Handling Die-to-Die I/O Pads for 3DIC Interconnect Tests

A multi-die 3DIC is constructed by integrating multiple dies into a stack. These dies are interconnected via die-to-die (D2D) interconnects facilitated by I/O pads, which manage signal load and provide electrical protection to both the die and the overall system. The number of D2D interconnects is anticipated to increase significantly, rising from a few thousand today to several hundred thousand in the coming years. Consequently, ensuring the functionality and performance of 3DIC systems requires rigorous testing of not only the die logic but also the pads and interconnects at both the die and stack levels. In this paper, we explore the Design for Test (DFT) and testing challenges involved in handling various types of pads, ranging from simple to complex custom designs, within a multi-die 3DIC system. We also examine the tools and methodologies provided by Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools to support these challenges, specifically focusing on implementations compliant with the IEEE 1838 standard.