IP code embeds JTAG communication

JTAG Technologies has released its TapCommunicator hardware product as IP code for embedding into ASICs and FPGAs.

JTAG Technologies has released its TapCommunicator hardware product as IP code for embedding into ASICs and FPGAs.

Launched in late 2005, TapCommunicator was introduced to facilitate JTAG communication via Ethernet between a target (for example a unit under test in production scenarios, or equipment in the field for in-field test and programming applications) and the system (PC) running the boundary-scan software.

James Stanbridge, JTAG Technologies' Sales Manager UK, comments: "Typically, the systems used to run boundary-scan applications on the factory-floor, or subsequent field service operations, need to be located close to the target".

"TapCommunicator changes all of that - and has made possible the remote testing and programming and maintenance of circuits and systems with boundary scan".

TapCommunicator/IP comprises compatible uplink and downlink modules.

The boundary-scan applications are real-time coded and decoded onto the user-defined protocol in the new compact TAPSpacer format devised by Patria Advanced Solutions.

Says Stanbridge: "The result is a communications system that allows limitless high-speed links between tester or debugger and target without any boundary-scan signal degradation".

TAPSpacer is a highly portable format, so it is envisaged that any carrier protocol, such as CANbus, GSM, Bluetooth or even SpaceWire, as used by Patria themselves, could be harnessed to suit the application.

Embedding TapCommunicator/IP into an ASIC or FPGA (and therefore any product using such devices) opens up a number of exciting opportunities, such as remote system control for in-service test, reconfiguration or upgrade.

Test or service departments may wish to test or reconfigure 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/IP, with the uplink at the test system communicating with the downlink embedded within the target (via a communication link such as a corporate network), provides full boundary-scan access for test and diagnostic purposes and reconfiguration.

In environmental testing, boundary-scan provides effective screening for faults in a UUT which may be induced under environmental stress conditions, as in HALT and HASS testing.

TapCommunicator/IP 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.

As it operates on the standard IEEE1149.1 protocols and state-machine it is also vendor independent and can be used with any compliant tester, emulator or programmer product using this burgeoning standard.

TapCommunicator/IP is available now as a low-cost evaluation licence.

Code is offered in VHDL and Verilog formats, with a testbench and reference design based on Ethernet protocols also supplied.

Stanbridge concludes: "We encourage customers, whether or not they currently use our existing tools, to approach us to discuss requirements for implementation of their preferred communication link".

"The real beauty of this product is its flexibility and vendor independence".

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