Pushing back the test boundaries
07 January 2006
Reduced investment in test hardware and remote testing are just some of the benefits of a new technology in boundary scan.
testing
Today's systems used to run boundary-scan applications in production or service have needed to be located in close proximity to the target or UUT (Unit Under Test). Even while supporting widespread corporate test topologies, it has been necessary to co-locate the boundary-scan controller and UUT hardware (PCBs or (sub)-systems).
Up till now techniques such as manipulation of test clock (TCK) phase/frequency or repeaters were used to overcome the distance limitation. However these approaches have often involved other compromises and are only useful within a limited, local range.
'Gigabit Ethernet TapCommunicator' is an intelligent long-distance TAP connection that overcomes these limitations. Since it also operates on the standard IEEE 1149.1 protocols and state machine, TapCommunicator is vendor-independent and can be used with any compliant tester, emulator or programmer product.
TapCommunicator, launched at Productronica by JTAG Technologies, is comprised of an 'Up-link' and a 'Down-link' module, both compatible with IEEE Std. 802.3z -1998 (Gigabit Ethernet) and IEEE Std. 1149.1 to code and decode the boundary-scan applications. The result is a robust communications system that allows limitless high-speed links between tester and target without signal degradation. TapCommunicator is based on TapSpacer technology, developed and patented by Patria Advanced Solutions.
Applications for the TapCommunicator exist in a variety of current and new arenas, such as
Remote system control for in-service test, re-configuration or upgrade. Test or service departments may wish to test or re-configure target systems after deployment. In many cases, access to such systems may be difficult or impossible due to the distance or environmental conditions involved. TapCommunicator provides full, remote boundary-scan access for test and diagnostic purposes and re-configuration.
Environmental testing, where boundary-scan provides effective and immediate detection for faults in a UUT which may be induced under environmental stress conditions, as in HALT and HASS testing. TapCommunicator permits the boundary-scan system to be located at any distance from the test chamber and target, allowing testing to take place without the need for direct access.
Factories with multiple production lines where the use of the TapCommunicator in combination with just one controller provides the flexibility to configure at much lower costs each line with boundary-scan capabilities. This application is very beneficial for Contract Manufacturers with different brands of boundary-scan controllers. CEMs often have legacy test systems consisting of a variety of boundary-scan controllers. By the TapCommunicator, the boundary-scan functionality of any brand of controllers can be made available on all ICT systems just by having one controller of each brand. This application is also very useful for repair depots i.e. one central controller serving multiple remote 'Down-links'.
Since TapSpacer technology is highly portable, it is envisaged that other carrier protocols, in addition to Gigabit Ethernet, could be harnessed for different applications. Use of SpaceWire technology, for example, could even allow remote testing and diagnostics of orbiting satellites.
A spokesman from JTAG Technologies has said 'We are currently encouraging prospective users, whether or not they currently use our existing tools, to approach us to discuss requirements for implementation of other communication links besides the Gigabit Ethernet. Not only is this technology protocol-independent it can also be used with any existing boundary-scan/IEEE Std. 1149.1 controller equipment of any vendor'.
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