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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-134). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2005. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2005. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Use of traditional gate level test generation techniques is prohibitively expensive and time consuming for VLSI chips. High level approaches to test generation have been proposed to improve the efficiency of test generation, e.g., the Behavioral Test Generator developed at Virginia Tech generates test vectors from high level Behavioral VHDL descriptions. To validate the utility of these test vectors, it needs to be established that they provide adequate coverage at the gate level. This thesis shows that test vectors obtained from the Behavioral Test Generator provide adequate coverage for the equivalent gate level circuit. A system that was developed to effectively evaluate the test vectors is presented. The implementation of Heuristic Test Generator to improve the coverage of the Behavioral Test Generator is explained. / Master of Science

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The development of a tool kit for the design of superconducting programmable gate arrays (SPGAs) is discussed. A circuit optimizer using genetic algorithms is developed and evaluated. Techniques and a program are also developed for the generation of segmentized 3D models with which to calculate inductance in circuit structures through FastHenry. The ability to add random variations to the dimensions of the models is included. These tools are then used to design novel latching elements that allow the construction of reprogrammable Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) circuits. A circular process is used, whereby layouts are converted back to circuit diagrams through element extraction, and reoptimized if necessary. Two programmable frequency dividers are then designed; one for testing the routing and switch structures and programming architecture of an SPGA, and another compact one for testing the latching elements and off-chip interface. The dissertation concludes with an overview of the circuits necessary for the implementation of a fully functional SPGA. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontwikkeling van ’n gereedskapstel vir die ontwerp van supergeleier FPGA’s (SPGA’s) word bespreek. Eerstens word ’n stroombaanoptimeerder, wat met genetiese algoritmes funksioneer, ontwikkel en geëvalueer. Daarna word tegnieke en ’n program ontwikkel om driedimensionele segmentmodelle te genereer waaruit FastHenry die induktansie van stroombaanstrukture kan bepaal. Die vermoë om toevalsveranderinge by die dimensies van die modelle te voeg, is ook ingesluit. Hierdie gereedskap word dan gebruik om nuwe grendelelemente te ontwerp waarmee herprogrammeerbare Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) stroombane gebou kan word. ’n Sirkulêre proses word gevolg, waarvolgens uitlegte na stroombaandiagramme teruggeskakel kan word (deur elementonttrekkings) en, indien nodig, heroptimeer kan word. Twee programmeerbare frekwensiedelers word daarna ontwerp; een om die pulsvervoer- en skakelstrukture, asook programmeringsargitektuur van ’n SPGA te toets, en ’n ander, kompakter een om die grendelelemente en warmlogika koppelvlakke mee te toets. Die proefskrif sluit af met ’n oorsig oor die stroombane benodig vir die implementering van ’n volledig funksionele SPGA.

This thesis presents thermal and power loss models of a three phase IGBT voltage source inverter used in the design of the 625KW fuel cell and reformer demonstration which is a top priority for the Office of Naval Research. The ability to generate thermal simulations of systems and to accurately predict a system's response becomes essential in order to reduce the cost of design and production, increase reliability, quantify the accuracy of the estimated thermal impedance of an IGBT module, predict the maximum switching frequency without violating thermal limits, predict the time to shutdown on a loss of coolant casualty, and quantify the characteristics of the heat-sink needed to dissipate the heat under worst case conditions. In order to accomplish this, power loss and thermal models were created and simulated to represent a three phase IGBT voltage source inverter in the lab. The simulated power loss and thermal model data were compared against the experimental data of a three phase voltage source inverter set up in the Naval Postgraduate School power systems laboratory.