A method and apparatus for testing a device using transition timestamp are used
to evaluate output signals from the device. The method comprises the steps of performing
timing tests on a signal from the device; and independently carrying out bit-level
tests on a signal from the device. The independent timing tests and bit-level tests
can be performed in parallel. The bit-level tests and apparatus comprise iteratively
measuring a coarse timestamp for a transition in the signal and comparing the measured
coarse timestamp to an expected timestamp to determine whether the device meets
specifications. Whether the device meets specifications depends on whether, during
the comparison step, the presence of a bit-level fault is detected. The apparatus
and method may comprise Skew Fault detection, Bit Fault detection, No Coverage
Warning detection and/or Drift Fault detection. An automatic testing system for
testing devices comprises subsystems that incorporate the apparatus and method.