The invention relates to an electronic circuit including a sub-module assembly (2) connected to the rest of the circuit, the sub-module assembly including a secret sub-module (4) for performing a function, scan chains; a built-in self test circuit including a pattern generator (5) to apply input signals to the scan chains, and a signature register (6) to check output signals from the scan chains. In order to keep the sub-module secret, the scan chains are not connected to the rest of the circuit.