JTAG Technologies Introduces ‘SCIP’ for In-System Programming

Classified by their Serial Controlled IC Programmer (SCIP) grouping, JTAG Technologies is pleased to announce an unrivalled range of support for the in-system programming of devices from the world’s leading silicon vendors.

James Stanbridge, Sales Manager UK of JTAG Technologies, explains the difficulties SCIP has solved. “Whilst many highly integrated microprocessors, DSPs and CPLDs, use the JTAG (IEEE Std 1149 or 1532) Test Access Port (TAP) to program internal flash memory, they may use non-standard instructions and protocols for the communication. What’s more, other, generally smaller footprint, devices may use a different physical interface entirely; one that uses fewer pins than the standard JTAG/boundary-scan four or five pin TAP.”

Where necessary, the SCIP family employs Scan Configurable Interface Logic (SCIL) modules - as announced by JTAG Technologies at the 2008 Electronica Show in Munich. SCIL modules are ‘swappable’ interfaces that can convert a JTAG hardware controller into a protocol-specific device programmer or tester.

It is this modular combination of SCIL hardware and SCIP software routines that makes it easy for manufacturers of PCBs featuring multi-vendor, multi-protocol processors to configure a universal in-system programming platform for production.

One user of JTAG’s SCIP and SCIL products, a key manufacturer of automotive ECUs, stated: “Using JTAG Technologies’ products has allowed us to refine our ISP tools and greatly simplify test fixtures. Integrating the SCIL module onto our Agilent Pin Card was straightforward and allowed us to control programming steps via a 3070 TestPlan. We anticipate cost reductions that our customers greatly appreciate.”

Stanbridge adds: “SCIP is not a single product but an array of support options that users can select to satisfy their device programming requirements. Use of SCIP functions allows customers to get more from their JTAG tools investment and increase the board coverage.”