals, or by matching the erroneous behavior with a pre-defined error type, (e.g., a missing inverter). Finally, we describe a logic rectification approach using equivalence checking techniques and a heuristic called back-substitution.