Software tools support in-system configuration

JTAG Technologies has expanded its board-level programming toolset with support for devices complying with IEEE1532 (In system configuration of programmable devices).

JTAG Technologies has expanded its board-level programming toolset with support for devices complying with IEEE1532 (In system configuration of programmable devices).

The unique Boundary-Scan PLD Programming Generator (BPPG) creates IEEE1532 applications based solely on the BSDL1532 files and the board's netlist.

IEEE1532 ISC data files are incorporated into the programming application at run-time rather than in the development process.

Accessing the data during programming execution allows PLD images to be changed "on-the-fly" in production without having to regenerate the applications, an important benefit of the flexible approach of the BPPG tools.

The new capability contained in JTAG Technologies' PLDPROG software delivers a universal boundary-scan based toolset to engineering, production, or field service users of virtually any programmable logic device from the major vendors.

The advance to IEEE1532 now means that users of the JTAG Technologies toolset will be able to handle the newest devices from the PLD and FPGA vendors as well as all of the previous legacy devices.

Furthermore, because of the inherent capability within IEEE1532 to handle compliant devices simultaneously, users with more than one such device on their boards (even if from different device vendors) will be able to realise substantial savings in programming time.

The new PLDPROG software is available now in a range of automation capabilities, beginning at a price of $2000, and is backed by the same extensive service and support afforded all JTAG Technologies products.

Prior to the advent of IEEE1532, a variety of file formats and programming algorithms complicated the process of configuring programmable logic devices (PLDs) and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Frequently, users would employ different vendor-specific tools to accomplish this task, depending on the types of devices in use.

In recent years, the user community has turned increasingly to programming PLDs and FPGAs on their circuit boards after assembly, rather than in device-level programming stations.

This technique allows manufacturers to avoid the logistics of tracking preprogrammed devices prior to assembly, eliminates the need for sockets on the boards, and allows reprogramming at any time, should it be needed.

Boundary-scan has proven to be a highly cost-effective means of performing the in-system programming as well as other applications including board structural testing and programming of Flash memories.

Back to top